Should I be honest in my exit interview?

Let’s be real. If you’re thinking of leaving your job for another one, there’s at least a 50% chance there’s something very wrong where you are now.

Sure, more money and a bigger salary would be great. But, if you didn’t hate your boss, you might be happy to come in to your current workplace.

When you land a new job, the most interesting thing happens. That same boss who’s been ignoring you and overlooking your for promotions suddenly wants to know what went wrong. They also want to know if you’ll be making more money, what your new title will be, and where you’ll be working.

This can be confusing. For the first time in a while, your boss seems to care about what you have to say. You might feel important, and like you could help make a difference for those you’re leaving behind.

This might (emphasis on “might”) be true. Your old company may genuinely want to know what they can do to keep their best talent.

But, I have to tell you, more often than not, this isn’t the case. Even if you suggest a great idea that could be implemented, or a way your manager could be a better leader, it’s hard to create real change based upon one person’s feedback – one person who’s quitting in two weeks.

And, it’s much easier to take feedback as a personal slight. Your company or your boss may feel attacked or put down. And, they may even feel the need to bite back.

Unfortunately, you will need your old boss in the future. It may not seem like it now, but sometime down the road, you’ll need a recommendation for another new job. And, when that time comes, you won’t want a bad exit interview hanging over your head.

This is a very personal decision. But, before you begin to talk, really think — what difference will this information make? Will the company use this information for the greater good? What are the potential downsides to my future if I’m brutally honest?

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.

Happy hunting!