An exit interview is a carefully planned and structured conversation between a departing employee and key personnel at their employer, usually a line manager or HR manager. Exit interviews play a vital role in understanding why the employee is leaving and identifying areas in which the employer could improve. To get the most out of your exit interviews, it is essential that you ask the correct exit interview questions.
At GAP HR, we specialise in assisting small and medium sized businesses with the effective running of their HR function. We offer a range of services depending on our client’s needs, including assisting with exit interviews and preparing the relevant exit interview questions to ensure our client gets the most out of the practice.
Call us now on 01491 598 600 or Click Here to Make An Enquiry and we will be delighted to help you.
What Is The Purpose Of An Exit Interview?
The main purposes of an exit interview are as follows:
- To understand why the employee is leaving. This can help you identify patterns in staff turnover and common reasons for employee departures, such as pay, workload, culture, or management. Using this information, you can then address the root causes of the issue and reduce future turnover.
- To collate honest feedback about the employee’s role and team, and your organisation’s management and culture. Employees often only feel able to give open feedback about their managers and your organisation’s culture when they are leaving. You can use the feedback to focus your managers’ training and adjust management styles where necessary.
- To identify opportunities for improving employee retention, productivity, processes and procedures, and workplace practices. If a departing employee highlights any gaps in tools or resources, you can address these going forward.
- To ensure that the employee’s departure process is handled respectfully, leaving them with a positive final impression of your organisation to carry forward. Employees who feel that their feedback is valued are more likely to speak positively about your organisation in the future, which can protect your reputation among consumers and suppliers, and assist in your future recruitment efforts.
What Types Of Interview Questions Should You Ask?
The types of exit interview questions you should ask depend on a variety of factors unique to your organisation and its structure. Our HR consultants will assist you in drawing up a list of relevant exit interview questions tailored to your business, which you can use when meeting with every departing employee.
Examples of the types of exit interview questions that we may recommend you ask include the following:
Exit Interview Questions Relating To The Employee’s General Experience Of Your Organisation
- What prompted you to look for another job?
- What ultimately led you to accept another position or make your decision to leave?
- What did you enjoy most about working here?
- What did you enjoy least about working here?
- Did your job match the expectations you held when you were hired?
Exit Interview Questions Relating To Your Organisation’s Work Environment & Culture
- How would you describe our company culture?
- Did you feel valued and recognized for your contributions to our organisation?
- Did you feel supported by your manager and leadership team?
- Were there enough opportunities for professional growth and development?
- How was communication within your team and across departments?
Exit Interview Questions Relating To The Employee’s Specific Role & Responsibilities
- Were your responsibilities clear?
- Was your workload manageable?
- Did you have the resources and tools you needed to succeed in your role?
- What would you change about your role if you could?
- How fair and competitive did you find our compensation and benefits?
Exit Interview Questions Relating To Improvement And General Feedback
- What could we have done differently to prevent you from leaving?
- Were there any company policies or practices you found frustrating?
- What advice would you give to your replacement?
- Do you feel your feedback and ideas were heard during your time here?
- Did you feel valued by your managers and our organisation in general?
Exit Interview Questions Relating To The Future
- Would you consider working here again in the future?
- Would you recommend this organisation as a good place to work to a friend?
What Format Should An Exit Interview Take?
Exit interviews can take various forms, including face-to-face meetings or phone calls. The key is to create a safe space where the employee feels comfortable sharing candid feedback.
The interview should take place during the employee’s notice period, preferably within their last week. This ensures that the employee feels comfortable speaking candidly about their experience with your organisation and has had time to reflect on their decision.
If you need support with preparing a list of exit interview questions for use by your organisation or any other aspect of HR practice, our specialist HR consultants are perfectly placed to assist.
Call us now on 01491 598 600 or Click Here to Make An Enquiry and we will be delighted to help you.
