An exit interview is an important tool if handled efficiently. It gives an in-depth insight into the employee’s mindset and his thinking process.
He is on the verge of leaving your firm and can help you to get a clear picture of several things. The information proves very important as appropriate changes and steps can improve the rate of employee retention.
From the point of the interviewee, an exit interview is a nerve-racking experience that he does not want to go through. But if handled maturely it can prove beneficial for both him and the company. He can treat it like a suitable platform to vent your feelings professionally.
You can have your say and be safe from any repercussions as you do not have to stay here anymore. This is your last interview in the company, and a sort of goodbye, so treat it like a professional courtesy.
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14 Exit interview question’s
Some of the best exit interview questions have been described below to give you an idea about them-
#1. Why did you look for another job?
The answer to this exit interview question is as varied as the pebbles on a beach. Individuals are going to give you answers that will be different from each other because it is a personal reason depending on his circumstances.
The important thing is to look for patterns and find the common thread that tangles them.
#2. Why do you want to leave?
Looking for a job and wanting to leave are two separate issues. Most of the employees are on the look-out for better pastures and hence keep posting their CV on credible sites or presenting them to the firms that they think can improve their prospectus.
The final decision to switch can be because of an altogether different reason. He might get a chance to work abroad that could fulfill one of his dreams; the new firm is ready to give him a good hike in the salary or giving him a higher authority post that he cannot say no to.
#3. What was the influencing point for your decision?
This is a specific exit interview question that can help the company to understand what was being offered that influenced his decision to such a greater degree. It is not always about a hike in salary or promotion where the employee enjoys an elevated status.
It can include additional benefits that are as important as the salary, the working environment of the current firm that he is still unable to adjust to or the company culture. Sometimes an employee has personal problems and is looking to work from home, and the present company does not have any such option.
The reasons can be wide-ranging, but once the company starts finding the common grounds, they can make suitable changes in their backyard.
#4. Were you provided with the essential tools to excel in your position?
This exit interview question will give the firm an idea about the satisfaction level of a worker. The management must know whether every employee is getting the necessary resources to excel at his work and is he satisfied with them.
It can also involve questions about the available technology or even about training programs for the employees.
#5. What did you enjoy about the job?
This positive exit interview question will help the employer and employee to relate favorably with each other. The firm can take the positivity forward and enhance it so that other employees can also get ample benefit from it.
#6. Were you comfortable with your superior?
This is a loaded exit interview question as it will tell you about the employee’s viewpoint about the person who used to handle his professional activities to a greater degree.
Remember, professional understanding is an important step towards the productivity and efficiency of a company, and it becomes important to create a safe and positive ambiance in the workplace.
The related information will help the firm to make viable changes for further improvement.
#7. Did you get along with your team members?
Teamwork is an important criterion that has a direct impact on the completion of a project at the given deadline. The response can give management insight into the working dynamics of its organization.
#8. Will you consider returning to the company?
Sometimes employees want to give a one-word answer, and it can be affirmative or a negative one. The trick lies in the follow-up questions for both the answers.
Try to find the circumstances where the employee will become interested in getting back to the job so that if you so desire you can pave the way for his return.
The best question at this point bin time s asking directly what the company can do to retain him if he is a valued member. As this is a direct question, the employee will be forced to give a direct answer that can change your perception about the circumstances that led to his resignation.
#9. Are you satisfied with the working culture of the company?
This is a general question, and the firm has to look at the pattern to gauge the mood of its employees. It cannot rely on one answer and start taking measures to make changes.
#10. Do you have any concerns regarding anyone in the company?
This is a very vital question as it has been seen that someone or other can make an employee’s life hell in a workplace. When you ask the question, look for his expression and little nuances that can help you in determining the truth of his answer.
Ask the follow-up question if the answer is affirmative, for instance, did you share your concern with anyone in the office. This will give you an option of confirming the truth at a later date by talking to that person.
#11. Did you feel a part of the company?
If the reply to this exit interview question is yes, then your company is definitely on the right path but if the answer is no, then try to find the reason for it. It is imperative to know the response so that you can take steps that will help other employees in getting a better deal.
#12. What were the best and the worst part of your job?
All the employees will have a different response to this exit interview question as it depends upon individual preference. Encourage the employee to share both his experiences so that the management can minimize any difficulties that future employees can face.
By looking at the patterns of the best part of the job can give you a fair idea to create opportunities for its employees so that they can be happy in their workplace.
#13. Were you given clear goals and objectives?
It is good for the company if an employee is given clear goals and objectives. If the employee’s answer is a yes then make sure you know the people responsible for giving directions to that employee. The follow-up questions will help you in determining the name of the people involved.
Make sure to congratulate them on their efficiency later on.
#14. Will you recommend our company to others?
This exit interview question is the most crucial of the lot as the answer will help you in determining whether the outgoing employee is satisfied with various aspects of his job, how he thinks about the company and whether he will want to return if the prospects are better.
If the employee answers with a no then do not get angry instead try to find the actual reason for his refusal with follow-up questions.
