Understanding Exit Interviews

Job interviews are certainly an exciting part of the job search process, but have you ever heard of an exit interview? An exit interview is also referred to as a termination interview conducted when an employee leaves a company.

An exit interview is a smart way in which employers gather valuable recruitment information. Such information includes reasons for high staff turnover, and problematic areas that need to be improved on. While it's great that employers may benefit, you may be asking, err... so what's in it for the employee? The honest answer is; not a whole bunch. While termination interviews mainly benefit employers there are however a few benefits to spare for the modest job seeker. Exit interviews are usually conducted under termination circumstances such a retrenchment or voluntary resignations. You will need to understand two schools of thought regarding exit interviews; those for and those against termination interviews. Both raise valid arguments, however it is your right to decline participating should you not which to do so. Take a look at the pro's and cons of exit interviews.

So how do I decide to perform an exit interview or not?

Not every company requires the completion of an exit interview. While this is so, companies who do request an exit interview, it is your right to decline their offer. You are by no means obligated to participate in exit interviews if you don't feel comfortable doing so. When making your mind up if you will contribute or not ask yourself the following questions;

• How will you benefit from participating in an exit interview? By providing feedback will you secure a positive reference and possible future business alliance?

• Have you always maintained a transparent relationship with your employer? By means of a transparency have you always maintained an open relationship with your employer? If not, consider that an exit interview could potentially make you feel uncomfortable and false.

• How will the details of the exit interview be recorded? Familiarise yourself with the process of the exit interview. Understand what sort of questions you will be required to answer. Also take note of how the exit interview will be recorded and if you will have an opportunity to confirm your contributions by proofing the documentation.

• Do you trust your employer to implement possible improvements once you have left? Do you think that your employer will consider possible improvements as a result of you exit interview feedback? If so who will benefit and how will these changes impact on the organisation. Again by not burning your bridges and possibly assisting even as a result of your termination of employment may benefit you by leaving a lasting impression.

As stressed before, the choice to participate in an exit interview is yours. While they may not be a common practice amongst some companies, it is important to note their relevancy. Exit interviews offer useful information to employee and employer. The more amicably you can end things off when leaving a company, the greater benefits you will receive.

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