4 Ways to Ace the Exit Interview
How to make a lasting impression and leave all bridges intact.
Your reputation will follow you everywhere, so be professional to the end. Stay calm, cool and collected during your last meeting.
Whatever the format, you’re making one lasting impression on your employer. In turn, there’s always the possibility you may end up returning to work for the company at some point in the future. Boomerangs, as they say in the human resources world, aren’t uncommon. While there aren’t statistics to reflect the number of rehires, it’s not entirely surprising to return to a former employer.
For starters, the grass is always greener. Your new job may seem like rainbows and ponies at first, only to quickly become worse than your former role. Also, new jobs, roles and responsibilities may emerge at your former employer as people move on. Plus, if you were stuck in a dead end, perhaps new opportunities will emerge going forward. In any event, it’s not unheard of to return to your old stomping grounds.
With social media, it’s easier for recruiters to track down and contact former employees. For employers, it’s considerably less money to bring rehires on board, because they presumably only need to quickly relearn the corporate culture and new role. Plus, it may be in the best interest for a former employee to return for a better role and bigger salary.
Whatever the case, when you leave, keep in mind that you’re not shutting the door forever. You’re just shutting it for now. Here are four tips to keep in mind during that last official interaction.
1. Be professional. If you feel like you’ve been wronged by the company – whether you’ve been laid off during a downsize or you’ve decided to leave on your own terms – maintain utmost professionalism, even if this means gritting your teeth as you express thanks for working there. Your reputation will follow you wherever you go, so don’t let this last interaction tarnish it. That means no profanity, no threats, no ill will and no vengeance.
There’s no need to get overly emotional either. You wouldn’t break down into tears or be overly exuberant during a job interview, would you? Treat this the same way. Be calm, cool and collected.
2. Use your judgment. If the former employer asks about why you’re leaving or if you would have changed anything, put the situation in perspective. If you encountered a situation with an unfair boss or a ruthless performance review that you already addressed with human resources, you can simply say: “previous unresolved issues.” There’s no need to re-explain it in detail.
On the other hand, now is the chance to feel liberated, too. If there was a minor issue, make a suggestion like: “I wish the help desk was more responsive, because it was challenging when unresolved tech issues interfered with my work.”
3. Pick your battles. When speaking up, you may feel like a weight has been lifted or that you’ve finally been able to articulate a major shortcoming at the organization. But that said, keep in mind that it’s highly unlikely anything will change if you try to help your former colleagues in the same dire situation that prompted your resignation. (Unethical boss, anyone?) Sure, there are exceptions, but on the whole, the issue you bring up will be overlooked. That’s the harsh reality.
In fact, the employer may view your note as a complaint or grievance, which won't help you in your career. Just know that you’re moving onto brighter and better pastures. Keep the exit interview short and sweet, and keep looking forward.
4. Be positive. End on a high note, and make a point to say how much you learned and grew in the position. You can talk about where the company is heading and its philosophy (if you’re on board with it). You can also mention a few things you will fondly remember, whether it’s projects you enjoyed or amazing co-workers.
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