Reality: Exit interviews are a risk assessment for the company, not a safe space to vent. Tactic: HR may use a friendly tone to collect info on legal exposure, insider risks, and manager liability. Traps: “Why are you really leaving,” “Who else is unhappy,” and “Culture fit” are designed to pull emotional details. Best play: … Read more
Reality: Exit interviews are usually optional unless your contract clearly makes them a condition for specific benefits. Risk: Verbal feedback can be misquoted, get emotional fast, and quietly affect future references, so saying less can be smarter. Boundary: Decline early with a firm, polite line and keep repeating one reason like focusing on handover and … Read more
Core frame: Treat the exit interview as a strategic negotiation that seals your reputation, not a therapy session. Psychology: The Peak-End Rule means your final hour can outweigh years of good work if you sound bitter or messy. HR reality: They want data over drama, and confidentiality is limited, so assume feedback can travel upward. … Read more