Are Exit Interviews a Waste of Time?

Exit interviews are important for gathering feedback about an employee's tenure at a company. Workers may consider them a waste of time, but HR personnel and managers use exit interviews as an opportunity to get honest responses from employees who are about to leave the firm. If you must sit through one of these interviews, know that your time and information is valuable to the company.

One survey of 300 HR managers at American firms with 20 or more employees reveals 60 percent of employers that utilize exit interviews take some kind of action based on an employee's response to an interview question. Therefore, you have power to change things about a company's culture, hiring practices, pay scale or job descriptions before leaving. You might even help your former employer find the perfect successor because of something you said during your interview.

Up to 29 percent of the HR managers surveyed said they update job descriptions after receiving feedback from an employee who's leaving the company. As many as 24 percent of firms address any issues with management brought up during exit interviews. Around 22 percent of firms make changes to the work environment, and 19 percent perform reviews of employee salaries. If you think your words fall on deaf ears, you are mistaken.

Employers want honest feedback during exit interviews. You have nothing to lose by giving your honest opinion, especially if you already have another job lined up. Current employees may be afraid to speak up for fear of losing their jobs, giving you the opportunity to help improve work practices for your former colleagues.

Following some practical tips can make these interviews run more smoothly. It's important to stay positive. Offer to help train your replacement if one comes on board before you leave. If any of the questions are awkward or make you uncomfortable, respectfully decline to answer them. Neither side should get defensive about the reasons you give for leaving or any dislikes you express about the company. Remain professional, and avoid bringing up negative situations.

One way to reduce any snafus is to plan exit interviews in advance. If possible, plan for the interview to occur in a private office with a representative from human resources present. Consider preparing for the interview ahead of time by researching common exit interview questions. Before leaving, thank the employer for giving you the opportunity to work for the company.

Exit interviews may bring up bittersweet emotions, especially if your employer does not want to lose a good worker. However, it's important to do what's right for your career and family, so maintain a professional attitude throughout the entire exit interview process so you can leave behind a positive impression.

Photo courtesy of Abi Skipp at Flickr.com