Exit Interviews

[Concordia]

So-- I'm having an exit interview on Friday, and there is a written questionnaire to fill in first. Stuff like "did we get the most out of you," and "was there anything we could have done to keep you."

Given that the whole point of this is to be professional and hassle-free, are there often any special land mines in this form? Do you end up surrendering meaningful rights by being too nice?

For context, departure is mutually agreeable, if only because (a) I quit when I did, which has improved the tone from management, and (b) I've stopped obsessing about some of the craziness in upper management, which is doing wonders for my mood.

 

[DNW]

Don't burn bridges. You never know when you'll need them.

 

[Piobaire]

Never forget the toes you step on on the way up, might belong to the ass you have to kiss on the way down. And if you have any litigation in mind, yes, refuse to fill that form out in its entirety.

 

[JustinW]

When I was in Australia, I had a disgruntled staff member insist upon their "right" to an exit interview - it was really just an excuse to ***** about their coworkers. It got filled in that person's file, thereby killing any chance of a really good reference that they might have got otherwise.

If management are serious about it, they can be a useful tool. However, I don't think there is much for the departing employee to gain, personally, by participating (and at least some limited risk). If you do agree, be sure to request to see a transcript or copy of whatever is filed and sign off on it. Otherwise, I'd just decline politely, shake the HR person's hand and thank them for the offer and wish them all the best.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by JustinW

I had a disgruntled staff member insist upon their "right" to an exit interview - it was really just an excuse to ***** about their coworkers. It got filled in that person's file, thereby killing any chance of a really good reference that they might have got otherwise.

If management are serious about it, they can be a useful tool. However, I don't think there is much for the departing employee to gain, personally, by participating (and at least some limited risk). If you do agree, be sure to request to see a transcript or copy of whatever is filed and sign off on it. Otherwise, I'd just decline politely, shake the HR person's hand and thank them for the offer and wish them all the best.

You give a reference that consists of more that dates of service? Crazy man. Just asking to get sued.

 

[Concordia]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

Never forget the toes you step on on the way up, might belong to the ass you have to kiss on the way down. And if you have any litigation in mind, yes, refuse to fill that form out in its entirety.
Luckily, although I'm disappointed at the way the direction the company is going (mostly due to continued expansion), there are only a handful of people I'm somewhat pissed at. In any case, I can't imagine litigating. Much to lose, and I don't really know what of value they could give me.

Originally Posted by JustinW

Otherwise, I'd just decline politely, shake the HR person's hand and thank them for the offer and wish them all the best.

Isn't that in itself a red flag, or does it get forgotten after the event? I am trying to stay on friendly terms with one and all here.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

Don't burn bridges. You never know when you'll need them.
+1

 

[Tardek]

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

Don't burn bridges. You never know when you'll need them.

Sadly, this is correct. There are people I am itching to blast when I leave my current job in six months, but I'll wait until I'm in my fifties and doing my "this is your life" interview. Everyone you badmouth knows people, and they'll be quick to stick that knife in your back if you do it to them first.

Originally Posted by Piobaire

You give a reference that consists of more that dates of service? Crazy man. Just asking to get sued.

+1

 

[dragon8]

They are used to see if they would rehire you in the future. Had one done as an intern at a brokerage house and although they are no longer around they did offer me a job when I applied.

 

[ArliHawk`]

If you might want to work at the same place in a different capacity, be gentle. That being said, I had one where I not only burned the bridges, I torched it.

If the organization is smart, they will only reference dates of service.

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

You give a reference that consists of more that dates of service? Crazy man. Just asking to get sued.

For what it's worth, I have always given fairly fulsome references and have never been sued (despite working in a field where people obviously are fairly familiar with potential causes of action and are likely to know a lot of attorneys). I think the risk is greatly exaggerated. Is there, on the margin, some increased risk? Sure, theoretically. But not a large enough one that I'm going to refrain from extending to people the same good faith and courtesy I hope they would extend to me.

 

[countdemoney]

Definitely leave on a positive note.

Only offer suggestions/comments/responses that are bland or positive. You're leaving and kindness costs you nothing.

I have standing invites to return from two prior firms because I followed that advice. Not my desire to go back, but business is strange and things change.

 

[GQgeek]

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

For what it's worth, I have always given fairly fulsome references and have never been sued (despite working in a field where people obviously are fairly familiar with potential causes of action and are likely to know a lot of attorneys). I think the risk is greatly exaggerated. Is there, on the margin, some increased risk? Sure, theoretically. But not a large enough one that I'm going to refrain from extending to people the same good faith and courtesy I hope they would extend to me.

I was talking to my friend about this. She's looking for a job, but her company won't give references. They will only confirm employment. Ironically they expect other companies to provide them with references on potential hires. Doesn't make any sense to me.

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by GQgeek

I was talking to my friend about this. She's looking for a job, but her company won't give references. They will only confirm employment. Ironically they expect other companies to provide them with references on potential hires. Doesn't make any sense to me.

Yes, that sucks. Does your friend have any former supervisors/colleagues who might agree to be called directly as a reference? Often the official "we only confirm dates of employment" policy is a creation of hacks in HR or those schmucks in Legal. Many people are willing to ignore this policy when personally asked, especially when it's for someone they know well and like. (In other words, I think people are less concerned about potential litigation when giving a positive reference for someone they trust than when then they're asked about someone about whom they can't give a fully positive recommendation.)

 

[GQgeek]

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

Yes, that sucks. Does your friend have any former supervisors/colleagues who might agree to be called directly as a reference? Often the official "we only confirm dates of employment" policy is a creation of hacks in HR or those schmucks in Legal. Many people are willing to ignore this policy when personally asked, especially when it's for someone they know well and like. (In other words, I think people are less concerned about potential litigation when giving a positive reference for someone they trust than when then they're asked about someone about whom they can't give a fully positive recommendation.)

Yes, that is what she is going to do. Layoffs started to hit Toronto in January, though, so I think her job search is on hold. Don't mean to hijack the thread, but how do people generally handle references when their employer doesn't know they are looking for a new job?