Exit interviews are a way of gathering feedback from an employee who is ending their employment relationship with the company on their own accord. This may be because the employee is at the end of their fixed term or has decided to leave for whatever reason.
Guidelines for Conducting Exit Interviews
- Start the interview with a friendly discussion and then explain the purpose of the interview - to focus on the workplace issues so that the company can improve.
- The exit interview is not a discussion of the employee's performance, nor is it an opportunity for the employer to defend his/her organization.
- The information provided by the employee should not affect their reference.
- The employee should always be thanked for their contribution to the organization as well as for the information provided in the interview. Wish them the best in their new venture.
Legal Do's and Don'ts
- Exit interviews should always be voluntary.
- If the exiting employee provides evidence of harassment or workplace violence the interviewer is obligated to report this for future investigation.
- Avoid questions prohibited by the Canadian Human Rights Act and/or your provincial equivalent.
Question Ideas by Topic
Below are some example questions that may help guide your interview broken down by topic. Not all of them will be applicable in all situations.
Company
- What are some things we should continue doing as an employer?
- What are some things we should do differently?
- Would you recommend us an employer?
Training, Skills, Technology
- Do you think you were adequately equipped to do your job well?
Management
- What was your relationship with your manager like?
- How could you manager improve their management style?
Job
- Were your job responsibilities characterized correctly during the interview process and orientation?
Human Resources
- Do the policies and procedures of the company help create a well-managed, consistent, and fair workplace in which expectations are clearly defined?
Question Ideas by Scenario
Below are some example questions that may help guide your interview broken down by different scenarios. Not all of them will be applicable in all situations.
Unwanted Turnover of a Valued Employee
- Why have you decided to leave your current job?
- What does your new employer offer that encouraged you to accept their offer?
- What skills and qualifications do you think we need to look for in your replacement?
- What would make you consider working for this company again in the future?
- Can this organization do anything to encourage you to stay?
End of an Employee's Fixed Term
- Would you consider working for this organization again in the future?
- Work anything entice you to return?
- Would you recommend working for this organization to your family and friends?
- Do you know anyone who might be interested in working for us?