Definition
Exit interview — An exit interview is a conversation held with an employee who is leaving a company, usually conducted by HR near their last day, to learn why they're departing. Because the employee has already decided to go, they're often more candid than they would have been while still weighing whether to stay, which is part of why the format exists.
Companies use exit interviews to spot patterns behind turnover: a manager who consistently drives people out, a compensation gap against the market, or a role that was misrepresented during hiring. A single exit interview rarely changes much, but a pattern across many of them can prompt real action.
The format is reactive by design, capturing feedback only after someone has already chosen to leave, which is the main thing that distinguishes it from a stay interview.
Frequently asked questions
Are exit interviews mandatory?
No, they're voluntary in most companies, though many encourage participation to gather candid feedback. An employee can decline or choose to keep their answers general rather than specific.
What questions come up in an exit interview?
Common questions include the real reason for leaving, how the employee felt about their manager and team, whether their compensation felt fair, and what, if anything, would have kept them. Some companies also ask what the new employer is offering that theirs wasn't.
How candid should you be in an exit interview?
Candid but professional is the general guidance. Since references and industry reputation often outlast a specific job, most advice favors constructive, specific feedback over venting, even when the departure wasn't a happy one.
Practice explaining a career move clearly
If you're heading into new interviews after leaving a role, an Intervieux AI interview is a low-stakes way to rehearse how you talk about the transition.