Run a useful exit interview
Plan a short, honest exit interview with a departing employee, including questions, a script, notes template and what to do with what you learn.
The prompt
Act as an experienced small business HR manager. Help me run an exit interview with an employee who is leaving. My business and team size: [DETAILS] The employee's role and how long they worked here: [DETAILS] Why they are leaving, as far as I know: [REASON or "not sure"] Whether they are leaving on good terms: [YES/NO/MIXED] What I most want to learn (pay, workload, management, training, schedule, etc.): [LIST] How much time we have and whether it is in person, by phone or a written form: [DETAILS] Give me: 1. A two-sentence opening that explains why I am asking and that their answers will not affect their reference or final pay. 2. Eight to ten open-ended questions, in a good order, starting easy and ending with "what would have made you stay?" 3. Two follow-up prompts I can use when an answer is vague. 4. A one-page notes template that groups answers into themes I can compare across departures. 5. Three things I should not say or ask during the conversation. Keep the questions neutral and avoid anything that sounds like I am arguing or asking them to reconsider unless I said I want to.
Replace every [BRACKETED] part with your own details before sending.
How to use it
Hold the interview in the last week, not the last hour, and listen more than you talk. Afterward, pick one change you can actually make and write down the themes, so patterns show up after two or three departures.
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