You gathered up your courage and put in your two weeks notice.
This post originally appeared onThe Muse.
you think to yourself, My exit interview?
I thought I could just pack up my desk and sneak right out of here.
I dont want to rehash my entire employment experience!
Yes, theres no doubt that exit interviews can be a little nerve-wracking.Quitting your jobwas stressful enough.
But, having to attend a meeting for explain all of the nitty-gritty details ofwhyyoure quitting?
Well, thats enough to have you breathing into a paper bag.
This doesnt need to be an anxiety-inducing experience.
In fact, this can actually be productive for both you and your employer.
You just need to verify you know what youre in for.
So, here are a few exit interview questions you might expect to be asked.
Whether its your first one or your tenth, brushing up on these commonly asked questions never hurts.
Why Are You Leaving Your Current Position?
What the heck caused you to want to pack up your bags and go?
Youre asked this for a few different reasons.
Remember, one of a companys key goals isemployee retention.
And, your feedback is critical in helping to achieve that!
Do You Think You Were Adequately Equipped to Do Your Job Well?
So, dont hesitate to be honest.
Just remember that you dont want to be absolutely brutal with your feedback eitherburning bridges is never recommended.
What Was Your Relationship With Your Manager Like?
What did your supervisor do well?
How did you feel about his or hermanagement styleoverall?
Be prepared to also provide some suggestions for ways he or she can improve.
But its necessary feedback.
Again, just remember that you dont want to go off the rails and begin berating your boss.
After all, much of your criticism will likely be relayed back to this person.
So, when in doubt, keep it constructive.
What Was the Biggest Factor That Led You to Accept This New Job?
However, you should be prepared to hear a few questions along those lines.
Perhaps the pay at your new job is way better, and your employer needs to reevaluate itssalary structure.
Or, maybe something about the company culture really appealed to you.
What Did You Like Most About Your Job?
In a typicalexit interview, youll be asked what aspects of your position you liked the most.
What Did You Dislike Most About Your Job?
Here it isthe flipside of the coin.
Its time to share those not-so-great aspects of your position.
Maybe you hated having to coordinate the monthly board meeting.
Perhaps your boss was a complete meddlingmicromanager.
What Skills and Qualifications Do You Think We Need to Look for in Your Replacement?
Who has better insight into what it takes to do your job well than you?
Spoiler alert: nobody.
You were the one who got the work done day in and day out.
And, chances are, you did it well.
So, your employer wants to know what qualities they should keep their eyes out for when replacing you.
Perhaps your original job description emphasized that you needed to be great with database management.
It was an obsolete job duty that they kept pasting over from description to description.
Trust me, your employer will appreciate (and use!)
An exit interview is really nothing to stress over.
And, if youdostart to feel stressed, just ask yourself whats the worst that can happen.
After all, they cant fire you.
7 Questions Youll Probably Be Asked in Your Exit Interview| The Muse