How to make a good impression in the exit Interview?

Gyanendra Kumar Kashyap

Don’t use the time and space to retaliate or get emotional, rather consider exit interviews as an opportunity to make one last good impression...

It’s that time of the year, when a number of organisations see a lot of old ones’ giving way to the new faces. No matter how wonderful an organisation is, it is but inevitable that at one point or another, an employee will quit or will be asked to do so. While this can be unfortunate - or fabulous, depending on the person and the circumstances; the turn of events that follow the decision can be a learning experience for both. The secret lies in exit interview. On the one hand it gives the organisation an inexpensive and valuable opportunity to collect data, devise policies to improve employee retention and nurture a culture that values employees input; on the other had it teaches the employee a few lessons on how to make a smooth exit. A few suggestions for the rookie’s as to how to go about the exit interview:

Don’t burn bridges

The most important rule of all, ‘Don’t burn your bridges!” Irrespective of the situation at your job, it is best advised to take the high road and leave things on a positive note. Do not use exit interview as a platform to retaliate or get overly emotional. As far as possible make your comments constructive and ensure that you include the positive parts of your time in the organisation. You just never know what the future holds in store and honestly you may need a reference from this former employer.

Be honest, give constructive feedback

If you are asked for a feedback, don’t hesitate. “Being truly honest will hurt and offend,” says a good friend, who has had his own share of experience. However, it is important to know that recommendations (constructive feedback / possible solutions) and not rants are appreciated. While sharing meaningful dialogue with the former employer is good, keep the conversation short and sweet and that will indeed help you avoid revealing too much and digging yourself a hole.  This will help set a positive tone and prevent you from leaving people with an unfavourable impression of you that could tarnish your professional reputation.

Post a positive outlook

Treat, exit interview as an opportunity to make one last good impression. Show that you are positive about the future but at the same time communicate in clear terms that you harbor no negative feelings toward the organisation.  Emphasize more on what lies ahead and use that as the fulcrum to stress the reason as to why you are quitting (if this is the case). This serves a dual purpose, it saves you from having to say anything at all about the job you're quitting, and it helps you stay honest, too.

Ensure that you make a smooth exit, and once you do so, the negativity (if you harboured any) will fade into the distance. It is only then that you can put all of the positive energy where it belongs - into your new job.