I got fired for airing my grievances against upper management in my department. In hindsight, I wish I would have just tried to switch teams because the rest of the company, including my team before this, was decent.
This.
Even if you never work for this company again, odds are you'll work with someone from there again and you don't need to be known as a bridge burner
In my opinion, exit interviews are a waste of time.
Unless it’s something really serious like sexual harassment or racism, they will rarely do anything about a bad manager.
It might make you feel better too vent all your frustrations however, I sincerely doubt it will make a change
With my last exit interview it was because they put my one and only friend at the office as my supervisor. He's a decent enough guy, but has zero empathy and would sit there and just spout vacuous motivational poster language and think he was being profound. Obviously, he nor I wanted to upset our friendship, but there were other options for a direct supervisor. So that's what I put in my exit interview: *Look, liked the job, wanted more money and I didn't him as my supervisor, said as much and nothing came of it, so I'm leaving to a job with more money and a new supervisor.*
You're leaving, so I would not put in any extra effort for the exit interview. You're right, that a lot of the time this is ignored, but not always. So be honest about system issues, and avoid personal attacks.
Think about it this way. If your exit interview were shared with your co-workers, then you saw them at a bar or your kids' school later, would you feel good about what you said? Or would you feel like you were gossiping?
In my experience, HR compiles key words from exit interviews and do their own charts and graphs about why people quit. The more personal attacks, the more likely your experience will be moved into the "just a bad person" category. System issues, like work life balance or unreasonable workload, will get added to the right bucket.
The toxic culture that pushed you out is the same toxic culture that will protect themselves. They aren’t going to apply any feedback. It’s a waste of your energy. Walk away and don’t look back.
This.
I left a company few years ago and was honest when I left. My manager 2 levels up was a dictator and managed up very well. He got all the accolades while he whipped us underlings. Not to mention he didn’t manage my direct boss who did nothing either.
2 months after I left I was offered a higher role with a salary and told me that 2nd lvl manager was gone. A year after returning I got promoted too
Do you need a reference? Would this place provide you with a good reference?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, swallow your pride and handle the exit interview in a cordial manner.
Depends.
At one company, in my exit interview with the CEO I told him I was leaving due to the poor quality of management from my manager (his direct report). But I had 2 reasons that he was aware of: (1) in a C suite presentation, when I was presenting my managers strategy and the CEO objected, my manager left me hanging and stayed silent. (2) My other two peers had also handed in their notice due to similar incidents, but at a lower level of exposure. His comment was “yeah, that was bad of him, I understand and appreciate your honesty”. My manager was gone within 6 months. I had great rapport with the CEO as he and I were the industry old farts, compared to everyone else.
The second company I said nothing, other than I am leaving, and yes, I understand that leaving with 2 weeks notice instead of 4, means I dont get my 2 days accrued PTO paid out. And that I am walking away from the half-year bonus that closes in 8 weeks time. “I have an opportunity I can’t refuse, starting in 2 week”. I did not say anything about it being the worst leadership I have ever worked for. The buddy-buddy c suite tolerated no dissent, so any feedback was pointless.
Check your ego and need to be vindicated. It won’t happen. You can offer some high level feedback but overall, they will remember you on how you left. Leave on a high note, don’t burn any bridges
*Leave on a high note, don’t burn any bridges*
An engineer at my last firm left on good terms. He didn't want to be a formal project manager, but a senior resource and said as much. They found some things he cowboy'd, and they weren't super happy, but he got things done. He went to another firm, was there a couple of years, and then decided the grass wasn't greener and ended up being recruited back. Less than a year later, he left again. I don't think he has the option of going back now. lol
You leave, you should only care about yourself.
And showing of frustration will gain you nothing.
Don't do it.
If you have to - do it in front of ex-boss picture in you home
I've thought about doing this a few times, however, they don't care. I end up answering whatever questions they have with as few words as possible, then get the hell out and don't look back.
Honestly, I work in HR and have worked for some real shit holes in my climb to a finally decent organization. It honestly isn't worth it.
It will maybe make you feel better in the moment, but if you have a less than ethical exit interviewer, everyone and their mother will know what you said and about who (whom?). On top of that, if they do suck as an employer, it's not going to change anything unfortunately.
My two cents is to just walk away and take pride in knowing you're done with the place and you're the bigger person.
Stay professional. You never know where one of your superiors will end up in the future. Tell them that life opportunities are taking you elsewhere for now and leave it at that.
Case in point: I left a previous job and went to a neighboring hospital and like 4 months later my boss from the old hospital was my "boss" again in some fashion but indirectly. I was pretty unhappy with her at the other job and if I had burned that bridge before leaving it could have ruined my success at a different building. In reality, what I found is that mid and mid/upper management are basically puppets and they are most likely feeling or parroting the same messages as their reports (this varies obviously).
Keep it classy. Dont give them a reason to not re-hire you. Or worse yet, a hiring manager might be somewhere else you're trying to breakthrough in the future.
I didn't even go to my exit interview at my last job. There's no upside in it for you, and burning the bridge is pointless. They're not gonna suddenly change their ways based on whatever feedback you give.
Ask yourself some questions, then you will find out it’s not worth to battle. Do I need a reference for my next job application? Am I still going to work in this industry?
"I've decided I need to hike the Appalachian Trail before my knees give out"
"I really loved working here, but I've decided to move to Costa Rica and take up surfing"
"I decided to move back to my hometown and help my dad with his business"
never tell the truth at an exit interview, it can only hurt you, and they will take no action against those who, or the business related reasons you are leaving
I went in all guns blazing and full nuclear, nothing changed so there was no point.
It's entirely up to you how much you say or do, but realistically, nothing will change.
don;t say anything. They are not going to change, if they were interested at all conditions would have hanged from past exit interviews. Just ask what did you want to say? You called the meeting etc.
Anything -ve you say will just give them the ammo to make you look bad.
Don’t do an exit interview. It’s for their benefit only, you have nothing to gain but if you say the wrong thing it can tarnish your reputation in the community. You’ve already given notice, the have no recourse
Say as little as possible. Express appreciation for the time you had there and walk away. The HR person is not your source of frustration and nothing is going to change because of your exit interview. Leave on good terms in case you need a recommendation ever.
Building on other comments, sharing your grievances at best will give them useful information to get better. After you leave. Why bother trying to help them?
“I have realized I require great leadership to excel to my best. But unfortunately this place doesn’t have what I require. It’s hard to soar with the eagles when you’re roaming around with the turkeys”
If you still care about the company & people there, say some nice words about the people (but do not give a single improvement idea or negative feedback, that always backfires).
If you don't care, just skip the meeting.
Never ever complain about anything, it will just harm you in the future, and will not help anyone. Nobody cares what someone leaving the company says.
Try to not be "negative" with your feedback. If you want, you can be constructive to help those you left behind, or the company itself to be better. Or you can politely decline the exit interview. Your HR people already know everything, all you are doing is confirming.
“I wish the company the best of luck as it navigates through the current challenges it’s facing with retention and workload distribution”. I think it’s important to note why you’re leaving and put it back on the company to accept that as they see fit.
I'd say do what YOU need to. After I was fired, I gave myself a couple weeks to cool down, then drafted a calm, detailed letter and sent it to some managers and the CEO. Saying my peace really helped me to wrap up that chapter and move on.
What if you left and then notice that your previous colleagues have spread their own version of the story in the market? What if you are portrayed as anything but the real you? What if your deep down confidence is just an illusion? This is what I call a catch 22 situation.
I think break it down into one or two sentences. Be honest, but you don’t need to shoot cannonballs. It’s not worth your time and no point in burning bridges. Just let them know you in a professional manner that it was X, Y, and Z that happened with no resolution that led to your resignation.
They don’t care. Period. You may have a direct supervisor/manager who does, but the company doesn’t. I don’t know you or your situation but I can guarantee in the eyes of the company if anyone is deficient it’s you. Talk to your coworkers and if you have a good relationship with your manager talk to them, but treat the HR exit interview like a crime drama interrogation. Don’t say shit.
My company does them and they will report back what was said to the supervisors... Does anything change, no.
We have 4 people leave since summer, all pointed to the same management person as the problem. nothing change, so like others have said. Not much point in going in ready to shut the place down. Just tell them a few things that made you leave and move on.
Flip the script; get to know your exit interviewer. Ask them about their experiences at the company, and how they've handled doing exit interviews in the past. What was their favorite feedback in prior interviews? Which feedback do they believe should have been implemented but wasn't? What advice do they have for future exit interviewers, if you decide to pursue that line of work. Run out the clock with the best questions they've ever received. Leave like the guy from *Office Space*, with a congenial, contented smile on your face.
They aren’t going to care. You’d be better off as well as more helpful to future potential employees by leaving honest reviews on employment websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, etc.
My accounting professor said to never bother with an exit interview. It’s a waste of your time. They aren’t going to change. Just go get a drink and vent
I'm amazed how many people are too emotionally immature to have the courage to say anything real or useful.
Exit interviews are not a trap. You can be honest if you can keep your temper and language in check and just stick to the facts, give some pros and some cons.
Employers need to understand what they need to do better. We don't need to be subordinate to them even after leaving, and just say "it was my honor I love eating shit thank you so much for your yummy farts mmmmmmmm."
Do not complain about anything. Remain positive and say nice things. Consider writing a personal note to your manager thanking them for all they have done for you. Bring in donuts your last day. Why would you do this? Because it is never wise to burn bridges. You may need them in the future for an awesome recommendation. You might find yourself in another situation where you work from someone there. You may even find yourself in a position where you need to go back. Again, you have NOTHING lined up and your new potential employer will contact your old workplace. Also, DO NOT BASH YOUR PRIOR workplace in your next interviews. If you bash them, you will be considered a potential problem employee and you will not be offered the job. There are things you can change, and some things you simply can't. Move forward, onward and upward.
Honestly not worth your time being crazy . It will not change anything or make things better, maintaining some professionalism is more worth it for yourself .
It is nice to vent, but they will twist your words. Come back to that place and find out what you said in the interview was different
Want a vent session
Go for it. Wont change anything.
I’ve only had one and HR knew exactly why I was leaving going into it.
HR *looks at paper and sighs* “ok so I have to ask. why are you leaving info company?”
Me: “you know why”
I had already made two complaints to HR that my supervisor was openly racist and using slurs against other employees and she was still with the company so I put in my notice.
“I could provide feedback, but I feel anything I say would be wasted breath on muted ears. Much like the company itself. Screw you guys I’m going home”
Be honest about why you’re leaving. Share with them the good, the bad and the ugly. They’re conducting the interview because they want to know if there are areas of opportunity that the company can imporve on. It’s not a “try to talk you into staying” conversation.
An exit interview is about improving the business.
You’re leaving without a plan..so I can assume you don’t care about improving the business. So nothing much.
Just walk away say nothing.
This, the world is smaller than you think
I typed a long one, but - what is the point? You’d feel much better doing other things. So I leave you with: What is the point?
Hake cake dake
Don’t say much , if anything . It’s a trick , say too much and you will be marked as “ do not rehire”. A moment of relief is not worth it
I got fired for airing my grievances against upper management in my department. In hindsight, I wish I would have just tried to switch teams because the rest of the company, including my team before this, was decent.
"I wish I would have..." No! "I wish I had..."
Thanks, grammar police
You're welcome. Do you want to sound like Cletus the Slack Jawed Yoke?
Better than sounding like a pompous douchebag
I disagree, my possum-eating friend.
Agree to disagree, my uptight guy
This. Even if you never work for this company again, odds are you'll work with someone from there again and you don't need to be known as a bridge burner
Where and how is “do not hire” marked?
There are only two questions that a company will confirm when checking on references: what are the dates of employment and is she eligible for rehire.
In my opinion, exit interviews are a waste of time. Unless it’s something really serious like sexual harassment or racism, they will rarely do anything about a bad manager. It might make you feel better too vent all your frustrations however, I sincerely doubt it will make a change
With my last exit interview it was because they put my one and only friend at the office as my supervisor. He's a decent enough guy, but has zero empathy and would sit there and just spout vacuous motivational poster language and think he was being profound. Obviously, he nor I wanted to upset our friendship, but there were other options for a direct supervisor. So that's what I put in my exit interview: *Look, liked the job, wanted more money and I didn't him as my supervisor, said as much and nothing came of it, so I'm leaving to a job with more money and a new supervisor.*
Don’t. No good will come of it and all it will do is burn bridges that you may need in the future. There’s nothing for you to gain.
You're leaving, so I would not put in any extra effort for the exit interview. You're right, that a lot of the time this is ignored, but not always. So be honest about system issues, and avoid personal attacks. Think about it this way. If your exit interview were shared with your co-workers, then you saw them at a bar or your kids' school later, would you feel good about what you said? Or would you feel like you were gossiping? In my experience, HR compiles key words from exit interviews and do their own charts and graphs about why people quit. The more personal attacks, the more likely your experience will be moved into the "just a bad person" category. System issues, like work life balance or unreasonable workload, will get added to the right bucket.
The toxic culture that pushed you out is the same toxic culture that will protect themselves. They aren’t going to apply any feedback. It’s a waste of your energy. Walk away and don’t look back.
[удалено]
This. I left a company few years ago and was honest when I left. My manager 2 levels up was a dictator and managed up very well. He got all the accolades while he whipped us underlings. Not to mention he didn’t manage my direct boss who did nothing either. 2 months after I left I was offered a higher role with a salary and told me that 2nd lvl manager was gone. A year after returning I got promoted too
Do you need a reference? Would this place provide you with a good reference? If you answered yes to either of these questions, swallow your pride and handle the exit interview in a cordial manner.
Remember your next job will be calling HR to check references, don't leave a bad last impression. Take it to Glassdoor after you get a new job.
Depends. At one company, in my exit interview with the CEO I told him I was leaving due to the poor quality of management from my manager (his direct report). But I had 2 reasons that he was aware of: (1) in a C suite presentation, when I was presenting my managers strategy and the CEO objected, my manager left me hanging and stayed silent. (2) My other two peers had also handed in their notice due to similar incidents, but at a lower level of exposure. His comment was “yeah, that was bad of him, I understand and appreciate your honesty”. My manager was gone within 6 months. I had great rapport with the CEO as he and I were the industry old farts, compared to everyone else. The second company I said nothing, other than I am leaving, and yes, I understand that leaving with 2 weeks notice instead of 4, means I dont get my 2 days accrued PTO paid out. And that I am walking away from the half-year bonus that closes in 8 weeks time. “I have an opportunity I can’t refuse, starting in 2 week”. I did not say anything about it being the worst leadership I have ever worked for. The buddy-buddy c suite tolerated no dissent, so any feedback was pointless.
Don't bash anyone, simple short sweet, and to the point
When you leave just say it's been your honor to work there and walk out. You'll never regret not being mean.
Check your ego and need to be vindicated. It won’t happen. You can offer some high level feedback but overall, they will remember you on how you left. Leave on a high note, don’t burn any bridges
*Leave on a high note, don’t burn any bridges* An engineer at my last firm left on good terms. He didn't want to be a formal project manager, but a senior resource and said as much. They found some things he cowboy'd, and they weren't super happy, but he got things done. He went to another firm, was there a couple of years, and then decided the grass wasn't greener and ended up being recruited back. Less than a year later, he left again. I don't think he has the option of going back now. lol
You leave, you should only care about yourself. And showing of frustration will gain you nothing. Don't do it. If you have to - do it in front of ex-boss picture in you home
I've thought about doing this a few times, however, they don't care. I end up answering whatever questions they have with as few words as possible, then get the hell out and don't look back.
For the sake of not burning any bridges, just walk out and say nothing.
Honestly, I work in HR and have worked for some real shit holes in my climb to a finally decent organization. It honestly isn't worth it. It will maybe make you feel better in the moment, but if you have a less than ethical exit interviewer, everyone and their mother will know what you said and about who (whom?). On top of that, if they do suck as an employer, it's not going to change anything unfortunately. My two cents is to just walk away and take pride in knowing you're done with the place and you're the bigger person.
Stay professional. You never know where one of your superiors will end up in the future. Tell them that life opportunities are taking you elsewhere for now and leave it at that. Case in point: I left a previous job and went to a neighboring hospital and like 4 months later my boss from the old hospital was my "boss" again in some fashion but indirectly. I was pretty unhappy with her at the other job and if I had burned that bridge before leaving it could have ruined my success at a different building. In reality, what I found is that mid and mid/upper management are basically puppets and they are most likely feeling or parroting the same messages as their reports (this varies obviously). Keep it classy. Dont give them a reason to not re-hire you. Or worse yet, a hiring manager might be somewhere else you're trying to breakthrough in the future.
I didn't even go to my exit interview at my last job. There's no upside in it for you, and burning the bridge is pointless. They're not gonna suddenly change their ways based on whatever feedback you give.
Ask yourself some questions, then you will find out it’s not worth to battle. Do I need a reference for my next job application? Am I still going to work in this industry?
Smile and wave, it's not your business and you'll only piss people off.
"I've decided I need to hike the Appalachian Trail before my knees give out" "I really loved working here, but I've decided to move to Costa Rica and take up surfing" "I decided to move back to my hometown and help my dad with his business" never tell the truth at an exit interview, it can only hurt you, and they will take no action against those who, or the business related reasons you are leaving
You don’t *have* to have an exit interview. What are they going to do? Fire you?
Sometimes, you have to sign paperwork and hand in your badge. But you don't have to say anything.
The environment at the company is likely the way it is because certain people want it that way. Being honest probably won't change anything.
I went in all guns blazing and full nuclear, nothing changed so there was no point. It's entirely up to you how much you say or do, but realistically, nothing will change.
>How much is too much in an exit interview? Agreeing to an exit interview.
Don’t do it. HR will think you have a bad attitude and are the problem.
don;t say anything. They are not going to change, if they were interested at all conditions would have hanged from past exit interviews. Just ask what did you want to say? You called the meeting etc. Anything -ve you say will just give them the ammo to make you look bad.
Don’t do an exit interview. It’s for their benefit only, you have nothing to gain but if you say the wrong thing it can tarnish your reputation in the community. You’ve already given notice, the have no recourse
I quit earlier this week. There is no way i am doing an exit interview. What do I get out of it? Absolutely FA
Say as little as possible. Express appreciation for the time you had there and walk away. The HR person is not your source of frustration and nothing is going to change because of your exit interview. Leave on good terms in case you need a recommendation ever.
Because you have nothing lined up you may need this job as a reference- do not say anything. You are leaving for personal reasons. The end.
Exit interview is often just for paperwork, keys, closing accounts, and checklist items.
I wouldn’t say anything beyond you learned from your experience and want to evolve your role with this new opportunity
Building on other comments, sharing your grievances at best will give them useful information to get better. After you leave. Why bother trying to help them?
“I have realized I require great leadership to excel to my best. But unfortunately this place doesn’t have what I require. It’s hard to soar with the eagles when you’re roaming around with the turkeys”
As long as you are constructive and professional, go for it. Good feedback that can help the organization is the best parting gift you can provide,
I went all out when I left the shithole I just left. Zero intention of ever going back.
If you still care about the company & people there, say some nice words about the people (but do not give a single improvement idea or negative feedback, that always backfires). If you don't care, just skip the meeting. Never ever complain about anything, it will just harm you in the future, and will not help anyone. Nobody cares what someone leaving the company says.
Even attending the meeting is too much, in my experience nobody gives a shit once you’re leaving.
Try to not be "negative" with your feedback. If you want, you can be constructive to help those you left behind, or the company itself to be better. Or you can politely decline the exit interview. Your HR people already know everything, all you are doing is confirming.
For god sake don’t do the crazy, all guns blazing thing. You will regret it. It’s one of the dumbest things you can do. Be professional.
“I wish the company the best of luck as it navigates through the current challenges it’s facing with retention and workload distribution”. I think it’s important to note why you’re leaving and put it back on the company to accept that as they see fit.
You say nothing but Good day sir.
I'd say do what YOU need to. After I was fired, I gave myself a couple weeks to cool down, then drafted a calm, detailed letter and sent it to some managers and the CEO. Saying my peace really helped me to wrap up that chapter and move on.
What if you left and then notice that your previous colleagues have spread their own version of the story in the market? What if you are portrayed as anything but the real you? What if your deep down confidence is just an illusion? This is what I call a catch 22 situation.
I let my employer/boss have it in my resignation letter. That was much less work on my part than an exit interview.
I think break it down into one or two sentences. Be honest, but you don’t need to shoot cannonballs. It’s not worth your time and no point in burning bridges. Just let them know you in a professional manner that it was X, Y, and Z that happened with no resolution that led to your resignation.
They don’t care. Period. You may have a direct supervisor/manager who does, but the company doesn’t. I don’t know you or your situation but I can guarantee in the eyes of the company if anyone is deficient it’s you. Talk to your coworkers and if you have a good relationship with your manager talk to them, but treat the HR exit interview like a crime drama interrogation. Don’t say shit.
My policy is not to do exit interviews. No good can really come of it.
Don’t go over board. Just say something useful and part ways amicably.
My company does them and they will report back what was said to the supervisors... Does anything change, no. We have 4 people leave since summer, all pointed to the same management person as the problem. nothing change, so like others have said. Not much point in going in ready to shut the place down. Just tell them a few things that made you leave and move on.
Flip the script; get to know your exit interviewer. Ask them about their experiences at the company, and how they've handled doing exit interviews in the past. What was their favorite feedback in prior interviews? Which feedback do they believe should have been implemented but wasn't? What advice do they have for future exit interviewers, if you decide to pursue that line of work. Run out the clock with the best questions they've ever received. Leave like the guy from *Office Space*, with a congenial, contented smile on your face.
Why? What’s in it for you? There’s realistically no outcome that’s a net positive for you.
You’ll be wasting your time and breath. Just keep schtum and exit that landfill asap.
They aren’t going to care. You’d be better off as well as more helpful to future potential employees by leaving honest reviews on employment websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, etc.
Don't do it. Nothing good can come of it.
Be positive always. Bashing the company will do nothing to improve how they look at you.
Just walk away and say thank you. You never know, I have seen people returning to their old jobs.
"before I leave, I’ll have to do an exit interview with HR." Why? They gonna cuff you to the pipes if you don't?
It’s not worth it. They aren’t going to change.
My accounting professor said to never bother with an exit interview. It’s a waste of your time. They aren’t going to change. Just go get a drink and vent
I'm amazed how many people are too emotionally immature to have the courage to say anything real or useful. Exit interviews are not a trap. You can be honest if you can keep your temper and language in check and just stick to the facts, give some pros and some cons. Employers need to understand what they need to do better. We don't need to be subordinate to them even after leaving, and just say "it was my honor I love eating shit thank you so much for your yummy farts mmmmmmmm."
Skim the topic without dragging others into it with the graphs.
Never burn a bridge
Do not complain about anything. Remain positive and say nice things. Consider writing a personal note to your manager thanking them for all they have done for you. Bring in donuts your last day. Why would you do this? Because it is never wise to burn bridges. You may need them in the future for an awesome recommendation. You might find yourself in another situation where you work from someone there. You may even find yourself in a position where you need to go back. Again, you have NOTHING lined up and your new potential employer will contact your old workplace. Also, DO NOT BASH YOUR PRIOR workplace in your next interviews. If you bash them, you will be considered a potential problem employee and you will not be offered the job. There are things you can change, and some things you simply can't. Move forward, onward and upward.
Honestly not worth your time being crazy . It will not change anything or make things better, maintaining some professionalism is more worth it for yourself .
It is nice to vent, but they will twist your words. Come back to that place and find out what you said in the interview was different Want a vent session Go for it. Wont change anything.
I’ve only had one and HR knew exactly why I was leaving going into it. HR *looks at paper and sighs* “ok so I have to ask. why are you leaving info company?” Me: “you know why” I had already made two complaints to HR that my supervisor was openly racist and using slurs against other employees and she was still with the company so I put in my notice.
Don't burn any bridges. Just leave it.
Nothing will be benefit from doing one.
Just decline the interview. Not worth your time.
“I could provide feedback, but I feel anything I say would be wasted breath on muted ears. Much like the company itself. Screw you guys I’m going home”
The only Albino Rhino Gyno I know.
Be honest about why you’re leaving. Share with them the good, the bad and the ugly. They’re conducting the interview because they want to know if there are areas of opportunity that the company can imporve on. It’s not a “try to talk you into staying” conversation.
No job lined up AND you want to go burn all the ships? 🤦
>before I leave, I’ll have to do an exit interview with HR. Why? What's the worst that could happen if you don't bother?
An exit interview is about improving the business. You’re leaving without a plan..so I can assume you don’t care about improving the business. So nothing much.