List of questions to ask at an exit interview
- Clearly set out
- Helps you to identify any HR problems
- A comprehensive list of questions
This document provides a comprehensive list of questions that you could consider asking at an exit interview. An exit interview is an interview carried out by an employer with a member of staff who is leaving their business.
There’s no legal requirement to conduct an exit interview, but they can provide you with helpful insight into underlying issues within your organisation. For example, they can provide an indication of staff dissatisfaction, which may enable you to take steps to prevent further departures and to improve the working environment for the rest of your staff.
Q&A
When should I use this document?
You should consider using this document whenever a staff member is leaving your organisation and you are conducting an exit interview. It will help to focus the questions that you ask during the interview to ensure that you address important issues and identify any potential problems.
You’re under no obligation to carry out exit interviews when your staff leave, but it can be a helpful exercise for your business.
What does this document cover?
This document contains a list of key questions you could consider asking a member of staff during their exit interview. While not all questions will be appropriate for every staff member, they cover issues such as:
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their reason(s) for leaving;
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the best and worst aspects of their role and the business;
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their interactions with colleagues and management, including lines of communication and support; and
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whether the role and opportunities it offered met their expectations.
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Why do I need this document?
When you are carrying out an exit interview, it’s best practice to have a list of questions that will ensure you draw out any important issues within your organisation. Using this list of questions will help you to have a frank discussion with your departing staff member in order to identify key areas for concern or improvement. This will help you take early action to address any problems and keep a sense of stability within your workforce.
Where can I find out more?
To find out more about exit interviews, and other steps you should take when a staff member is leaving, see our Q&A on Practical steps to take when a staff member leaves.
You may also find our Checklist for departing staff helpful; it will help to ensure you don't miss any important steps when a staff member is leaving.
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