People · business glossary
What is Exit interview?
By Shivam Bhandari · Reviewed 31 October 2026 · How we write
definition
A structured conversation with a departing employee to understand why they're leaving and what could be improved.
Exit interview explained
An exit interview is a conversation with a departing employee to understand why they're leaving and what could improve.
example
Discovering that three leavers mention the same manager or the same pay gap.
why it matters
It reveals problems that current staff may not raise.
common mistake
Collecting feedback but never acting on patterns.
Frequently asked questions
What is Exit interview?
A structured conversation with a departing employee to understand why they're leaving and what could be improved. An exit interview is a conversation with a departing employee to understand why they're leaving and what could improve.
Why does Exit interview matter?
It reveals problems that current staff may not raise.
What is a common mistake with Exit interview?
Collecting feedback but never acting on patterns.
Related terms
Attrition
The rate at which employees leave a business over a given period, whether voluntarily or not.
Culture
The accumulated, often unwritten patterns of behaviour and belief that shape how people actually act inside a business.
Employee engagement
The degree to which employees feel invested in and motivated by their work, beyond simply showing up.