Exit Interview Survey Template
Departing employees are the most honest source of feedback you have, provided the survey is short and clearly not going to affect their reference. This template covers reasons for leaving, the manager relationship, growth and the practical hand-over. Consider anonymous mode for larger organisations.
The 14 questions
- 1.
Overall, how would you rate your experience working here?*
1 to 5 stars
- 2.
What is the main reason you are leaving?
Choose one: Career growth / Compensation / Manager / Workload or stress / Company direction / Relocation or personal / Other
- 3.
Was there a specific moment or event that led to your decision?
Open text
- 4.
I felt my work was valued.
Strongly disagree · Disagree · Neutral · Agree · Strongly agree
- 5.
I received the support I needed from my manager.
Strongly disagree · Disagree · Neutral · Agree · Strongly agree
- 6.
I had opportunities to grow and develop.
Strongly disagree · Disagree · Neutral · Agree · Strongly agree
- 7.
My compensation was fair for the work I did.
Strongly disagree · Disagree · Neutral · Agree · Strongly agree
- 8.
The role matched what was described when I joined.
Strongly disagree · Disagree · Neutral · Agree · Strongly agree
- 9.
What could we have done to keep you?
Open text
- 10.
What did you like most about working here?
Open text
- 11.
What should we change first?
Open text
- 12.
Would you consider returning in the future?
Thumbs up / down
- 13.
Would you recommend us as an employer?
0 to 10 scale
- 14.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Open text
Tips for using this template
- Send the survey before the leaving conversation with HR, so the written answers are not shaped by it.
- Aggregate exit reasons by team and by manager once you have ten or more leavers; single answers are anecdotes.
- Make it explicit that answers do not affect references.
Frequently asked questions
Should exit interviews be anonymous?
For companies with regular turnover, anonymous mode tends to produce more candid answers about managers. For small companies the answers will be identifiable anyway, so focus on making it safe rather than anonymous.