What’s the most effective way to move on from your current company?

You’ve found what you think is a better position with another company, you’ve accepted the offer and resigned. Aside from professionally transitioning your duties, you’ve got one last meeting. The exit interview.

Some people think of the exit interview as a time to let it all hang out. They asked for your feedback, and you’re going to give it to them! Cue the Johnny Paycheck tune – “Take This Job & Shove It”?

Not so fast! There are real reasons for keeping things professional in an exit interview. Obviously, you never know when a temper tantrum or otherwise rude behavior might come back to bite you. If you’re too blunt, or trash-talk a manager or co-worker, you could come off as resentful or unprofessional. That could discount your comments altogether and even perhaps ruin an opportunity for a professional reference down the road.

If you want to vent and/or get some things off your chest, do it at home or among close friends as you celebrate your new position. While a bitter rant looks great in the movies or in your mind, in reality it suits no one. Ever.

“Tim, what IS relevant and appropriate to share in an exit interview?”

Good question. Explain why you’re leaving, in even terms and put it in terms of what you are going TOWARDS as opposed to what you are leaving. Assuming you’ve been up front with the appropriate management chain about your situation all along, you have to ask yourself –what’s the upside for me on providing my opinion now?

As a recruiter and career coach I feel there’s way more downside than upside so play those cards very carefully. You’re moving on, so move on. That said, I would advise that any “constructive feedback” should be high level and very measured. Keep it cordial, be professional and thank them on the way out the door.

If you want to bounce ideas off me relative to the resignation process, drop me a note. You can vent to me if you need to!

#exitinterview #resignation #newjob #careercoaching