Get More from Exit Interviews

As a leading Houston recruiting firm and staffing agency, Murray Resources knows that no one likes to conduct exit interviews. After all, who wants a valuable employee to leave?

That said, when you conduct effective ones, you can actually garner information that will help your company in the long run. So rather than looking at an exit interview like something to check off your “to do” list, instead approach it like an opportunity to learn.

To help you, here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

Always conduct them.

Exit interviews should be standard operating procedure at your company. Employees will know to expect them and won’t think you’re trying to interrogate them when you ask to schedule the meeting.

Don’t schedule the interview right after the employee resigns; give both parties some time to prep. But do conduct an interview a few days before the employee’s last day. If you conduct it on their last day, they might not be as focused since they’re trying to tie up a multitude of loose ends.

Have a manager from a different department conduct the interview.

One of the primary reasons people leave their jobs is because they are having issues with their direct managers. If that manager conducts the interview, the employee will hold back their honest opinion as a result.

Instead, have someone who isn’t directly connected with the employee conduct the interview. That way, the employee will feel more comfortable about being open and honest about their experience at the company.

Ask good questions.

Just like any interview, you shouldn’t walk into an exit interview with plans to simply wing it. You need to ask pointed questions in order to garner valuable information.

For instance, ask the employee about why they wanted to work at your company in the first place and why they changed their minds about staying. Also, ask about their new opportunity, how they heard about, what they will be doing, and what they are most excited about at their new employer. These kinds of questions will give you some additional insight as to why they’re leaving.

Leverage the intel.

Don’t just let the feedback the employee gives you languish. Instead, put it to use by addressing the issues and concerns they brought up. If you don’t, then conducting exit interviews at all is simply a waste of time.

About Murray Resource

Founded in 1988, Murray Resources is a leading Houston recruiting firm and staffing agency. When you need help hiring – whether for contract, temporary, direct-to-hire, or full-time positions – give us a call. We can help.