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Disagree with the GAD. And it has nothing to do with wanting to return. The question is: why bother? What does it gain you?
Likely a mid-level person in HR doing the interview. Who will then provide a readout to their senior. If there are endemic problems they know and they likely have chosen not to do anything about it. They are only looking to see if there is legal liability for the company.
And it won’t be confidential. People will know what was said, that you said it and it will be spun in a way to fit whatever corporate narrative they are told to push.
You’re not going to be helping your soon to be former co-workers by revealing some insights that will spring the organization into action.
There is literally no value to you in the exit interview. Thank them for the time, ask if there is any outstanding paperwork you need to help with and walk away.
I remember an exit interview from years ago where I knew that nearly all of one creative director’s work was actually being done by his ACD. I took my exit interview as an opportunity to stand up for that ACD and make sure she got the recognition she deserved.
“Before I go, all of X’s work is being done by Y.”
“We know.”
And that was it! They knew!
Apparently someone mentioned it to her later because she messaged me about a week after to thank me for saying something. So at least she got the props, and it strengthened hers and my connection.
But I don’t think anything changed organizationally.
Option #3: You don’t have the bandwidth. You’re too busy wrapping things up so you can ensure a smooth transition for the team.
Damn. You still can learn things on this app.
Don't waste your time. They already know and have chosen not to act on it. Just be professional and say as little as possible. It is a small industry - you may come across these people again. Focus on yourself and what you need to succeed. They don't care about you, no need for you to help them.
This is the right answer.
And while we’re are at it: NEVER give your boss a bad anonymous review (hint: they aren’t anonymous). I learned the hard way
An exit interview is just a charade, a ticking of a box. They file it and forget it — end of. Don’t invest any energy in it.
Chief
I think it’s perfectly fine to be honest if the solution is actionable. If it’s something they cannot fix, it’s just complaining which is cathartic, but that’s what friends or a therapist is for.
The last line is funny but so true
Pro
If it helps you choose, It isn’t going to do anything either way.
Depersonalize the feedback. HR is not your friend.
“I’m leaving because my new job is paying me 40% more. That’s it! Everything was great here and I love everyone, no complaints otherwise.”
Exit interview over in under a minute!
I was honest in my exit interview and HR said they won’t tell anyone. My manager, who adored me, never spoke to me again and wouldn’t give me a recommendations. I didn’t even say anything that bad, just that she sometimes micromanaged me. So honesty at your own peril. You will burn bridges, no matter what they say.
No one actually does anything with whatever info you share
The only way I’m quiet is if I, for some reason, want to work for that specific manager again. However, if they were problematic and the reason multiple good people leave, hr and leadership need to know!
Pro
Tactful constructive radical truth.
Your exit interview is with hr, you can be honest in a diplomatic way without overtly trying to throw something under the bus.
You won’t be burning bridges, if by the time you return you will be on another team
A slight tangent but relevant to this conversation: HR at this point is a purely administrative function there to file paperwork, run reports and manage legal risk. I’ve worked in independents and holding companies and I have never seen HR do anything to improve the employee experience or corporate culture. And ya…I spend my time in “the big room” where decisions are being made.
To expand on what I said above: the only reason to tell HR anything is when you want to have a paper trail for a potential complaint (either for or against you). But when it comes to exit interviews there is absolutely no benefit to you to provide them with any information.
Not about wanting to return. It’s about understanding that this a very incestuous business and you absolutely will be working again with or near the people you’d like to curb stomp today.
Pro
Definitely stay quiet. It's a small world.
Always the latter