Exit Interview- How honest should you be?

eamor

Hi all,
Just looking for some guidance on this. I am leaving my role in a couple of weeks. (Middle management). I am leaving because I am burned out. I've been here just under 2 years, and it has been crazy. Without going into to much detail, we are severely under resourced and our director is frankly, not interested. I have raised concerns officially and unofficially, but nothing changes. So its time to move on.
I now have to do an exit interview with someone who doesn't like my director and has her own agenda.... I want to be honest, but the industry I'm in, is small and there is a very real possibly that I may end up working for/with these people again.
I have spoken privately to the CEO who is aware of my reasons, and has said the door is always open for a return (reporting to a different director). Its not a personal thing- I actually get on with him quite well when we are not 'working'.... but I'm unsure how to play this......
Thoughts??

Nody

You already raised your concerns and spoken with the CEO; you play it politically and don't throw anyone under a bus but simply got a better offer / less commute / higher salary and don't see anything major to improve etc.

ElleEm

I agree. Steer clear of naming people but do mention the lack of resources and supports from 'management'.

Tom Dunne

I'm abroad and when I handed in my notice I really wanted to tell them like it is, especially since I would most likely never be back.

But after some sagely advice, I decided against it. I spoke in broad, generic terms and left it at that. In the end, I'm glad I didn't say much as they left the door open for me to come back at any stage in the future on the same salary and conditions.

I think this is especially pertinent in Ireland - it's a small country and in your case, it's a small industry, so while it might feel good at the time, it will come back to bite you at some stage.

Heart Break Kid

I now have to do an exit interview with someone who doesn't like my director and has her own agenda.

You don't have obligation to do an exit interview, it doesn't benefit you in any way. Also considering you've spoken to your CEO, there's no need to elaborate on why you're leaving any more.

Just say your unfortunately not able to attend.

Best of luck

eamor

Thanks Folks, I think taking the long view is probably the best, as being to bitter about it just leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth.I have a good relationship with others within the company and that's really what I'd like to take with me.
thanks again

galljga1

An exit interview is not necessarily going to involve the reasons for you leaving. It may simply be a checklist to ensure you have handed back phone, laptop, car keys, desk keys etc, all access to building, IT systems revoked etc.
If you do get the opportunity to vent, please remember how small this working world actually is. A guy I worked with went to town on a number of people before he left a particular job. Two years later his new employer merged with his old and he ended up back with his old beloved colleagues.

eamor

galljga1 wrote: »

An exit interview is not necessarily going to involve the reasons for you leaving. It may simply be a checklist to ensure you have handed back phone, laptop, car keys, desk keys etc, all access to building, IT systems revoked etc.
If you do get the opportunity to vent, please remember how small this working world actually is. A guy I worked with went to town on a number of people before he left a particular job. Two years later his new employer merged with his old and he ended up back with his old beloved colleagues.

Hi Galljga1, thanks for the reply- thats exactly what I think may end up happening. I will bite my tongue

weisses

Its all a bit strange in general

You cannot be honest if you want a job and you cannot be honest if you leave a job.

screamer

weisses wrote: »

Its all a bit strange in general

You cannot be honest if you want a job and you cannot be honest if you leave a job.

Nope and especially not if you need a reference at a later date....... an exit interview will change nothing. Rot in a big organisation starts at the top and often the big boys surround themselves with people who tell them what they want to hear so they are oblivious to how crap they are. Bite your tongue move on and breathe a sigh of relief to be out of there.

Irish_Elect_Eng

weisses wrote: »

Its all a bit strange in general

You cannot be honest if you want a job and you cannot be honest if you leave a job.

There is a big difference between being honest and venting/ranting.

As other have said on leaving a company you do not owe them a post-mortem on your reason for leaving. You simply answer honestly that you are moving on to a new role.

That being said, my current employer uses an anonymous on-line service to gather feedback from departing employees in case there is a genuine issue that needs to be addressed. The service removes all identifying information from the feedback. But even with the shield of being anonymous, the feedback is very simple and to the point. departing for opportunity elsewhere, more money, leaving the country, becoming a country and western singer in Nashville....

bbbbb

The approach I take is that I've left the company, if there are issues I've nothing to gain by raising any issues or highlighting ways they can improve etc. No matter how well it way be received.
I.e. Be totally positive.