How honest should I be in my exit interview?

[craigster59]

Firing them on the Monday before Christmas. Sounds like a great organization. Fuch 'em, move on without a word.

[2porscheguy]

^^^Yes! Rick in this case just STFU, call in "sick" and move on....

[Rick Lee]

I won't get paid if I skip tomorrow, even though I have two days left. So I need to come in. I wish I had known all this before agreeing to the interview, but feel like it's the only chance ANYONE in this org. is going to have to hear some honesty. So I'll try to keep it succinct, professional, honest, calm and make mention of how disappointed I am that co-workers and friends were canned the week of Xmas. Who wouldn't say that? This company will be shredded on Glassdoor before I even get around to posting there.

[Laneco]

Rick,

Normally, I agree to exit interviews and provide honest feedback. I am professional, kind to those who deserve it, and factual. I ten to maintain relationships even after leaving and in the long run, has always proved useful to me. Under the circumstances you mention above, I would feign uncontrollable diarrhea before I would do an exit interview with these people.

That said, if you do the interview and conduct yourself like a professional, I would bet they wind up offering you a promotion.

angela

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by Aragorn

I would be honest to a point but don't burn any bridges. Take your emotion and feelings out of what you say in your exit interview. From what I remember you work in sales so use your skills to say what needs to be said without leaving a Shermanesque trail in your wake.

They seem to like you so I would try and leave on good terms.

Never ever burn a bridge. It's a very small world and you never know who/when your paths cross. Keep the emotion /rant out of it too.

Very good post Aragorn!

[Rick Lee]

My boss, who's home now and I am sure is just burning up vacation before he quits, just texted me to be brutally honest in the exit interview. I'll be a little more diplomatic. Honestly, the only folks here I'll ever need to stay on good terms with are my boss and his boss, both of whom are good buddies and feel equally shafted by this company.

[nostatic]

Still don't see an upside other than making you feeling better for venting. Zero upside, and you don't know who has what deal or alliance. My advice stands, politely decline to do the exit interview. It will not help your position our change the company one iota. Ymmv

[911boost]

I am going to agree with Todd on this one, I have a hard time seeing the upside to answering the questions with anything other than yes or no.

Of course they want you to "light them up" but what good will it do, your co workers are hoping you will the dirty work for them.

You got a new job that is a better opportunity for you personally. Thank you for the employment.

That is all you need to say.

Bill

[Rick Lee]

Ok, so why the hell do they want an exit interview? Do they want me to just reaffirm their BS so they can continue, confident that even one of the smart ones was fooled? What's the purpose of this unless the HR lady just doesn't know any better and hasn't told her boss yet?

[aigel]

Exit interviews are standard HR fare, they may just have noticed that they should be doing these. Coincidence!

I am with Nostatic - no upside - but I'd go further than declining. Attend and keep it nice / general. It is a formality, you are really over-analyzing this one. This is another "Cactus in the Driveway".

It is actually cowardly to try to change the company on your way out. Do it while you are in the trenches and you may see it bear fruit. On your way out, it makes zero sense.

G

[Icemaster]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Ok, so why the hell do they want an exit interview? Do they want me to just reaffirm their BS so they can continue, confident that even one of the smart ones was fooled? What's the purpose of this unless the HR lady just doesn't know any better and hasn't told her boss yet?

They're fishing. Hoping they can get some insight on something. Maybe who they can expect to talk to competition, customers, or pursue legal action (if applicable).

Todd's right. Nothing good will come of it, there's no upside.

[pavulon]

Answer the questions you can and decline those that would require you to compromise your integrity or future. Remember, you quit for a reason.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by Icemaster

They're fishing. Hoping they can get some insight on something. Maybe who they can expect to talk to competition, customers, or pursue legal action (if applicable).

Exactly. Your best bet is to let them ask all the questions, and for you to answer in the most general terms you can, or just decline to answer. Offer up nothing new or incendiary. Eventually, they'll run out of stuff to ask; then they'll ask if you have anything to add.

You will have nothing more to add. This is not the time for you to offer up honesty.

Meeting adjourned.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

They might appreciate and honest assessment of the reasons everyone is quitting. Nothing personal or vindictive, just honest and businesslike.

This but be objective and leave any emotion out of it.

Or say nothing. Answer their questions vaguely and just leave it at that. Maybe you don't want to help them after the way they've treated you.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Ok, so why the hell do they want an exit interview? Do they want me to just reaffirm their BS so they can continue, confident that even one of the smart ones was fooled? What's the purpose of this unless the HR lady just doesn't know any better and hasn't told her boss yet?

Maybe HR are ducking for cover so they're doing it by the book.

Whatever the reason it really doesn't concern you anymore. Just look forward and get a new job ASAP.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Just look forward and get a new job ASAP.

I got a new job, which is why I quit this one. Our own Joeaksa hooked me up.

[patz]

RUN DON'T Walk. Exit and never say a word.

[Rick Lee]

Wouldn't refusing or canceling an exit interview make me look worse to them than telling them some truth?

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Ok, so why the hell do they want an exit interview? Do they want me to just reaffirm their BS so they can continue, confident that even one of the smart ones was fooled? What's the purpose of this unless the HR lady just doesn't know any better and hasn't told her boss yet?

You need to ask that question. What is it that makes your opinion so valuable to them ? It is relatively easy to say what the company needs to excel, and what the employees need to thrive. The company simply needs more of certain things.

You don't have to quantify what is wrong at all, and you could just make it as simple as you got a better offer, you appreciate the opportunity they gave you, and this is what you feel you did for them. I myself would stick to this.

You have no idea what they really want, or what they will try to do with it, so keep it simple. And consider that where you are going is really none of their business. Do not mention it in any regard. You already know you can't trust them.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by 911SauCy

Airplanes fly over burnt bridges

Yes, but the ashes from smoking volcanos destroy jet engines. Best not to pass too close.