Exit Interview 101
Typically, an exit interview is a discussion between a resigning employee and the employer (HR representative) on the last day of work for jobs in Malaysia. Traditionally done face-to-face, exit interviews could also be in a video conference format or even be as simple as filling out a survey form.
Though not required by law in Malaysia, an exit interview is an opportunity for the employer to gather more information about their reasons for resigning and feedback about employees’ experience and job satisfaction working for the organisation.
If you require assistance in understanding the best ways to navigate exit interviews, keep reading to find out how to ace your exit interview majestically.
How To Get Through An Exit Interview
1. The Reason(s) for Leaving
Honestly speaking, this is what employers would be most interested in when it comes to organising an exit interview. They are essentially trying to understand if employees are leaving due to personal reasons, better opportunities, conflicts, etc.
This is important for employers to gather insights on whether they are doing something wrong. Ace this question by maintaining a balance between honesty, objectivity, and positivity. Do not sound cocky about it and belittle your current employer.
If you are pursuing a better opportunity, state the reasons and how it contributes to your personal, career, financial, and even spiritual growth. Perhaps you’re settling down soon and are in need of a big increment, or hoping to gain valuable skills and experience – be honest and keep it simple.
2. Thoughts About Your Achievements
Attending an exit interview is also a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your work experience, skills gained, positive encounters, as well as all the achievements you possess to end the working experience on a sweet note.
When answering this question, try and be positive regardless of the reason for resigning. In a chronological format, go through each experience and achievement as detailed as possible, and reflect on whether the employer has provided adequate assistance and guidance in shaping who you are today.
If the answer is yes, use an appreciative tone when mentioning how the employer has supported and validated you in your career pathway – e.g. further studies, world-class training, job opportunities, etc.
3. Feelings About Management
A classic. The truth is, that most employees leave their current employer due to bad management and bosses. However, the exit interview does not have to turn sour.
The main takeaway for employers is usually understanding their employees’ perspectives about the company. Again, be objective, stay factual, and keep your tone positive. Focus on elaborating on the shortcomings that you believe should be improved to make the company a better place to work at.
If you do have personal issues with your boss or the management, avoid pointing fingers because that is just being rude. Instead, talk about facts, explain how the treatments made you feel and suggest how the company could’ve handled the case in a better way.
4. Recommending Current Company To Others
Would you recommend your current company to others, such as your friends and family members? When answering this question, be straightforward but most importantly, elaborate on the “why”s. Use this opportunity to provide more feedback and suggestions to employers.
One tip is to share both reasons why you would and wouldn’t recommend the company to others. This makes your comments seem more neutral, critical, and fair, which would be easier for the HR representative to listen to.
5. Be Professional
Finally, an important tip is to behave professionally when attending an exit interview like every other interview in your career. Keep the conversation modest and enjoyable, but also critical and honest.
Remember that exit interviews are important for you to exit your current employer with a positive note and impression. Building and maintaining a good relationship with all your employers could be useful for your career pathway.
Final Remarks
In all of the exit interviews you’ll attend in your professional life, our final advice to you is to always be honest in this conversation with your employer.
Since the exit interview questions are mainly standardised in nature, you could plan and practise your content within the time leading up to your last employment date – trust us, you do not want to speak negatively and leave a bad impression on your employer.
Need more help ace-ing interviews for jobs in Malaysia? Get all the career guidance you need here at the Job Majestic Blog and Youtube Channel.
