22 things you should never say during an exit interview
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When you quit a job, there's a good chance HR will ask you to partake in an exit interview.
People tend to have mixed feelings about these conversations. Some say an exit interview is the ideal opportunity to be completely honest about your experiences with your employer and offer them critical and constructive feedback; others argue it's awkward and not worth the risk of burning bridges, as your criticism probably won't inspire any significant changes, anyway.
But regardless of your attitude toward the exit interview, it's imperative that you be cordial and professional.
"This could be the last impression you'll leave your employer with," says Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage." "And don't think this conversation doesn't matter since you're leaving anyway. People talk. It's your reputation and your personal brand on the line. And those will travel with you wherever you go."
You also never know when you'll work for that HR manager or boss again. "I can't tell you how many boomerang stories I've heard where employees return back to their former employer after a year or two, or even wind up working with those colleagues elsewhere," Kerr says. "No matter how certain you are you won't return or come in contact with these people again, never burn bridges."
Here are 22 phrases you should avoid in every exit interview:
Flickr'My boss was the worst because ...'
Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job," says you must remember that just because you're not speaking directly with your boss, doesn't mean you should lose your cool or make any last-minute snarky comments.
"By being too honest about your manager you can shoot yourself in the foot if you ever want to return to the company, or expect a good reference from that boss," she says. "Remember to keep your comments general, concise, and make them overall positive."
'I never really liked [coworker],' or, '[Name] was never very nice to me.'
Don't get personal. "Attacking certain managers or employees will only reflect poorly on you, and make you come across as bitter or vengeful," Kerr says. "It's okay to discuss some behaviors that you feel had an impact on your decision to leave, but resorting to name calling or character assassination will never get you far and will only make it look like you were the difficult person to get along with."
'I was really amazing at this job,' or, 'Good luck running this business without me.'
Don't gloat about how fabulous you were, thus implying that it's a huge loss on their part, Kerr says. The time to boast a bit may have been on the way in, not on the way out. "It's fair to say that you felt like your talents weren't being used fully and to offer examples, but it's not wise to tell them you were the greatest thing since sliced bread and they're going to be sorry after you're gone."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider