Exit Interview

Keep talking to a minimum and let the departing employee do most of it. Press gently for specific examples where you can — specifics are what actually improve retention.

Before You Start

Interview Details

Employee Name

Department

Position / Title

Manager

Interview Date

Length of Employment

Interview Type — this shows the right follow-up questions further down

The Core

Decision to Leave

Ask in every exit interview.

Why did you start looking for a different job?

What made you decide to leave?

Was there a specific moment, event, or change that influenced your decision?

Did you discuss your concerns with anyone before deciding to leave?

Before deciding to leave, did you investigate a transfer within the organization?

What could the organization have done to encourage you to stay?

Primary reason(s) for leaving — select all that apply

My decision to leave could possibly have been prevented.

Day to Day

Role, Responsibilities & Resources

Was the job here what you expected, based on the job description and hiring process?

Did you think your work goals and responsibilities were clear?

Did you feel you had all the resources, tools, and support you needed to do your best work?

5 = Strongly Agree · 4 = Agree · 3 = Can't Decide · 2 = Disagree · 1 = Strongly Disagree · N/A = Does Not Apply

Leadership

Manager & Team

How did you get along with your manager? Were you able to freely discuss issues with them?

What could your manager have done differently to make your job better?

Were there any morale issues that you were aware of?

Did you feel your ideas were valued, and that you were appreciated?

5 = Strongly Agree · 4 = Agree · 3 = Can't Decide · 2 = Disagree · 1 = Strongly Disagree · N/A = Does Not Apply

Fairness

Compensation & Workload

Were you satisfied with your pay, benefits, and other incentives?

Was the workload distributed fairly between you and other employees?

Compared to other organizations in the marketplace — 5 = Strongly Agree ... 1 = Strongly Disagree · N/A

Environment

Culture & Work Environment

How would you describe the culture of our company?

What benefits or programs did you feel were missing from the organization?

5 = Strongly Agree · 4 = Agree · 3 = Can't Decide · 2 = Disagree · 1 = Strongly Disagree · N/A

Development

Growth & Development

Did this organization help you fulfill your career goals?

What additional training, skills, qualifications, or resources should future employees have for your role?

5 = Strongly Agree · 4 = Agree · 3 = Can't Decide · 2 = Disagree · 1 = Strongly Disagree · N/A

In Their Own Words

Employee Experience

Describe your best day on the job.

Describe your worst day on the job.

What did you appreciate most about working here?

What did you like the least?

Overall

The Organization I'm Leaving

5 = Strongly Agree · 4 = Agree · 3 = Can't Decide · 2 = Disagree · 1 = Strongly Disagree · N/A

—

average rating across all sections

Fill in the rating questions above to see an overall score.

A Few Direct Ones

Quick Questions

Did you have the tools, support, and work environment you felt were necessary to do great work?

Would you recommend our organization to friends, family, or business associates?

Would you ever consider working for us again?

Depending On Who's Leaving

Role-Specific Follow-Up

Set the "Interview Type" above to show the right set of questions here.

Looking Ahead

Closing Questions

What are the biggest risks for our company that you see?

What advice would you give to your team? To the executive team?

What would make this a better place to work?

Any tips to help us find your replacement?

Is there anything else you would like to discuss before you leave?

What advice would you give us on how to improve the offboarding process?

Exit Interview

For a manager exiting a team

For an intern / fixed-term placement

For a terminated employee