Leaving? Here's how to make your exit interview count

Leaving a job can be a bittersweet experience, whether you're moving on to a new opportunity, taking a break, or retiring. One thing that often gets overlooked, is the opportunity you have to share your thoughts and feedback through an exit interview.

While it might feel like just another checkbox on your way out the door, an exit interview can actually be a valuable moment to leave behind constructive feedback that ensures your voice is heard. Your experience can make a big difference in improving the workplace for those who remain.

Here’s how to approach the exit interview in a way that benefits both you and the company:

1. Be honest, but professional

This is your chance to be open about your reasons for leaving—whether they’re positive or negative. Whether you're leaving because you’ve outgrown the role, you're looking for better opportunities, or you had a frustrating experience, your feedback matters. Being honest helps the company learn and grow, but it’s important to keep things professional. There’s no need to vent or burn bridges. Keep your feedback constructive, and if there are issues, suggest ways things could have been different.

2. Share what you loved (and what could’ve been better)

Don’t just focus on the negatives. This is also a time to talk about the things you truly enjoyed during your time at the company. Maybe you had great coworkers, enjoyed your team, or appreciated the flexibility in your role. Positive feedback is just as valuable as constructive criticism—it helps the company understand what they’re doing right.

That said, this is also your chance to bring up any challenges you faced. Maybe the workload was overwhelming, there were communication gaps, or the work culture didn’t align with your values. Be honest about these things to help the company improve.

3. Use the opportunity for career feedback

An exit interview is not only about the company but also a chance for you to reflect on your personal career development. You can share what helped you grow in your role, where you felt you were held back, or what additional training or support could’ve made a difference. This feedback can help future employees get the support they need to succeed.

4. Think about the bigger picture

While the exit interview is about you and your experience, it’s also about the future of the company. If you have ideas on how to improve things—whether it’s about the team structure, leadership, or policies—speak up! The company might be unaware of certain issues, and your feedback could be the catalyst for positive change.

5. Leave on a positive note

Finally, no matter the reason you’re leaving, try to maintain a positive tone throughout the interview. This doesn’t mean ignoring any real issues, but a polite, professional attitude goes a long way. Remember that you may cross paths with your former colleagues and managers in the future, and leaving on good terms ensures you have a network of people to rely on down the road.