The Employees’ Guide to Exit Interviews: How to Prepare, What to Ask & More

You’ve handed in your notice and are looking forward to your next role. But first, there’s one final meeting: the exit interview.

While it might seem like just another HR formality, this conversation is a valuable opportunity. It allows you to provide constructive feedback, maintain a positive professional network, and leave your job on the best possible terms.

This guide will walk you through how to prepare, what questions to expect, and the dos and don’ts for a successful exit interview.

What Is an Exit Interview?

An exit interview is a conversation between a departing employee and a representative from the company, usually someone from HR. The goal is to gather honest feedback about your experience working there.

This isn’t a time for venting, but rather a chance to offer insights that can help the company improve. According to iHire’s 2025 Talent Retention Report, 68.1% of employers conduct these interviews.

Navigating this meeting requires a thoughtful approach. Knowing what to say in an exit interview can make the difference between leaving on a high note and burning a bridge.

Preparing for Your Exit Interview

Preparation is key to a productive exit interview. Walking in without having thought about your feedback can lead to vague or unhelpful comments. Take some time beforehand to reflect on your entire tenure with the company, from your first day to your last.

Think about the highs and lows. What projects were you proud of? When did you feel most engaged? Conversely, what challenges did you face? Were there processes that hindered your productivity or aspects of the company culture that you found difficult?

It’s also helpful to anticipate the types of questions you’ll be asked. Most exit interviews cover topics like your reasons for leaving, your satisfaction with your role, management, and company culture. Jot down some bullet points for each area. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure you provide clear, constructive feedback during the meeting.

Remember, the goal is to be helpful and professional, not to settle scores.

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Key Questions to Answer Honestly and Constructively

During your exit interview, you’ll likely be asked a range of questions about your experience. Your answers can provide your employer with valuable insights. Here are some common exit interview questions and how to approach them.

What is your primary reason for leaving?

Be honest, but diplomatic. Instead of saying “I can’t stand my boss,” you could frame it as a search for a different leadership style. If you found a role with better career growth, say so. For example, “I’m seeking a role with more opportunities for advancement and professional development.” According to iHire’s report, a lack of growth opportunities was a key reason people quit their jobs in 2025.

What did you like most about your job?

Highlight specific aspects you enjoyed. This could be the collaborative team environment, the challenging projects, or the opportunity to develop a particular skill. Positive feedback is just as important as constructive feedback.

What did you like least about your job?

Focus on processes or systemic issues rather than individuals. For instance, instead of complaining about a coworker, you could say, “I found that cross-departmental communication could be improved to make projects run more smoothly.”

Would you recommend this company as a place to work?

Your answer to this question gives the employer a clear signal about employee satisfaction. If your answer is no, be prepared to explain why in a constructive way. You could say, “I would recommend it to someone who thrives in a very fast-paced environment, but I think improvements in work-life balance would make it a more attractive workplace for a wider range of people.”

Questions to Ask Your Employer

An exit interview isn’t a one-way street. You also have the opportunity to ask questions that can provide closure and clarify final arrangements. Asking thoughtful questions shows you are still engaged and value a professional end to your employment.

Consider asking these questions if they haven’t yet been addressed:

• Could you provide details about my final paycheck?
• When can I expect my final pay, and how will it be delivered?
• What is the process for my 401(k) and any unused paid time off?
• How will the return of company property (laptop, phone, etc.) be handled?
• Whom should I contact if I have questions after my last day?

Asking these questions ensures there are no loose ends. It also reinforces your image as a responsible and organized professional.

Dos and Don’ts of Exit Interviews

Navigating your exit interview gracefully is important for leaving on good terms. Here’s a quick guide on what to do and what to avoid.

Do:

• Be professional and courteous: Maintain a respectful tone throughout the interview.
• Provide specific examples: Back up your feedback with concrete situations to make it more impactful.
• Focus on the future: Frame your feedback in a way that helps the company improve.
• Show gratitude: Thank them for the opportunity and mention positive experiences.

Don’t:

• Burn bridges: Avoid personal attacks or overly emotional criticism. The professional world can be small.
• Be vague: Generic comments like “things could be better” aren’t helpful. Offer specific suggestions.
• Gossip: Don’t complain about specific colleagues. Focus on broader issues.
• Feel pressured to answer: While many companies conduct them, are exit interviews mandatory? No, you don’t have to do them. You can decline to participate or choose not to answer a specific question if you’re uncomfortable.

Leave With Professionalism and Grace

Your exit interview is the final chapter of your time with a company. Treating it with the same professionalism you brought to your role is the best way to close that chapter.

By preparing thoughtful feedback and maintaining a constructive tone, you can provide your employer with valuable insights and leave with your professional reputation intact. This approach ensures you maintain positive relationships that could benefit you in the future.

Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Explore the iHire Job Seeker Resource Center for more expert advice on navigating your career path and finding your next great opportunity.