Common questions in an exit interview and how to answer them

The exit interview is a common practice that helps your employer understand why you're leaving the company and what they can do to improve the work experience for future employees. As an employee, the prospect of answering questions in an exit interview can be intimidating. However, with proper preparation, you can provide valuable feedback while leaving on positive terms with your former employer.

What to expect from exit interview questions

The questions in an exit interview are designed to help your employer understand your experience of working with them. The interview is typically a short meeting that lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, and most employers will ask just five to 10 questions. The exit interview is usually conducted by a member of human resources as part of the overall offboarding process, which includes turning in your ID and keys, making arrangements for your final paycheck, and logging out of the company network.

How to answer employee exit interview questions

You may feel more comfortable offering constructive feedback on your way out of the company than you did while employed there. In an exit interview, a certain "nothing to be lost" mentality may encourage your responses. However, you should answer these questions with care.

"Give some thought to why you're leaving, what changes might have enticed you to stay, and how the company can improve."

Reflect in advance

Take the time to reflect on common employee exit interview questions, such as those we've listed below. Give some thought to why you're leaving, what changes might have enticed you to stay, and how the company can improve. Prepping for this conversation can help you avoid careless answers or uncomfortably long pauses as you work out what to say.

Be honest within reason

It's important to provide actionable feedback for your employer. The exit interview is an opportunity to give your opinion of former coworkers and your boss. You may have some grievances, but you shouldn't air anything that isn't constructive.

Keep your network intact

Even though you're leaving the company, your former employer can be a valuable business contact. If your next job opportunity doesn't work out, you might want to return to the company or use this employer as a reference. Also, keep in mind that you're not the only person who may switch companies. Many industries have a limited pool of employees, so you could end up working for or with the same people in a different organization one day. Practice professionalism throughout your exit interview to strengthen your network and avoid burning any bridges.

Provide specific examples

The best responses are specific and factual. By thinking about examples of exit interview questions in advance, you can compile some facts and statistics to support the key points that you want to make. For example, rather than state that you didn't get enough break time, explain that you work best when you can get up twice an hour to walk around, but your workload didn't allow for that flexibility.

What to ask in an exit interview: Questions for your employer

Questions in an exit interview can go both ways. While your company will focus on asking you questions, you can use this interview to address some of your concerns. Here are some examples of questions to ask.

Is this interview confidential?

It's useful to know how your interview responses will be handled. If HR specifies that it's a confidential interview, you may be able to alert them to concerning practices among your coworkers or management without harming your professional relationships.

What could I have improved on as an employee?

Getting feedback on your areas for improvement will help you deal with them for future job opportunities. You may gain fresh insights that equip you to answer tricky interview questions about your professional weaknesses.

Can I use you as a reference in the future?

If your exit interview is conducted by a superior, it may help to clarify whether they're willing to provide a reference for future work opportunities. If so, you may consider including them when you create your online job portfolio. It's best to maintain positive relationships with as many former employers as you can.

Sample exit interview questions and suggested answers

Preparing for exit interviews can go a long way toward easing your mind and calming your nerves. Some common offboarding questions that you may hear include the following.

Why are you seeking other employment?

Your responses may vary depending on the situation, but you should answer honestly. Don't hesitate to explain that you found an opportunity for advancement or you're moving to a company whose mission better aligns with your core values. Perhaps you're leaving for an organization that will reimburse your continuing education, give you more time off, or offer a higher salary. Your answer will help your employer evaluate how to best target and retain new hires.

Was your job description consistent with the work you were asked to do?

In many cases, employees do more than their original role specified, so this question can help your employer craft an accurate job description for your replacement. The answer to this question can be an excellent indicator of your skill, aptitude, and ability to evolve. Outline your job responsibilities clearly so that your employer is prepared to properly fill your shoes.

What recommendations do you have for onboarding future employees?

Think back to your first days in the company. What do you wish you'd known sooner? You can help your replacement and other future employees enjoy a smoother onboarding process by offering some feedback on how the company can better introduce new hires to the workplace culture. In some companies, traditions are so ingrained that they've become second nature. Your perspective may help the company identify habits that have been overlooked.

What was the best thing about working in this position?

Your employer wants to know about the best aspects of the company culture so they can emphasize these to future hires and keep these areas going strong. This is a good opportunity to compliment your coworkers and alert the company to standout teammates who go above and beyond to make the workplace comfortable, friendly, and supportive for others.

What did you struggle with most in this position?

This question is tricky if you have grievances about the circumstances that led to your departure. Keep in mind that if you politely alert your employer to their shortcomings, you can help future employees. Rather than complain about the things you struggled with, offer actionable suggestions to improve the position. If you were constantly stressed about meeting your quotas, mention that lowering quotas would result in greater employee satisfaction and better customer service.

An exit interview is a quick and painless process that you can use to inform your employer about how the company can improve in the future. Offer as much helpful feedback as possible while remaining professional, polite, and honest. End the interview by thanking your employer for the opportunities, experiences, and lessons you received while you were with them, and then you can both wish each other well for your future endeavors.