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🚪 Exit Interview Guide

How to leave professionally and protect your reputation

⚖️

The Golden Rule

Ireland is a small country. Every industry is a village. The person interviewing you today could be your client, colleague, or boss in 2 years. Be honest, be constructive, but always be strategic.

✅ Do's & Don'ts

✅ Do

Express genuine gratitude for opportunities and learning. Be constructive — suggest improvements, not complaints. Keep it professional and forward-looking. Mention specific people who helped your development. Offer to help with the transition.

❌ Don't

Don't badmouth your manager, colleagues, or the company. Don't use it as therapy — save venting for friends. Don't burn bridges over things that won't matter in a year. Don't be brutally honest about individuals by name. Don't reveal your new employer's offer details.

❓ Common Questions & Smart Answers

"Why are you leaving?" ▼
Keep it positive and forward-focused. You're moving toward something, not running away.
"I've been offered an opportunity that aligns closely with where I want to take my career next. It was a difficult decision because I've genuinely enjoyed my time here and learned a huge amount."
"What could we have done to keep you?" ▼
Be honest but constructive. Focus on systemic issues, not personal grievances.
"Honestly, clearer career progression pathways would have made me think twice. I sometimes felt unsure about what the next step looked like for me here. That said, this is more about the opportunity ahead than dissatisfaction."
"How was your relationship with your manager?" ▼
Even if your manager was terrible, stay measured. Focus on the relationship dynamic, not the person.
"We had different working styles, which was sometimes challenging, but I learned a lot from navigating that. I'd suggest more manager training around regular feedback and career development conversations — that would benefit everyone."
"What did you enjoy most about working here?" ▼
Be genuine. This is your chance to leave a positive lasting impression.
"The calibre of people I got to work with — genuinely talented and supportive. The [specific project] was a career highlight. I also appreciated the flexibility and trust the company showed during [example]."
"What could the company improve?" ▼
This is where you can add genuine value. Pick 1-2 constructive points maximum.
"Two things stand out: first, onboarding could be more structured — I figured a lot out on my own in the early months. Second, more transparency around promotion criteria would help people feel more invested in their development here."
"Would you recommend this company to a friend?" ▼
Unless your experience was genuinely awful, lean positive. Your answer may be shared.
"Absolutely, for the right person. If someone wanted exposure to [industry/type of work] and values a collaborative culture, I'd definitely recommend it. I'd be upfront with them about the pace and the areas where the company is still growing."
"Is there anything else you'd like to share?" ▼
Use this to end on a high note and reinforce the relationship.
"Just that I'm grateful for the experience. I've grown a lot here and I'll always speak well of the company. I'd love to stay connected — you never know where paths cross again, especially in Ireland!"

📋 Exit Checklist

Before Your Last Day

Complete all handover documentation and share with your replacement/manager
Save personal files from work laptop (pay slips, personal emails, reference letters)
Request a written reference or LinkedIn recommendation from your manager
Update your LinkedIn connections — connect with everyone you want to stay in touch with
Return company property: laptop, badge, parking pass, company credit card
Check your final payslip: outstanding leave, bonus, expenses, pension transfer
Get a P45 (or confirm your employer has notified Revenue via ROS)
Understand any restrictive covenants (non-compete, non-solicitation clauses)
Set up email auto-reply and redirect to your replacement
Thank the people who made a difference — a genuine thank-you goes a long way in Ireland
🇮🇪 Irish context: Exit interviews are less formal in Irish workplaces than in the US. Smaller companies may skip them entirely. If you have genuine constructive feedback, consider emailing it to HR separately — it carries more weight when written thoughtfully.
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