Template
Free Exit Interview Template
Global HR
Get the resource for free
Worker turnover is inevitable, but missed opportunities for learning and improvement don’t have to be. Many HR professionals and managers struggle with gathering honest, actionable feedback from departing employees. Without a structured exit interview process, valuable insights get lost, leading to recurring retention issues and preventable challenges.
Exit interview template overview
Designed for HR professionals, managers, and business leaders, this template ensures a smooth, effective exit interview process while helping you identify patterns in employee departures.
This free template includes:
- Exit interview survey: A structured set of open-ended and rating-scale questions
- Key topics covered: Work environment, leadership, career growth, job satisfaction, and reasons for leaving
- Best practices for HR or managers: Key tips for before, during, and after the interview to help interviewers create a comfortable, confidential discussion
- Customizable format: Adapt the template to fit your organization’s needs
- Guidance on analyzing trends: Identify patterns that inform retention strategies
Who should use this template?
- HR professionals looking to standardize their exit interview process
- Managers who want to understand why employees leave and improve retention
- Business leaders focused on strengthening workplace culture and engagement
- Organizations that need data-driven insights to refine their employee experience
How to use this exit interview template for maximum impact
- Schedule exit interviews thoughtfully: Conduct interviews at the right time to ensure candid, useful feedback
- Create a comfortable environment: Ensure departing employees feel heard, respected, and valued
- Ask the right ruestions: Use structured questions to uncover key insights on workplace experience and leadership
- Analyze feedback for patterns: Identify trends that can help reduce turnover and improve retention
- Take action on insights: Use the findings to make meaningful improvements in management and culture
Turn employee departures into a strategy for retention and growth. Get the template now.
FAQs
What does a typical exit interview look like?
A typical exit interview happens either in-person or via an online survey (when face-to-face interactions are not possible, especially in remote workplaces).
In an interview setup, HR professionals start by explaining the purpose of the interview, ensuring the feedback will be used constructively. The conversation includes structured exit interview questions about the work environment, job description, and benefits package, along with open-ended questions to gather detailed employee feedback. The goal is to end the meeting on good terms, even as team members leave.
Is an exit interview mandatory?
No, conducting exit interviews is generally not mandatory, but they are highly encouraged. While companies benefit from the valuable insights gained, exiting employees have the right to decline participation. However, many organizations promote these interviews to maintain relationships and improve employee retention.
How long is a typical exit interview?
An effective exit interview usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. This timeframe allows the HR team to gather valuable feedback, both structured and open-ended, without overburdening the departing employee, especially since these interviews often occur on their last day.
What type of questions are asked in an exit interview?
Exit interview questions are designed to gather honest feedback from departing employees about their employee experience. Common questions include:
- What prompted you to leave the company?
- How would you describe the workplace environment and company culture?
- Were there sufficient career development and growth opportunities?
- How did you feel about your benefits package and work-life balance?
- Do you have any constructive feedback for improving the role or team dynamics? These questions aim to collect valuable insights that can improve employee retention and employee engagement.
What is an exit interview survey?
An exit interview survey is a structured questionnaire designed to collect employee feedback from departing employees. It’s part of the broader exit interview process. The survey covers topics such as employee morale, management, workplace environment, and career development opportunities, providing insights to improve retention and employee satisfaction.
How many questions should be in an exit survey?
An effective exit interview form typically contains 10-15 questions.
- 5-7 multiple-choice or rating questions to measure aspects like employee satisfaction and working conditions
- 3-5 open-ended questions for candid feedback about company culture, management, and development opportunities Keeping the survey concise encourages exiting employees to provide thoughtful responses without feeling overwhelmed.
What questions are asked in a compliance exit interview?
A compliance-focused employee exit interview ensures legal and procedural requirements are met. Questions might include:
- Have you returned all company property and completed the offboarding process?
- Do you understand the non-disclosure or non-compete agreements tied to your job title?
- Are there any unresolved issues or ethical concerns you want to report? These questions help the human resource department ensure the company adheres to legal standards while gathering valuable feedback.
What is expected at an exit interview?
During an exit interview, the company expects exiting employees to provide candid feedback on their experiences, covering topics like company culture, work-life balance, and leadership. The HR team will use this feedback to identify areas for improvement in employee engagement and retention strategies. Both parties aim to part on a positive note, leaving the door open for potential future opportunities.
How do you create an exit survey?
To create an effective exit survey:
- Define objectives: Clarify what you want to learn (e.g., reasons for turnover, issues in the workplace environment)
- Draft questions: Include both rating scales and open-ended questions for candid feedback on topics like career development and working conditions
- Use an exit interview form: Utilize structured exit interview templates for consistency
- Test the survey: Review it with the HR team to ensure clarity and relevance
- Analyze feedback: Ensure data collection is linked to improving employee engagement and retention
How can I compile exit interview data?
To compile exit interview data:
- Aggregate responses: Collect all data from exit interview forms or surveys in a centralized system
- Categorize feedback: Group feedback into themes like workplace environment, benefits package, development opportunities, and company culture
- Quantify data: Use rating scores for quantitative analysis while summarizing key insights from open-ended questions
- Identify trends: Look for recurring issues impacting employee morale and retention
- Report findings: Share insights with leadership and the HR team to improve processes and enhance the experience of current employees and future employees
