How Not to Talk Negatively at an Exit Interview

The exit interview is a tool for your employer. It helps the business learn how it is doing. Since you are leaving the firm, you have a unique position. You are not beholden and needn't fear reprisal. In an exit interview, it is not obligatory to discuss every ill event that transpired during your tenure. The goal is to be frank and helpful. Even if your experience was poor, there are ways of discussing it that can have a possibility of remedying the situation for those still there and those to come.

Prepare

Sit down and makes some notes about your experience prior to entering into the interview, preferably in a relaxed environment that can help you reflect on your tenure more objectively. Note both the good and poor. Think about why things that worked did and the reasons behind the things that didn't.

Think Positively

The idea is to focus on improvement of the employer's operations. Even if you are unhappy, or have reason to be, the exit interview shouldn't be about retribution. If you faced an adverse situation, try to discuss it in neutral, terms, and stick to particulars. Back up your comments with ideas, if you have some, on how the employer might do better. This will be appreciated and increase the weight of your comments. Avoid personal comments.

Be Frank

You can speak frankly and should. If there is a serious problem, systemic or personnel related, the employer should know. That said, it is possible to discuss difficulties you may have faced objectively. That isn't being negative. If you had difficulty obtaining documents necessary to produce your work regularly, saying so isn't negative if you simply relate the information.

Don't Burn Bridges

Even if the report of your exit interview is by an outside or otherwise neutral person, you never know who will see it. For instance, if a former boss or other executive should come across it, negativity in the interview may backfire. For instance, perhaps you have now accepted a new post. That doesn't mean things couldn't go awry. You may want an opportunity to reapply for a position. Further, word may be spread to others in your professional community, which could impact your reputation. These are good reasons to stay professional, direct and upbeat.