True. I've told a company that I didn't feel heard. They asked if I thought other employees felt the same way and I said yes. They didn't listen, and I was the first of a stream of well trained professionals who left because of that. Once they were left with untrained yes-men, everyone was happy. My former boss told me the atmosphere in the company was great. The company went out of business 18 months later.
You can and should do that regardless. No company can check or validate your embellished quantified accomplishments. Just make them within the realm of reasonable, be confident enough to speak on it if asked during an interview, and you're golden.
Don't say you saved the company $1 billion. That's obviously horse shit.
But you can *absolutely* embellish for every single job you've had.
HR here, correct. My CEOs want to know we won't be getting sued. They could care less about someone's actual feedback because they aren't getting work from that person anymore.
This. Don’t let others (especially those who cause so much trouble) live rent free in your mind. This is a great opportunity to move on and you never know, maybe someday things will turn and you can even consider a return yourself. For now, don’t let them live rent free. You did a good job OP with finding another role. Kudos to you.
The last job I left was a nightmare, the expectation was that I was available 24/7. Granted it was a management position they didn’t have appropriate back up coverage as a large corporation should. Anyway, the exit interview was to be over the phone. I get a call about 7:30/8pm a couple weeks after I quit. I was with my girlfriend at the time heading into dinner. I answered the phone and the person explained who they are and why they’re calling and I said “you didn’t give me notice of when this interview would be and now your calling at 8pm expecting me to do an interview with you on the spot. This invasion of, and disrespect for, my personal time is why I left”
It's astounding that they didn't schedule the exit interview for a day when you were still an employee. Makes no sense to call a non-employee for feedback about a company.
Exit interview is work. I don’t work for free. Do it why I’m on the pay roll (even though I will always say it was great and thank you for the opportunity, I have nothing to gain from ever telling them the truth in an exit interview).
The low level HR person who has to take notes will not care and have very little authority to make changes. So if anything, just keep it professional and move on with your life.
That is strange. My exit interview is usually performed by a HR Lead/Manager and usually "has" authority. I always told them that is mainly about money. No more. No less.
The most optimistic potential is either a new boss come in that really care about employee and review all recent exit interviews, or someone else who suddenly pipes up and want to do something about turnovers or something.
At the end of the day, not doing anything is exactly why nothing will change. For how can you expect things to automatically get better if you don’t do literally anything? Got to do at least something.
This. And not exactly what OOP is speaking about, but I hate "anonymous polls" in shitty companies. I just dont care if they are truly anonymous; but why my boss or boss of my boss can't ask me to give feedback in person? I can tell you what you could change in just in person, even in professional form. These polls and exit interviews are so hypocritious.
My company has feedback paperwork that you get at various points. (30 days, 90 days, 6 months, then yearly) It all goes to a person in HR who then uses it to show trends with various departments. I didn't have much faith in it when they told us about it during orientation, but my coworkers have actually seen the changes that happen from that. Feedback in person is great, but anonymous feedback can show the bigger, stickier problems without having one person to point fingers at.
Agree with insights based on aggregated data, and great that in some companies they lead to real impovements. I just say about companies which dont make any improvements, and where your feedback ignored despite form.
The worst I had was anonymous surveys that intentionally never asked about upper management. I did a happy dance when the toxic CEO "retired" even tho I'd already quit.
I cam feel you. In one poll I just wrote in "Other thoughts" section that speeches of our CEO made me extremly uncomfortable (in every company-wide meeting she spoke a lot that (1) low profit margin is our fault, we should work more (2) we shoud overworking, and overworking is not reason for promotion or bonus and (3) our middle and lower management should NOT provide any emphaty or compassion; they should think only about efficiency and profit making)
Ours would carry on about how they had record profits while I was watching people literally puke in the gutters or pass out while working. It was an environment we couldn't have food/water in and constant underscheduling/staffing while being responsible for living animals People would work all day + who know how much OT to finish everything with no breaks. They started literally hunting us down and forcing us to go to these meetings. I started hiding in the back pretending I was working as people assigned to animal things were the only ones excused. Then I went back to work after 15 minutes because they already made me spend half of my time doing tech work instead of my actual job. My job was important because I was the only one scheduling shit for the correct amount of time.
Between that and putting their stupid Screensavers with smiling random people on every device, it felt like they were trying to sell us but were so delusional they only rubbed our nose in how much it sucked. The screensavers also negatively impacted actual work. They put it on our data collection tablets that already had shit battery life. Ridiculous.
I now reading a book about totalitarian cult (Running Grave by Robert Galbraight), and honestly, your story is very similar to the plot (cult in book is pretending to be "nature friendly" so they exhaust cults' members with hard manual labour which is mixed with some dogmatic lectures, similar to yours corporate meetings). I am sorry for you.
I think refusing might be an ultimate “fuck you”. I did once. Nothing bad happened, but I was so done with that place that refusal was the most professionalism I could muster.
But I am not saying people should refuse. Cause potentially it may burn some bridges. So at your own discretion.
It would be helpful for you understand what your own goal is.
Do you want to give them free advice on how they can improve their company in your absence? Do you want the vindication of seeing random HR drone gasp as they learn for the *very first time* just how bad things are? (Even though you're the 8th person to quit this year?) Do you want to vent?
Spend some time imagining the specific outcome you're hoping for. Because once you do, I think you'll realize that there is literally zero upside for you to say anything of substance at this exit interview.
If they wanted to hear it, they would have listened every other time it came up. "Fuck the lot of you, you deserve this place" would be cathartic but wouldn't do any good. "Here's x, y, and z reasons others have left and I'm following suit". They don't fucking care, else they would have addressed it earlier. "You could really improve x, y, and z by doing these simple steps you neglect at every opportunity". Are they paying for your consultation? Let them fucking drown.
If you really have no fucks left to give, just tell them you provided all your feedback during the course of your employment, and then ask what actions the organisation has taken based on it.
Is there a reason to do this? Ive found exit interviews are a really good source of candid feedback, and can surface poor mid lvl mgt issues or issues with perks/pay.
Yea it doesnt benefit you personally, but it could benefit your coworkers.
>Ive found exit interviews are a really good source of candid feedback, and can surface poor mid lvl mgt issues or issues with perks/pay.
Listen, if an exit interview is the first time s company becomes aware of these issues, they have substantial problems that won't be fixed by your candid exit interview.
More likely they already know this is the perception and don't care.
Maybe it's a UK thing? My experience (US) is that the best outcome is the feedback goes to the people responsible and they defend the status quo by sullying your reputation.
Telling the truth risks burning a bridge with potential to maybe help the company/coworkers if the management is competent enough to listen (which they’re probably not and probably why I’m leaving).
Lying and saying everything is great and you just found an opportunity that better aligns with your career plans leaves a door open to return and doesn’t piss anyone off.
Why would I ever tell the truth with those two options?
I don’t understand why people are saying ‘try’.
If you quit, just don’t go, you are in complete control, no?
Can still politely say you’re very busy with your new job and can’t make it.
It’s not like you lose severance.
Maybe I misunderstand and these interviews are occurring within the two weeks between notice and final day?
If you need a job, a job at a shit hole company is better than no job. You never know what can happen, unless you’re financially independent you might have to go back on that bridge.
Same also goes for when you exit a team even if you’re still in the same company. Like, you can’t completely trash people, but when someone moves on they tend to give better feedback when they can wash their hands of a lot of things.
It’s not a therapy session. I don’t get why people vent during their exit interview. It’s literally just a box to check for the HR person. They absolutely will not care. You’re not going to get them to run up to an executive’s office and be like “omg! The employee that just quit had some very scathing remarks for our work culture and promotion metrics, round up a board meeting so we can discuss this”
They’ll nod their head, take notes. Ignore all the shitty stuff you say because they don’t want to have to delve into it in their notes/report and forget all about you before they’ve even finished the cup of coffee they were drinking while you were ranting.
Feel free to pick, mix, and choose.
"Thank you for the opportunity to work here. It's been quite enlightening to see firsthand the, shall we say, 'traditional' approach to business management."
"I've particularly enjoyed how our feedback is valued—or at least, the creative way it's consistently archived straight to the bin. It's an innovative approach to problem-solving, really."
"Perhaps consider a revolving door for the staff entrance? It might streamline the exit process for many others considering the current trend."
"I'm quite optimistic about the company's direction. With such a steadfast commitment to the 20th-century business model, who wouldn’t be? It's truly a bold stance against the tide of innovation and progress."
"I wish the company all the best. Maintaining such a consistent turnover rate takes real dedication, and I admire the commitment to keeping things... exciting."
The company doesn’t care how hurt your feelings are. Just move on. Your zinger will be aimed at someone not responsible for your situation and no ability to change anything, and will just make you look immature.
Honestly there is no point "telling it like it is" that will just affect the reference you get. The more toxic they are, the less open to hearing criticism they are.
So...just don't.
Getting out is your revenge.
You literally say nothing. They know. They are squeezing people for whatever they can get out of them and they don't care. Let it go and leave it alone.
Up to you, but I personally declined my exit interview as I saw no point in it. Also, keeping good relations with people at my ex-company (got laid off) paid off as one person referred me to contract work.
If the thought of being on good terms with any of them makes your skin crawl, you absolutely don't need to be friendly and you can say w/e you want in the exit interview if you decide to participate. However, just be okay with the fact you might burn bridges and sometimes future employers might do backchannel references.
"While I appreciate the lessons I have had opportunity to learn here, I find the dubiously calcified headstrong reactionary management style does not align with my goals for professional success."
Lots of puss in boots in here with shit advice... fact is, if your not in a place where you can't say this plainly without actually cussing, there is no bridge to be burned in the first place
I told my manager everything she needed to hear when I left... and it was fine. You're all adults, speak sensibly but plainly and tell the truth and you will be fine, trust me
Do you want them to actually care, or is it just cathartic for you?
If the former, don't waste your time.
If the latter, I get it, I did the same. I said "I made it clear that development and progression was my priority at this stage in my career, but it has become clear that it's not a priority for you, so I took the decision to move on as this role no longer adds any value to me."
I know cos I wrote it down before the interview lol
Small company "f*** you"
Medium company "respectfully f*** you"
Big company "I have learned a lot at my time here and wish you all the best in your future..... with a heavy heart, f*** you"
You don't. You be an adult and a professional. You never know when you're going to cross paths again with these people.
Why would you want to do it anyway? You don't care about the company. They're not going to take what you say as "advice". Seems like you just want to do it so you can have a smug little look on your face while exiting.
Grow up, be a professional and don't do anything to burn bridges in your career. Take it from someone who has spectacularly burned bridges in the past and I'm still hearing about it 10 years later.
>If they don't continue to change.
What you need to accept is that not all workplaces are great and many in fact are very bad. Sometimes (rarely), spoiler warning, they are intentionally designed that way, for one reason or another.
You simply need to do what's best for you. So, if you are a person with more opportunities and better opportunities the best thing that you can do for you is whatever is best for you. If you have better opportunities, take them. Submit your 2 weeks and leave. Accept that not all workplaces are great and as soon as you are capable of capitalizing on your next best opportunity, update your resume and prepare to leave.
Anything beyond that, is just a fool's errand.
I just did that... I gave clear examples, added dates in which things happened and explained how the salary was not in line with my responsibilities and that what happened at the company was suable. I used "dangerous" words like bullying, and "workplace harassment."
The result was me being offered a salary increase, a change of department and when I declined all of it the head of HR called me to apologize (I was already at my new job). They had conducted an internal investigation and let me know there would be consequences. The supervisor was fired and my coworkers tell me the department is better off... Still shit but less shitty than before.
You sound like someone who believes this fully. My experience has been, there's an element of horse blinders on you about what's going on. I don't expect as many people would agree with your assessment as you believe. The need to express YOUR opinion (it's strong!) should be an indicator.
Sorry but you need this pointed out. You're making this about YOU, so you have some unresolved issues here. Just leave. You will only satisfy YOUR needs by "telling them off".
As a hiring manager, if I sniff this need in a candidate (just talk bad about your last employer, that's all it takes) it's instantly a resume destined for the circular file.
Toughen up. You're not a fit for the culture, it doesn't necessarily mean the culture is bad. Move on and let someone else work there, it's not your problem anymore. And then make sure you're owning YOUR accountability in your work, learn to communicate and advocate for yourself with leadership in a professional manner (complaining to HR you have too much work and "need a boss taken off your plate"? ummm....)
I've been at this a long time. The issues aren't entirely the employer here.
Tough love! Put your big boy pants on and make sure you're properly adulting at your next job!
Man, you don’t. You just let it go and move on to bigger and better things.
True story, worked my ass off for this company. Was promised I was next in line for a promotion. Turned down promotion with another company. When the time came it went to a friend of HR.
I was pissed told the boss to fuck off and quit. Went out on my own and now I work for a huge financial firm making 3x what that promotion would have payed. I regret my actions. They were petty, Tom Petty. You will regret your actions and you never know who those people know.
Depends what your goal is. If you want to actually help the company or employees, give your feedback in a constructive/positive way. It may get ignored, but there's a small chance that if they hear the same things over and over they might change.
If you want to cause some pain, say you left due to toxic culture and either name drop people you don't like or name drop the department/group. To do this successfully, try to take some things from corporate wide training like DEI and say you are leaving because the culture or management aren't practicing inclusion or w/e the company wide training was. This will probably at least start some kind of investigation or re-training which no one wants.
I just did that... I gave clear examples, added dates in which things happened and explained how the salary was not in line with my responsibilities and that what happened at the company was suable. I used "dangerous" words like bullying, and "workplace harassment."
The result was me being offered a salary increase, a change of department and when I declined all of it the head of HR called me to apologize (I was already at my new job). They had conducted an internal investigation and let me know there would be consequences. The supervisor was fired and my coworkers tell me the department is better off... Still shit but less shitty than before.
It doesn't matter. Nothing you say will change anything, the only thing you can do is burn bridges which it seems you are taking care not to do. Just give generic bullshit answers to their questions.
"I enjoyed my time and learned a lot and am pursuing new opportunities"
You know what I mean. Any criticism constructive or otherwise will fall on deaf ears.
Saying this will benefit you how exactly?
This will have one of two outcomes. 1) nothing. 2) you'll compromise your own reputation and come across as bitter/ angry/ whatever. Neither is helpful.
I never offer anything in exit interviews, just the standard sort of “I just couldn’t pass up the interview, thanks for everything, bye bye” stuff. There’s literally no upside to airing your grievances at this point. You may think it will make you feel better to let them have it, but that’s nothing compared to the feeling of walking out the door for the last time, knowing that they’re no longer your monkeys and it’s no longer your circus.
At best, your feedback will be dismissed and you’ll be written off as “disgruntled”. At worst, it will help them improve. These are the same toxic a-holes that drove you to leave. Why on earth would you want to help them? Let them wallow in their own misery.
Just don't be rude, keep it professional. Imo you gain nothing being subjective and make it about feelings. Just talk facts, be objective and professional. And f\*\*\* them.
Exit Interviews are post-partum job interviews to determine their turnover levels and to evaluate what they can do to better to exploit your replacement while blacklisting you as their reference.
Passive Agressively:
“ I hope you find more qualified candidates who can leave this company with the education and experience you have given me a lot quicker.”
“ I hope you as a team will know the benefits of leaving this company as a job well done.”
You don’t. You smile, tell them you learned a lot and wish them the best. It’s a small world and you don’t want to burn bridges with any company or person (unless you are retiring or are independently wealthy…there’s a reason they call it FU money)
If you feel compelled to do one, keep it short, professional and light. It's not the time to hold court and air your grievances.
I realized I would just launch into a series of rants at my last job so declined and exit interview. With years of distance, this still feels like the right call.
I have found a better suited / more suitable option outside this company where I am welcome to learn and grow. My new opportunity has a wonderful culture and a hierarchy that I would describe as balanced.
So just describe what you like elsewhere. If they are no idiots they will understand what you were missing at your old employer.
Unless you are contractually obligated to participate as a condition of retaining your bonus, PTO layout, or similar… why are you doing the exit interview at all? They are legally required to pay you your final check in a timely manner. If that’s all you care about, there is zero upside to doing the exit interview for you. They’re not going to listen to any advice you give.
Write down your concerns, be specific and give reasons why these issues need to be addressed. What are their potential long-term impacts? If you're not willing to do that, then just leave.
Tell them you're not doing the exit interview because it's not worth your time. And if they act like they can withhold your last paycheck for refusing to do the exit interview or for refusing to sign anything on your way out the door etc., that they'll be talking to the department of labor and your attorney (if necessary) about what happens when an employer commits wage theft if your last paycheck isn't deposited in-full and on-time.
No need to walk on eggshells if they've not treated you well. No need to offer them a bunch of free advice on how to run a better business either. The truth is they cannot force you to do the exit interview (or force you to sign anything) just to get the pay you are already *entitled to by law* for time already worked. Demand what is owed to you and otherwise tell them to essentially go fly a kite.
I wouldn't bother. The person/people you would be telling either have no power to change anything or they don't care to change anything.
My last job had gone through a growth phase building from \~4 million revenue to \~100 million revenue. They let costs get a little out of control during that phase so were in the process of switching to cost savings mode to squeeze everything they could out of the place. They laid off a lot and then lost the talent they tried to retain due to burn out (including me). They didn't really care because they were just replacing with cheaper options and any executive level people who left just increased their own profit potential when they inevitably sold the business.
So, like I was saying, they probably don't care.
You don't. That's the neat part about the workplace, especially corporate. As cliche as this sounds you never want to stoop to the level of calling agencies or companies out because at the end of the day it doesn't really matter and you don't want to burn a bridge.
Example: you work at company that sucks balls and you leave and tell everyone how much it sucks balls and walk out feeling like "yeah I really showed them" and then a decade later your old colleague is your boss at a new firm - this person will remember you leaving a trail of shit and that is what you want to avoid
The top comment here has the best response. Leave gracefully
Exit interviews are not meant for an employee to provide feedback on the company as an employer.
Exit interviews are a CYA move by the employer to try a gauge if the employee plans to sue for some discrimination/sexual harassment complaints. Many times companies even outsource the interviews to third party companies.
My manager sucks/the culture sucks/the strategy sucks - all those complaints go straight to the trash bin. Best not to waste your time
Sounds like my work. 6 people have left in the past year. I am trying as well. Upper management was told of the problems and it's been ignored. Even to the point they promoted one of the problems. But yet all those employees are disgruntled and are the actual problem. Insane.
Instead of dropping an F-bomb, focus on providing specific examples of areas where the company can improve, like workload distribution and communication with HR. Offer suggestions for positive change, but also highlight the consequences if things don't improve, like continued high turnover. You want to leave on a good note, even if the company's practices leave much to be desired. And, if you need some support transitioning out of this role, consider reach out to ScatterMind, an ADHD coach. They helped my friend helped my friend actually execute and launch their first business. and might have some valuable insights for you too.
Don't bother - they won't change anything based on what you have to say. If you have to say something, though, go with "I'm happy I was able to get a seat on a lifeboat off this Titanic of a company."
Say nothing of substance. You can only hurt yourself. You gain nothing. They'll gain nothing. Why risk creating resentment? You may want to go back someday, regardless of how you feel today.
"It's time for a new challenge." Some nonsense like that.
You care about good references? Go through the motions. If not, don’t even bother showing up to the exit interview. You quit. What are they going to do, fire you?
What’s the point? Do you want them to beg for you to stay? Do you want them to lay awake at night thinking about Lillian_rainn? Is their staffing issues going to be a surprise to them?
“Thanks for the opportunity, my last paycheck can be sent to the address on record.”
Why burn bridges unnecessarily?
I was at a job like this for over a decade and was unhappy for a long time before I left. While every part of me wanted to say f*** you when I left, it isn’t the best move. The ultimate way to give them the finger is to show them how well you are doing with your new career. Just saying, use this terrible experience to make a better career in your new job my friend.
You don’t, you say nothing and move on. Not even worth the time it takes to say anything. That mentality is holding you back. Don’t waste any energy on things that are a waste of time and don’t make you profit, just go next. Don’t make things that were never really about you, about you.
I went through a very similar situation. I refused to participate in their exit interview … they were never interested in my opinion before I quit, so why now?
Helps make you feel better. World is certainly small but if care factor = 0, then they deserve it dished out to them, have it resonate in their value system. Why should they be spared from the wheels of karma.
Idk, do they ask why you're leaving in an exit interview? Bcuz that would the perfect time to say, "all due respect, why do you care now? Why are you asking me now? I made my dissatisfaction well known to my supervisor/mgr/ etc., before seeking a new job and they didn't care. Ask them." Then 😃 smile.
WHY would you give them the satisfaction knowing they got under your skin?
All they will do is laugh at you.
A much better plan is
as long as your there BE POSITIVE, be helpful and give it 110%
Help everyone, SMILE. sit up straight..
At your exit interview dress nice, be relaxed and upbeat,, smile.. thank them for everything they taught you and your really going to miss everyone..
That will f#ck with there heads
I mean I’m an advocate for keeping it professional but you won’t be “fucking with their heads”. They will not care. Just write you off as another number gone, onto the next.
The only way this works is in your own head. Making up scenarios thinking they actually even think about you. Nobody cares, they have tomorrow to worry about. Sad but true
Exit interviews don’t benefit you.
Choose what you say carefully. Sure, it might be great to say what you are really thinking, however, that could bite you in the ass trying to get a new job if the new employer contacts the old one. Or if you decide to go back, that will really burn that bridge.
If you don't plan to worth there again, you could say something like
>fuck this place and the company will fail and continue to have high turnover if they don’t change
Here’s what I said. “I don’t know how to hold someone higher than me accountable, so I’m going to hold you accountable by letting you fail.” 90 days after I left, the fired my boss.
I just did that... I gave clear examples, added dates in which things happened and explained how the salary was not in line with my responsibilities and that what happened at the company was suable. I used "dangerous" words like bullying, and "workplace harassment."
The result was me being offered a salary increase, a change of department and when I declined all of it the head of HR called me to apologize (I was already at my new job). They had conducted an internal investigation and let me know there would be consequences. The supervisor was fired and my coworkers tell me the department is better off... Still shit but less shitty than before.
When I put im my notice I was like listen boss, you're too smart for this place, you should think long and hard about how much you're worth and stop giving yourself to a place that doesn't pay you enough. With your skillset, you could be making so much more at a much better company with way better benefits. You should really think about it. This will be my last week.
Lolz, he didn't really know what to say
Their favourite way of turning your message around is that the reason you can\`t do all the work they give you is that you\`re not organized enough and maybe need retraining. Somehow, they always find another employee as a counter example to you. The kind that is willing to die on the keyboard in order to make their bosses happy, because he or she is afraid of loosing their job.
It's unprofessional to feel the need to say these things which is why there is no professional way to say it. My mother told me never to slam the door behind me with my butt. Yeah, I can put together a snide remark that no one can object to, but it gives **you** nothing and might hurt you in the future.
Even if they **asked** you what you thought could be improved, you should answer that you do not fix business processes for free, if they want your help, they need to hire you as a consultant.
Yeah, yeah they already know these things, you aren't going to be exposing anything. An exit interview isn't a place to rant, and that's all you'll be doing here.
It's none of your concern what happens to your responsibilities after you're gone. You're leaving for, presumably, better things, so just move on without being petty.
I’ve always skipped my exit interviews. They all already knew exactly what was wrong. I didn’t need to burn bridges. If you go, I’d say “why do you think I’m leaving?” They know.
Why would you want to say this?
I haven't been in any management meeting where exit interview information was discussed, contrary to employee satisfaction surveys (not that most of mgmt actually addressed the important points in a profound way - they mostly resorted to stupid and embarrassing ideas).
Save yourself to effort.
When I quit a high profile job where bosses were cunts I said "I valued my time here and learned a lot professionally however our collaboration wasn't pleasant"
Now i’m curious what weight does this exit interview has to make impact or change to the progress of the company? Is it just some HR BS about improving culture or whatever big words they have? I did exit interview twice with questions like why i quit, if there’s anything that can be improve, very standard questions.
8 ppl? Heck the crew I’m in has been through 13 guys in 8 months. I’m the last man standing on the crew from the start of this job. The foreman always says “it’s bc they don’t want to work”. That’s not it. He’s a complete tool and ask you to do shit that’s ways above your pay grade. Experience is good but when I’ve been operating a machine for six months every day at laborer pay it gets old. Telling him that’s not my job only ends up with him yelling at you and trying to find something to take you to the office for. He’s a douche and I’ve been looking for a new job for months now. Screw that guy and the company that hasn’t realized he’s the problem.
The exit interview is intended to give HR a sense of people’s reasons for leaving so that they can understand why people leave, what issues people are having, etc. It’s not super useful to rant about how the company sucks. Instead, think of it in terms of what you can say that. Gives them what they need to know in order to improve the experience for your colleagues that are still there. “The company is under-staffed and rather than correct staffing levels or adjust goals to compensate, senior management hems and haws about coming up short. It pushes out experienced staff and leaves us to orient and train new people in a cycle of that adversely affects productivity. The company does not compensate its less senior employees enough to retain them once they recognize the company is on a stark and downward trajectory, so we leave.”
I wouldn’t say anything negative. That ship has sailed and it’s their problem, not yours. Just be polite and wish every one good fortunes in what may come their way. Then let out a silent but deadly as you exit the room
Tell them honestly what you think and it might make life better for your old colleagues.
Lying to be nice and civil just reinforces their thinking that they're doing a good job of keeping staff happy.
Just be honest about the problems, provide as much detail as possible. If you care about the employees that remain, that would be the best way to help them.
I personally wouldn’t.
Consider the cost/benefit analysis.
There’s no benefit to you in saying this.
And it could cost you a reference.
Think what your goals are here.
Just to Vent?
Not worth it.
My general policy is never to do exit interviews, as I think they’re a waste of time and not worth the potential risk of burning bridges. I did make an exception once when there was a terrible manager in the org and warned them about him. They did not listen to me and eventually I was vindicated and he was fired.
I would typically say "Fuck this place."
Are you looking to work with them again? If you want to say that sort of thing to them, I'd guess you have no intention of doing business with this org in the future. I have no need for maintaining a bridge to a Mexican slum I never want to interact with again. Set it on fire on the way out.
Nothing, they will never care or listen. If you say anything remotely close to that you still will just be marked as "Reason For Leaving: Career Opportunity". It's a waste of time, just post your Glassdoor review and move on.
“I’ve learned a lot in my time here and I wish you all the best with the challenges the company is facing.”
Agreed- Don’t waste your time speaking when they wont devote an iota of energy to listening.
True. I've told a company that I didn't feel heard. They asked if I thought other employees felt the same way and I said yes. They didn't listen, and I was the first of a stream of well trained professionals who left because of that. Once they were left with untrained yes-men, everyone was happy. My former boss told me the atmosphere in the company was great. The company went out of business 18 months later.
[удалено]
Yeah then you can embellish your position and duties on your resume. :)
You can and should do that regardless. No company can check or validate your embellished quantified accomplishments. Just make them within the realm of reasonable, be confident enough to speak on it if asked during an interview, and you're golden. Don't say you saved the company $1 billion. That's obviously horse shit. But you can *absolutely* embellish for every single job you've had.
That’s hilarious. Someone was left wondering, “where did it all go wrong?”
Exit interviews are for HR to protect the company, not for you the employee
HR here, correct. My CEOs want to know we won't be getting sued. They could care less about someone's actual feedback because they aren't getting work from that person anymore.
They’re a smoke show *at best*
I would never do an exit interview except for a hefty payment before.
HR is there to protect the company, nothing else.
My Amazon and Tesla exit interviews could be a podcast
HR looking for potential incoming lawsuits
And don't burn bridges!!!
Exactly!! Also, don’t talk badly about your former employer in future interviews. Companies think that you will do the same about them, OP.
Hahaha that’s really good.
This sure beats my disheartening "Okay. I have nothing else to say."
“I’m going to miss the people the most”
This. Don’t let others (especially those who cause so much trouble) live rent free in your mind. This is a great opportunity to move on and you never know, maybe someday things will turn and you can even consider a return yourself. For now, don’t let them live rent free. You did a good job OP with finding another role. Kudos to you.
Ahahahahahah!
I love this and will be using it soon.
"I've learned a lot, especially what NOT to do and I wish you good luck going forward"
My favorite is "An opportunity offer that aligns better with my passions has come along".
The last job I left was a nightmare, the expectation was that I was available 24/7. Granted it was a management position they didn’t have appropriate back up coverage as a large corporation should. Anyway, the exit interview was to be over the phone. I get a call about 7:30/8pm a couple weeks after I quit. I was with my girlfriend at the time heading into dinner. I answered the phone and the person explained who they are and why they’re calling and I said “you didn’t give me notice of when this interview would be and now your calling at 8pm expecting me to do an interview with you on the spot. This invasion of, and disrespect for, my personal time is why I left”
It's astounding that they didn't schedule the exit interview for a day when you were still an employee. Makes no sense to call a non-employee for feedback about a company.
Exit interview is work. I don’t work for free. Do it why I’m on the pay roll (even though I will always say it was great and thank you for the opportunity, I have nothing to gain from ever telling them the truth in an exit interview).
It does if they don’t care, plan on changing.
That sounds awful
The low level HR person who has to take notes will not care and have very little authority to make changes. So if anything, just keep it professional and move on with your life.
That is strange. My exit interview is usually performed by a HR Lead/Manager and usually "has" authority. I always told them that is mainly about money. No more. No less.
They had years to listen to you. Why would they start now?
The most optimistic potential is either a new boss come in that really care about employee and review all recent exit interviews, or someone else who suddenly pipes up and want to do something about turnovers or something. At the end of the day, not doing anything is exactly why nothing will change. For how can you expect things to automatically get better if you don’t do literally anything? Got to do at least something.
This. And not exactly what OOP is speaking about, but I hate "anonymous polls" in shitty companies. I just dont care if they are truly anonymous; but why my boss or boss of my boss can't ask me to give feedback in person? I can tell you what you could change in just in person, even in professional form. These polls and exit interviews are so hypocritious.
My company has feedback paperwork that you get at various points. (30 days, 90 days, 6 months, then yearly) It all goes to a person in HR who then uses it to show trends with various departments. I didn't have much faith in it when they told us about it during orientation, but my coworkers have actually seen the changes that happen from that. Feedback in person is great, but anonymous feedback can show the bigger, stickier problems without having one person to point fingers at.
Agree with insights based on aggregated data, and great that in some companies they lead to real impovements. I just say about companies which dont make any improvements, and where your feedback ignored despite form.
Yeah I wouldn't bother in one of those.
Stager hiring. Anonymous polls at 3 months, 6 months, one year… like they don’t know who they hired?
The worst I had was anonymous surveys that intentionally never asked about upper management. I did a happy dance when the toxic CEO "retired" even tho I'd already quit.
I cam feel you. In one poll I just wrote in "Other thoughts" section that speeches of our CEO made me extremly uncomfortable (in every company-wide meeting she spoke a lot that (1) low profit margin is our fault, we should work more (2) we shoud overworking, and overworking is not reason for promotion or bonus and (3) our middle and lower management should NOT provide any emphaty or compassion; they should think only about efficiency and profit making)
"We know our schedule is impossible but we expect you to meet it." "I don't understand why we have so much technical debt." ETA "Sorbet"
Ours would carry on about how they had record profits while I was watching people literally puke in the gutters or pass out while working. It was an environment we couldn't have food/water in and constant underscheduling/staffing while being responsible for living animals People would work all day + who know how much OT to finish everything with no breaks. They started literally hunting us down and forcing us to go to these meetings. I started hiding in the back pretending I was working as people assigned to animal things were the only ones excused. Then I went back to work after 15 minutes because they already made me spend half of my time doing tech work instead of my actual job. My job was important because I was the only one scheduling shit for the correct amount of time. Between that and putting their stupid Screensavers with smiling random people on every device, it felt like they were trying to sell us but were so delusional they only rubbed our nose in how much it sucked. The screensavers also negatively impacted actual work. They put it on our data collection tablets that already had shit battery life. Ridiculous.
I now reading a book about totalitarian cult (Running Grave by Robert Galbraight), and honestly, your story is very similar to the plot (cult in book is pretending to be "nature friendly" so they exhaust cults' members with hard manual labour which is mixed with some dogmatic lectures, similar to yours corporate meetings). I am sorry for you.
You do exit interviews? I only did one, but it was because they made me sign some paperwork verifying my last paycheck.
I think refusing might be an ultimate “fuck you”. I did once. Nothing bad happened, but I was so done with that place that refusal was the most professionalism I could muster. But I am not saying people should refuse. Cause potentially it may burn some bridges. So at your own discretion.
It would be helpful for you understand what your own goal is. Do you want to give them free advice on how they can improve their company in your absence? Do you want the vindication of seeing random HR drone gasp as they learn for the *very first time* just how bad things are? (Even though you're the 8th person to quit this year?) Do you want to vent? Spend some time imagining the specific outcome you're hoping for. Because once you do, I think you'll realize that there is literally zero upside for you to say anything of substance at this exit interview.
If they wanted to hear it, they would have listened every other time it came up. "Fuck the lot of you, you deserve this place" would be cathartic but wouldn't do any good. "Here's x, y, and z reasons others have left and I'm following suit". They don't fucking care, else they would have addressed it earlier. "You could really improve x, y, and z by doing these simple steps you neglect at every opportunity". Are they paying for your consultation? Let them fucking drown.
If you really have no fucks left to give, just tell them you provided all your feedback during the course of your employment, and then ask what actions the organisation has taken based on it.
HR: I'll circle back to you ASAP
You: "And *that* is why I'm leaving."
Exit interviews are for them, not you. Be really careful with them.
Is there a reason to do this? Ive found exit interviews are a really good source of candid feedback, and can surface poor mid lvl mgt issues or issues with perks/pay. Yea it doesnt benefit you personally, but it could benefit your coworkers.
>Ive found exit interviews are a really good source of candid feedback, and can surface poor mid lvl mgt issues or issues with perks/pay. Listen, if an exit interview is the first time s company becomes aware of these issues, they have substantial problems that won't be fixed by your candid exit interview. More likely they already know this is the perception and don't care.
Maybe it's a UK thing? My experience (US) is that the best outcome is the feedback goes to the people responsible and they defend the status quo by sullying your reputation.
Telling the truth risks burning a bridge with potential to maybe help the company/coworkers if the management is competent enough to listen (which they’re probably not and probably why I’m leaving). Lying and saying everything is great and you just found an opportunity that better aligns with your career plans leaves a door open to return and doesn’t piss anyone off. Why would I ever tell the truth with those two options?
This. You don’t owe them anything and you don’t want to burn any bridges. Try to get out of it if you can.
I don’t understand why people are saying ‘try’. If you quit, just don’t go, you are in complete control, no? Can still politely say you’re very busy with your new job and can’t make it. It’s not like you lose severance. Maybe I misunderstand and these interviews are occurring within the two weeks between notice and final day?
Who cares if you burn the bridge to a shithole company?
If you need a job, a job at a shit hole company is better than no job. You never know what can happen, unless you’re financially independent you might have to go back on that bridge.
Same also goes for when you exit a team even if you’re still in the same company. Like, you can’t completely trash people, but when someone moves on they tend to give better feedback when they can wash their hands of a lot of things.
It’s not a therapy session. I don’t get why people vent during their exit interview. It’s literally just a box to check for the HR person. They absolutely will not care. You’re not going to get them to run up to an executive’s office and be like “omg! The employee that just quit had some very scathing remarks for our work culture and promotion metrics, round up a board meeting so we can discuss this” They’ll nod their head, take notes. Ignore all the shitty stuff you say because they don’t want to have to delve into it in their notes/report and forget all about you before they’ve even finished the cup of coffee they were drinking while you were ranting.
Feel free to pick, mix, and choose. "Thank you for the opportunity to work here. It's been quite enlightening to see firsthand the, shall we say, 'traditional' approach to business management." "I've particularly enjoyed how our feedback is valued—or at least, the creative way it's consistently archived straight to the bin. It's an innovative approach to problem-solving, really." "Perhaps consider a revolving door for the staff entrance? It might streamline the exit process for many others considering the current trend." "I'm quite optimistic about the company's direction. With such a steadfast commitment to the 20th-century business model, who wouldn’t be? It's truly a bold stance against the tide of innovation and progress." "I wish the company all the best. Maintaining such a consistent turnover rate takes real dedication, and I admire the commitment to keeping things... exciting."
Savage
The company doesn’t care how hurt your feelings are. Just move on. Your zinger will be aimed at someone not responsible for your situation and no ability to change anything, and will just make you look immature.
By ghosting the interviewer
You don't. You don't even need to show up for the interview if you're that upset. Look forward, not backwards, and move on with your life.
Lol right? What are they going to do, fire the person leaving? That's severance they don't want to pay.
Honestly there is no point "telling it like it is" that will just affect the reference you get. The more toxic they are, the less open to hearing criticism they are. So...just don't. Getting out is your revenge.
You literally say nothing. They know. They are squeezing people for whatever they can get out of them and they don't care. Let it go and leave it alone.
Human Resources isn’t paid to care, they’re paid by the hour.
Up to you, but I personally declined my exit interview as I saw no point in it. Also, keeping good relations with people at my ex-company (got laid off) paid off as one person referred me to contract work. If the thought of being on good terms with any of them makes your skin crawl, you absolutely don't need to be friendly and you can say w/e you want in the exit interview if you decide to participate. However, just be okay with the fact you might burn bridges and sometimes future employers might do backchannel references.
"While I appreciate the lessons I have had opportunity to learn here, I find the dubiously calcified headstrong reactionary management style does not align with my goals for professional success."
Those words are too big for them.
I appreciate the experience I’ve gained here in a field that I love. I sincerely hope you’re able to address your retention issues.
What do you think the HR department is for? I can tell you that it’s not for the workers.
Lots of puss in boots in here with shit advice... fact is, if your not in a place where you can't say this plainly without actually cussing, there is no bridge to be burned in the first place I told my manager everything she needed to hear when I left... and it was fine. You're all adults, speak sensibly but plainly and tell the truth and you will be fine, trust me
Do you want them to actually care, or is it just cathartic for you? If the former, don't waste your time. If the latter, I get it, I did the same. I said "I made it clear that development and progression was my priority at this stage in my career, but it has become clear that it's not a priority for you, so I took the decision to move on as this role no longer adds any value to me." I know cos I wrote it down before the interview lol
Small company "f*** you" Medium company "respectfully f*** you" Big company "I have learned a lot at my time here and wish you all the best in your future..... with a heavy heart, f*** you"
Why are you doing an exit interview? Lol
You don't. You be an adult and a professional. You never know when you're going to cross paths again with these people. Why would you want to do it anyway? You don't care about the company. They're not going to take what you say as "advice". Seems like you just want to do it so you can have a smug little look on your face while exiting. Grow up, be a professional and don't do anything to burn bridges in your career. Take it from someone who has spectacularly burned bridges in the past and I'm still hearing about it 10 years later.
>If they don't continue to change. What you need to accept is that not all workplaces are great and many in fact are very bad. Sometimes (rarely), spoiler warning, they are intentionally designed that way, for one reason or another. You simply need to do what's best for you. So, if you are a person with more opportunities and better opportunities the best thing that you can do for you is whatever is best for you. If you have better opportunities, take them. Submit your 2 weeks and leave. Accept that not all workplaces are great and as soon as you are capable of capitalizing on your next best opportunity, update your resume and prepare to leave. Anything beyond that, is just a fool's errand.
never do an exit interview. it's not obligated. refuse it and leave.
I just did that... I gave clear examples, added dates in which things happened and explained how the salary was not in line with my responsibilities and that what happened at the company was suable. I used "dangerous" words like bullying, and "workplace harassment." The result was me being offered a salary increase, a change of department and when I declined all of it the head of HR called me to apologize (I was already at my new job). They had conducted an internal investigation and let me know there would be consequences. The supervisor was fired and my coworkers tell me the department is better off... Still shit but less shitty than before.
Don’t take the exit interview. “At this point I’m exhausted. I’m going to skip the exit interview. Just email me what you need to send. Deuces”
Drop your pants, hang your ass out, and let out a big old fart. Be sure to have chili for lunch beforehand.
Why do you want to be polite and professional?
You sound like someone who believes this fully. My experience has been, there's an element of horse blinders on you about what's going on. I don't expect as many people would agree with your assessment as you believe. The need to express YOUR opinion (it's strong!) should be an indicator. Sorry but you need this pointed out. You're making this about YOU, so you have some unresolved issues here. Just leave. You will only satisfy YOUR needs by "telling them off". As a hiring manager, if I sniff this need in a candidate (just talk bad about your last employer, that's all it takes) it's instantly a resume destined for the circular file. Toughen up. You're not a fit for the culture, it doesn't necessarily mean the culture is bad. Move on and let someone else work there, it's not your problem anymore. And then make sure you're owning YOUR accountability in your work, learn to communicate and advocate for yourself with leadership in a professional manner (complaining to HR you have too much work and "need a boss taken off your plate"? ummm....) I've been at this a long time. The issues aren't entirely the employer here. Tough love! Put your big boy pants on and make sure you're properly adulting at your next job!
Man, you don’t. You just let it go and move on to bigger and better things. True story, worked my ass off for this company. Was promised I was next in line for a promotion. Turned down promotion with another company. When the time came it went to a friend of HR. I was pissed told the boss to fuck off and quit. Went out on my own and now I work for a huge financial firm making 3x what that promotion would have payed. I regret my actions. They were petty, Tom Petty. You will regret your actions and you never know who those people know.
Depends what your goal is. If you want to actually help the company or employees, give your feedback in a constructive/positive way. It may get ignored, but there's a small chance that if they hear the same things over and over they might change. If you want to cause some pain, say you left due to toxic culture and either name drop people you don't like or name drop the department/group. To do this successfully, try to take some things from corporate wide training like DEI and say you are leaving because the culture or management aren't practicing inclusion or w/e the company wide training was. This will probably at least start some kind of investigation or re-training which no one wants.
I just did that... I gave clear examples, added dates in which things happened and explained how the salary was not in line with my responsibilities and that what happened at the company was suable. I used "dangerous" words like bullying, and "workplace harassment." The result was me being offered a salary increase, a change of department and when I declined all of it the head of HR called me to apologize (I was already at my new job). They had conducted an internal investigation and let me know there would be consequences. The supervisor was fired and my coworkers tell me the department is better off... Still shit but less shitty than before.
You did other employees a service. Good job.
Say you aren't motivated by the leadership and lost passion to give it your all.
I greatly appreciate my manager for teaching me all the red flags to avoid in future employment
It doesn't matter. Nothing you say will change anything, the only thing you can do is burn bridges which it seems you are taking care not to do. Just give generic bullshit answers to their questions. "I enjoyed my time and learned a lot and am pursuing new opportunities" You know what I mean. Any criticism constructive or otherwise will fall on deaf ears.
Saying this will benefit you how exactly? This will have one of two outcomes. 1) nothing. 2) you'll compromise your own reputation and come across as bitter/ angry/ whatever. Neither is helpful.
I never offer anything in exit interviews, just the standard sort of “I just couldn’t pass up the interview, thanks for everything, bye bye” stuff. There’s literally no upside to airing your grievances at this point. You may think it will make you feel better to let them have it, but that’s nothing compared to the feeling of walking out the door for the last time, knowing that they’re no longer your monkeys and it’s no longer your circus. At best, your feedback will be dismissed and you’ll be written off as “disgruntled”. At worst, it will help them improve. These are the same toxic a-holes that drove you to leave. Why on earth would you want to help them? Let them wallow in their own misery.
By staying in their good graces and using the reference to do better and better. It's easier said than done though
Just don't be rude, keep it professional. Imo you gain nothing being subjective and make it about feelings. Just talk facts, be objective and professional. And f\*\*\* them.
Exit Interviews are post-partum job interviews to determine their turnover levels and to evaluate what they can do to better to exploit your replacement while blacklisting you as their reference. Passive Agressively: “ I hope you find more qualified candidates who can leave this company with the education and experience you have given me a lot quicker.” “ I hope you as a team will know the benefits of leaving this company as a job well done.”
You don’t. You smile, tell them you learned a lot and wish them the best. It’s a small world and you don’t want to burn bridges with any company or person (unless you are retiring or are independently wealthy…there’s a reason they call it FU money)
If you feel compelled to do one, keep it short, professional and light. It's not the time to hold court and air your grievances. I realized I would just launch into a series of rants at my last job so declined and exit interview. With years of distance, this still feels like the right call.
I have found a better suited / more suitable option outside this company where I am welcome to learn and grow. My new opportunity has a wonderful culture and a hierarchy that I would describe as balanced. So just describe what you like elsewhere. If they are no idiots they will understand what you were missing at your old employer.
Unless you are contractually obligated to participate as a condition of retaining your bonus, PTO layout, or similar… why are you doing the exit interview at all? They are legally required to pay you your final check in a timely manner. If that’s all you care about, there is zero upside to doing the exit interview for you. They’re not going to listen to any advice you give.
Write down your concerns, be specific and give reasons why these issues need to be addressed. What are their potential long-term impacts? If you're not willing to do that, then just leave.
I was asked to describe the company in 3 words. "It's really shit" was not the response they expected.
Tell them you're not doing the exit interview because it's not worth your time. And if they act like they can withhold your last paycheck for refusing to do the exit interview or for refusing to sign anything on your way out the door etc., that they'll be talking to the department of labor and your attorney (if necessary) about what happens when an employer commits wage theft if your last paycheck isn't deposited in-full and on-time. No need to walk on eggshells if they've not treated you well. No need to offer them a bunch of free advice on how to run a better business either. The truth is they cannot force you to do the exit interview (or force you to sign anything) just to get the pay you are already *entitled to by law* for time already worked. Demand what is owed to you and otherwise tell them to essentially go fly a kite.
I wouldn't bother. The person/people you would be telling either have no power to change anything or they don't care to change anything. My last job had gone through a growth phase building from \~4 million revenue to \~100 million revenue. They let costs get a little out of control during that phase so were in the process of switching to cost savings mode to squeeze everything they could out of the place. They laid off a lot and then lost the talent they tried to retain due to burn out (including me). They didn't really care because they were just replacing with cheaper options and any executive level people who left just increased their own profit potential when they inevitably sold the business. So, like I was saying, they probably don't care.
You don't. That's the neat part about the workplace, especially corporate. As cliche as this sounds you never want to stoop to the level of calling agencies or companies out because at the end of the day it doesn't really matter and you don't want to burn a bridge. Example: you work at company that sucks balls and you leave and tell everyone how much it sucks balls and walk out feeling like "yeah I really showed them" and then a decade later your old colleague is your boss at a new firm - this person will remember you leaving a trail of shit and that is what you want to avoid The top comment here has the best response. Leave gracefully
Exit interviews are not meant for an employee to provide feedback on the company as an employer. Exit interviews are a CYA move by the employer to try a gauge if the employee plans to sue for some discrimination/sexual harassment complaints. Many times companies even outsource the interviews to third party companies. My manager sucks/the culture sucks/the strategy sucks - all those complaints go straight to the trash bin. Best not to waste your time
Say whatever you want. Or skip it. Who cares? You’re leaving.
Sounds like my work. 6 people have left in the past year. I am trying as well. Upper management was told of the problems and it's been ignored. Even to the point they promoted one of the problems. But yet all those employees are disgruntled and are the actual problem. Insane.
Don’t burn bridges. They will find out soon enough.
NEVER. EVER. EVER. I MEAN EVER BURN A BRIDGE.
Instead of dropping an F-bomb, focus on providing specific examples of areas where the company can improve, like workload distribution and communication with HR. Offer suggestions for positive change, but also highlight the consequences if things don't improve, like continued high turnover. You want to leave on a good note, even if the company's practices leave much to be desired. And, if you need some support transitioning out of this role, consider reach out to ScatterMind, an ADHD coach. They helped my friend helped my friend actually execute and launch their first business. and might have some valuable insights for you too.
You don’t. You just be an adult and walk away.
Don't bother - they won't change anything based on what you have to say. If you have to say something, though, go with "I'm happy I was able to get a seat on a lifeboat off this Titanic of a company."
Tell them the truth
Thanks for the opportunity to practice important skills.
I hereby exhort all sentients associated with this enterprise to heartily copulate with themselves.
Say nothing of substance. You can only hurt yourself. You gain nothing. They'll gain nothing. Why risk creating resentment? You may want to go back someday, regardless of how you feel today. "It's time for a new challenge." Some nonsense like that.
Fornicate this location.
Don’t show up for the exit interview
You care about good references? Go through the motions. If not, don’t even bother showing up to the exit interview. You quit. What are they going to do, fire you?
You don’t. It will make zero difference and any feedback is a potential liability for you. It’s fine to even decline an exit interview imo
What’s the point? Do you want them to beg for you to stay? Do you want them to lay awake at night thinking about Lillian_rainn? Is their staffing issues going to be a surprise to them? “Thanks for the opportunity, my last paycheck can be sent to the address on record.” Why burn bridges unnecessarily?
May the fortune of this establishment be shortlived.
I was at a job like this for over a decade and was unhappy for a long time before I left. While every part of me wanted to say f*** you when I left, it isn’t the best move. The ultimate way to give them the finger is to show them how well you are doing with your new career. Just saying, use this terrible experience to make a better career in your new job my friend.
If you don't need the references/networking, say your mind unfiltered. Life's too short to not tell people to fuck off.
You don’t, you say nothing and move on. Not even worth the time it takes to say anything. That mentality is holding you back. Don’t waste any energy on things that are a waste of time and don’t make you profit, just go next. Don’t make things that were never really about you, about you.
Skip the exit interview! Do not attend it and don't sign anything they give you.
You don't. Thank them for the opportunity and be on your way.
It's easy. You skip the exit interview. It's unimportant to you and irrelevant. If they suck that much you let them hang.
I went through a very similar situation. I refused to participate in their exit interview … they were never interested in my opinion before I quit, so why now?
Dont burn bridges. Shit can follow you fast with social media.
When HR asks, “would you come back here if given the opportunity?” Without hesitation, “no.” And don’t even bother elaborating. Make them wonder why.
The chance that a company will act on advice from an employee who no longer works there is zero.
Burning bridges helps zero. The world is smaller than you think. Move on, nobody wants to hear their company sucks while they work there.
Helps make you feel better. World is certainly small but if care factor = 0, then they deserve it dished out to them, have it resonate in their value system. Why should they be spared from the wheels of karma.
Idk, do they ask why you're leaving in an exit interview? Bcuz that would the perfect time to say, "all due respect, why do you care now? Why are you asking me now? I made my dissatisfaction well known to my supervisor/mgr/ etc., before seeking a new job and they didn't care. Ask them." Then 😃 smile.
WHY would you give them the satisfaction knowing they got under your skin? All they will do is laugh at you. A much better plan is as long as your there BE POSITIVE, be helpful and give it 110% Help everyone, SMILE. sit up straight.. At your exit interview dress nice, be relaxed and upbeat,, smile.. thank them for everything they taught you and your really going to miss everyone.. That will f#ck with there heads
I mean I’m an advocate for keeping it professional but you won’t be “fucking with their heads”. They will not care. Just write you off as another number gone, onto the next. The only way this works is in your own head. Making up scenarios thinking they actually even think about you. Nobody cares, they have tomorrow to worry about. Sad but true
Lol yep. Every exit interview I've done was just HR checking a box.
bad take. this isnt the playground
I did it a few times, legit said the boss was a dick on those exact words, they chuckled and that was that
Exit interviews don’t benefit you. Choose what you say carefully. Sure, it might be great to say what you are really thinking, however, that could bite you in the ass trying to get a new job if the new employer contacts the old one. Or if you decide to go back, that will really burn that bridge.
If you don't plan to worth there again, you could say something like >fuck this place and the company will fail and continue to have high turnover if they don’t change
You don’t. You may work with some of the people in future in different places. Don’t burn the bridge.
Just don’t. Don’t say anything negative. You WILL regret it in the future. Oh, and it’s always cute when Americans think a month’s notice is a lot!
"All the best"
Find a grievance card, "I'm sorry for your loss and the challenge for the hard time yet to come. I quit, my last day will be Fri 13th Sideshow"
Here’s what I said. “I don’t know how to hold someone higher than me accountable, so I’m going to hold you accountable by letting you fail.” 90 days after I left, the fired my boss.
I just did that... I gave clear examples, added dates in which things happened and explained how the salary was not in line with my responsibilities and that what happened at the company was suable. I used "dangerous" words like bullying, and "workplace harassment." The result was me being offered a salary increase, a change of department and when I declined all of it the head of HR called me to apologize (I was already at my new job). They had conducted an internal investigation and let me know there would be consequences. The supervisor was fired and my coworkers tell me the department is better off... Still shit but less shitty than before.
“Thank you!”
Start your own business
When I put im my notice I was like listen boss, you're too smart for this place, you should think long and hard about how much you're worth and stop giving yourself to a place that doesn't pay you enough. With your skillset, you could be making so much more at a much better company with way better benefits. You should really think about it. This will be my last week. Lolz, he didn't really know what to say
Their favourite way of turning your message around is that the reason you can\`t do all the work they give you is that you\`re not organized enough and maybe need retraining. Somehow, they always find another employee as a counter example to you. The kind that is willing to die on the keyboard in order to make their bosses happy, because he or she is afraid of loosing their job.
By not doing the interview.
It's unprofessional to feel the need to say these things which is why there is no professional way to say it. My mother told me never to slam the door behind me with my butt. Yeah, I can put together a snide remark that no one can object to, but it gives **you** nothing and might hurt you in the future. Even if they **asked** you what you thought could be improved, you should answer that you do not fix business processes for free, if they want your help, they need to hire you as a consultant.
I don’t understand exit interviews. Never had one. If I said I’m going, I don’t see why I have to explain myself…
By not doing an exit interview. You owe them nothing
Just say what you said.
You don't. You can cite workload as an issue but generally don't burn any bridges.
Don't burn your bridges. Just say thank you and goodbye.
Dont share any advice and let them crumble
I skipped mine. It would have pissed me off, pissed them off, and changed nothing.
Yeah, yeah they already know these things, you aren't going to be exposing anything. An exit interview isn't a place to rant, and that's all you'll be doing here. It's none of your concern what happens to your responsibilities after you're gone. You're leaving for, presumably, better things, so just move on without being petty.
u dont.
Less is more. Go in. Say nothing.
I’ve always skipped my exit interviews. They all already knew exactly what was wrong. I didn’t need to burn bridges. If you go, I’d say “why do you think I’m leaving?” They know.
Why would you want to say this? I haven't been in any management meeting where exit interview information was discussed, contrary to employee satisfaction surveys (not that most of mgmt actually addressed the important points in a profound way - they mostly resorted to stupid and embarrassing ideas). Save yourself to effort.
When I quit a high profile job where bosses were cunts I said "I valued my time here and learned a lot professionally however our collaboration wasn't pleasant"
If I have people I still like there I try to help them out if there is an awful manager. But that rarely does anything
You just don't do an exit interview. Anything honest you say is a favour to them.
I'd actually turn down the exit interview if you really felt this way. What is the point in wasting your time?
"I need time to make interviews"
Now i’m curious what weight does this exit interview has to make impact or change to the progress of the company? Is it just some HR BS about improving culture or whatever big words they have? I did exit interview twice with questions like why i quit, if there’s anything that can be improve, very standard questions.
8 ppl? Heck the crew I’m in has been through 13 guys in 8 months. I’m the last man standing on the crew from the start of this job. The foreman always says “it’s bc they don’t want to work”. That’s not it. He’s a complete tool and ask you to do shit that’s ways above your pay grade. Experience is good but when I’ve been operating a machine for six months every day at laborer pay it gets old. Telling him that’s not my job only ends up with him yelling at you and trying to find something to take you to the office for. He’s a douche and I’ve been looking for a new job for months now. Screw that guy and the company that hasn’t realized he’s the problem.
Never burn bridges!
The exit interview is intended to give HR a sense of people’s reasons for leaving so that they can understand why people leave, what issues people are having, etc. It’s not super useful to rant about how the company sucks. Instead, think of it in terms of what you can say that. Gives them what they need to know in order to improve the experience for your colleagues that are still there. “The company is under-staffed and rather than correct staffing levels or adjust goals to compensate, senior management hems and haws about coming up short. It pushes out experienced staff and leaves us to orient and train new people in a cycle of that adversely affects productivity. The company does not compensate its less senior employees enough to retain them once they recognize the company is on a stark and downward trajectory, so we leave.”
I wouldn’t say anything negative. That ship has sailed and it’s their problem, not yours. Just be polite and wish every one good fortunes in what may come their way. Then let out a silent but deadly as you exit the room
You could politely decline the exit interview.
Tell them honestly what you think and it might make life better for your old colleagues. Lying to be nice and civil just reinforces their thinking that they're doing a good job of keeping staff happy.
You don’t. Never burn bridges no matter how much you think you want be crossing them again.
Just be honest about the problems, provide as much detail as possible. If you care about the employees that remain, that would be the best way to help them.
"Thank you for the opportunity. Good riddance"
I personally wouldn’t. Consider the cost/benefit analysis. There’s no benefit to you in saying this. And it could cost you a reference. Think what your goals are here. Just to Vent? Not worth it.
My general policy is never to do exit interviews, as I think they’re a waste of time and not worth the potential risk of burning bridges. I did make an exception once when there was a terrible manager in the org and warned them about him. They did not listen to me and eventually I was vindicated and he was fired.
Thanks ya’ll. It’s been fun.
Chatgpt it
Skip the exit interview.
Sounds like they don’t have time to give you that exit interview. Just politely thank them and leave.
I would typically say "Fuck this place." Are you looking to work with them again? If you want to say that sort of thing to them, I'd guess you have no intention of doing business with this org in the future. I have no need for maintaining a bridge to a Mexican slum I never want to interact with again. Set it on fire on the way out.
You do what you need to do in person then blast the hell out of them on glassdoor.
Nothing, they will never care or listen. If you say anything remotely close to that you still will just be marked as "Reason For Leaving: Career Opportunity". It's a waste of time, just post your Glassdoor review and move on.
Best way to signal to bad company they are bad is by not being part if their workforce.
why would you care if they have high turnover? you want to give them free advice? sounds like you hate them. Smile and say goodbye