The office manager holds onto a resume while speaking with the new intern they are considering.
You are so, so, so close to the end. You’ve left your job and you’re onto bigger and better things. But remember – you want to make a good impression the whole way through. So you need to get past your job’s one final challenge: the exit interview. Here are five things not to say.
“I hated working here.”
This might be 100% true, but that’s besides the point. Expressing outright hatred or severe negativity about your time at the company serves no constructive purpose and can leave a lasting negative impression. Instead, if your experience was less than favorable, focus on offering constructive feedback. This is your chance to tell them how to fix all their problems! Which might be what you wanted all along.
“My new job is so much better.”
Again, also very possibly true, still not good to say. While you may be excited about your new opportunity, boasting about it can be seen as tactless. Your goal in an exit interview should be to maintain professionalism and respect towards your current employer. Instead of comparisons, you can express gratitude for the opportunities you had and how they have prepared you for the next step in your career.
“No one knows what they’re doing.”
Broad generalizations about the incompetence of your colleagues can come off as bitter. Also, the person you’re talking to works at the company, so they might be personally offended. If you observed issues with processes or leadership, detail these concerns with specific examples and suggestions for improvement. Or don’t – it’s okay to keep the exit interview short. But don’t use it to criticize the whole org.
“It’s not my problem anymore.”
Even if you are leaving, showing that you care about how the company fares after your departure is just plain nice. You might discuss how you have prepared your team for the transition and your hopes for their future success. And since it’s truly not your problem anymore, there’s no need to be bitter about it.
“I can’t wait to leave.”
That’s sort of implied by the fact that you quit, so no need to burn an extra bridge. Even if this is true, openly expressing eagerness to leave can sour your final days and affect your professional reputation. It’s more beneficial to focus on the positive aspects of moving forward. Or, again, say nothing. Wish your colleagues the best and skeddadle!
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