Exit Interview? Here’s How to Prepare
Many organizations conduct exit interviews when an employee leaves the firm. While you cannot typically be required to participate in an exit interview, doing so is a strong gesture of goodwill. It also offers you a final opportunity to raise concerns and point the organization in the right direction.
Here’s how to prepare for an exit interview:
Reduce your stress.
Exit interviews don’t need to be stress-inducing. Instead, think of the interview as an opportunity to end on a professional note and offer the benefit of your experience to the law firm or legal department you’re leaving. Think of the interview as your employer’s attempt to get better at being an employer, not an attempt to shame or belittle you for moving on.
Understand the employer’s perspective.
Employers use exit interviews to help them spot ways they can improve employee retention – a major concern for any manager or executive. Questions like “Why are you leaving?” are aimed at determining what made you seek a new job, so the organization can address them.
It’s not unusual to feel frustrated by this approach. Why are they asking now, instead of when they might have solved the problem? It’s best not to let this frustration show, however. Instead, focus on preparing an answer that discusses the facts of what happened and why they led to your decision.
Practice honesty.
Another common question in exit interviews is “Were you adequately equipped to do your job well?”
If the answer to this question is “no” in any way (poor training, hard-to-use technology, lack of communication or any other reason), don’t hide it. But do practice walking the fine line between explaining the problem and complaining about it. Your goal is to leave looking like a professional, which means it’s important not to burn bridges.
Seek help if you need it.
Your recruiter can help you prepare for an exit interview by providing lists of commonly asked questions and advice on your personal approach and presentation. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your recruiting partner or from another trustworthy individual if you aren’t certain what to expect or how to prepare.
At Kent Legal, our recruiters can help you find the Toronto-area legal job of your dreams – and make a graceful departure from an employer who is less supportive of your career goals. Contact us today to learn more.