Over the past few years, exit interviews have become the norm. Companies want to find out why their employees are leaving so they can improve their culture and retain additional workers.

In order to make these important changes, they first need to spend time discussing the pros and cons of working at the company with their employee. Obviously, as they are on their way out the door, most employees are more willing to provide honest and valuable feedback.

So, how can a medical sales rep nail an exit interview? Here are a few key tips that can help you leave with grace and dignity while also paving the way for change.

What is an Exit Interview?

An exit interview is as it sounds. These are interviews conducted by the company’s HR department when an employee decides to leave for a different job. On their last day of work, the exiting employee is pulled aside by a human resources worker and asked a series of questions. This process is called an exit interview.

Why Do Companies Conduct an Exit Interview?

There are many reasons why a company conducts an exit interview. Some want to find out why the employee is leaving, as well as discover what they can do to prevent future turnover. In addition, there’s often plenty of paperwork that the exiting employee needs to go over with HR, especially if they have unpaid vacation days, qualify for severance pay (even if they are leaving on their own accord) and have health insurance that remains in place until the insurance offered by their new employer starts.

Exit Interview Tips

In order to make it through an exit interview without burning any bridges with your former company, in case you go back to them for a different job someday, there are a number of things you need to do. Here are some tips:

1. Thank the Interviewer for Their Time

First, you need to remain as polite as possible throughout the interview. This means thanking the interviewer for their time at the very beginning of it. After all, the only reason they’re conducting this exit interview is because you’re resigning.

2. State You Have Learned a Great Deal

Even though you might not believe it’s true, you more than likely did learn quite a bit while working for the company. It’s important to say so, as it makes them feel as though you valued working for them.

3. Express Your Gratitude for the Opportunity to Work with Them

Speaking of making it seem like you value your time at the company, make sure to point out that you’re very grateful for the chance they provided you. You want to seem genuine and as though the opportunity was worth every moment.

4. Answer All Their Questions Politely

The person conducting the exit interview will ask you a series of questions. It’s important to answer all of them politely. Some examples of what you might be asked include:

• What was the toughest thing about working for this company?
• Is there anything that your manager could have done differently?
• What do you believe we could do in order to improve as a business?

5. Only Highlight Positive Things

Even if you had issues with your job duties, managers and more, you probably had some positive things happen during your employment. Make sure to mention them during your exit interview.

6. Provide Facts About Leaving

As part of the interview, you’ll be asked why you chose to resign from the company. Provide them with a few facts such as you want the chance to expand your horizons, your new employer is closer to home or whatever reasons you have for leaving. Be honest, but gentle. You don’t want to point out everything that’s wrong with the company.

7. Offer to Provide Assistance During the Transition Period

Although some exit interviews are conducted on the last day of employment, they might be done right after you put in your two weeks’ notice. If this is the case, then offer to help the company during the transition period while someone else learns to take over your duties.

8. Request Feedback on What Could Have Been Done Differently

Your exit interview is a good place to receive feedback from your employer on where your own faults lie. They will most likely have already received feedback from your manager, so be open to whatever insight they can provide to help you grow for your future endeavors.

9. Say Goodbye and Thank Them Again

Finally, at the end of the interview, thank the interviewer one final time and then say goodbye as you walk out of the room.

Conclusion

Exit interviews occur when employees choose to resign from their current jobs and take on a new position with a different company. In order to find out why you’re leaving, as well as gain some feedback on what could have been done differently, it’s important that companies conduct these interviews. So, always be open, honest, sincere, and gentle as you provide insight into why you are choosing to leave. Remember, always leave the door open for your return. You never know what the future holds.