How Should One Handle an Exit Interview?

Everyone has had at least one job that was, to put it mildly, not a good fit. Maybe the pay was insufficient, maybe coworkers or management were hostile, maybe the work-life balance was off, or maybe there were any number of other issues. For whatever reason, exiting the job feels like an escape, and if you’re asked to perform an exit interview, you may be tempted to air some final grievances before you head out the door. After all, what can your former employers do to you now?

As it happens, your past employers can still have an impact on your future hiring prospects for accounting jobs Los Angelesin the form of references and recommendations. Here are some ideas on how to handle the exit interview and leave on a high note.

Prepare for the Interview Beforehand

Research the types of questions that are typically asked in an exit interview. Employment agenciesmay have useful information in this regard. Draft responses to the questions, and practice delivering them. Use this preparation time beforehand to work out any lingering negative emotion that you may have toward the company so that you can conduct yourself in the interview in a calm, pleasant, professional manner.

Accentuate the Positive

Even if the job was a harrowing experience, there have likely been some positive things about it. If nothing else, you’ve probably learned skills or gained experience that will be useful to you in your future career. Focus on those things in the interview. Be honest, but be diplomatic.

Stick to the Facts

As much as possible, keep your answers to the interview questions fact based, especially if the answers could be interpreted as negative or critical. For example, instead of just saying that you’re leaving for a better paying job, come prepared with specific figures detailing how much more your new job will be paying.

Your exit interview will be the final impression your former employers have of you. If you exit with grace, they will remember you as a gracious person. When you need assistance seeking a new job in finance, call Beacon Resourcesat 1-844-500-8100.