Interview · 8 questions
Stay interview questions
Short, regular conversations with current employees to learn what keeps them - and what might make them leave.
Read more All interview questions
Exit & retention
Exit interview questions
Questions that capture honest reasons for leaving and improve retention.
- Questions
- 10
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Use for
- Exit & retention
- Format
- Structured, same for every candidate
Questions to ask
10 questions - click Copy to use one.
- What made you decide to leave?
- What did you enjoy most about working here?
- What could we have done differently to keep you?
- How would you describe the culture and your team?
- Did you have the tools, training, and support you needed?
- How was your relationship with your manager?
- Did your role match what you expected when you joined?
- Was pay and recognition fair, in your view?
- What would you change if you were in charge?
- Would you recommend us as a place to work, and would you consider returning?
Benefits
- Reveals honest reasons people leave or stay.
- Spots patterns that can be fixed early.
- Improves retention and engagement.
- Shows employees their opinions matter.
What to listen for
- Patterns across several exits, not only single comments.
- Concerns about managers, growth, workload, and pay.
- Positive points to protect.
What not to ask or do
- Defending or arguing with the employee.
- Pressing for names or details they are uncomfortable sharing.
- Using the interview to persuade them to stay unless they ask.
Tips
- Have someone other than the direct manager run it.
- Keep notes confidential and share only themes with leaders.
- Act on repeated feedback.
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