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Victoria here, Girlboss’ executive editor. 👋 |
When you finally put in your two weeks at a toxic job, it’s tempting to air every grievance about everything that was wrong with the company. Been there! 🤭 So, how honest is too honest in an exit interview? We asked a career coach exactly what to say. |
Other stuff the Girlboss team is yapping about on Slack: |
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💼 Job of the day: Tower 28 is hiring an Ecommerce Director in Los Angeles ($145K–$165K) to lead the brand’s online shopping experience, from site strategy to paid media to email. This woman-founded clean beauty biz would be such a cool place to work. 💄 |
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How to Give Honest Feedback in an Exit Interview |
The dilemma: “I'm doing an exit interview. I quit this job while my performance was good. They are shocked because it came without warning, according to them. There are so many things wrong. How do I address those concerns I have for the people left behind? Or should I just leave it alone?” |
The answer: Amanda Augustine, resident career expert at career.io and a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC), who has spent more than 20 years helping professionals improve their careers and land the right job faster. |
Here’s the truth: you don’t owe your employer anything beyond a professional exit. However, if you’re thinking about the people you’re leaving behind and genuinely want to help improve their experience, the exit interview can be a really appropriate place to share that feedback. |
So … what’s the move? |
👠 Keep it classy (no matter how you feel) |
Whether you truly enjoyed working with parts of the leadership team or hope to never cross professional paths with them ever again, it’s in your best interest to keep things civil and professional as you make your exit so you don’t burn bridges. |
It’s a small world. You never know where your career might take you or how these individuals may resurface in your professional life. Think of the exit interview as part of your final impression; not the moment to air every grievance, but an opportunity to communicate thoughtfully. |
💡 Feedback can be a gift … if it’s done right |
I always tell managers that feedback, when delivered with thought and care, is one of the best gifts you can give someone, assuming they’re open and willing to receive it. |
The same holds true when you’re offering feedback to an employer on your way out the door, especially when you’re leaving in good standing. If your intention is to shed light on the issues that contributed to your decision to leave (and hopefully make things better for your colleagues who remain), then offering candid but constructive feedback is a great move. |
🧠 Think it through before you say it |
How your feedback is received will depend heavily on how you deliver it. Constructive feedback should come from a place of care. Remember, the goal is to help, not to criticize. |
Take a little time before your exit interview to reflect on your experience and think through the specific points you want to make. This isn’t something you want to simply wing. |
🎯 Be specific |
It’s much more effective to share clear, concrete examples and explain the impact, rather than making broad statements that feel personal instead of constructive. |
When you focus on being specific and actionable, you make it easier for the person on the receiving end, often someone in HR, to stay open to what you’re saying instead of becoming defensive or shutting down. |
🤐 You don’t have to say everything |
Not every frustration needs to be voiced. |
If something feels unlikely to change or would come across as more venting than helpful insight, it may be best to leave well enough alone. You can still be honest and thoughtful without saying everything you’re thinking. |
✨ Bottom line: You are completely within your rights to keep things brief and move on. |
But if you do choose to speak up, go into the conversation with a clear intention, take care with your delivery, and focus on feedback that could genuinely make a difference. That way, you can walk away knowing you handled your exit with professionalism and, if nothing else, gave your employer something useful to think about. |
Got a work problem you need help with? Drop it here, and the answer to your question could be featured in an upcoming newsletter. 📬 |
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What Team Girlboss has been loving lately. |
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🍵 Matcha is amazing for your skin… who knew? Tatcha just came out with a Matcha Foam Cleanse that turns from gel to a cloud-like foam—and it’s perfect for oily skin girlies. |
📝 Slammed with back-to-back meetings? Granola, the AI notepad, turns your notes into clear summaries, action items, and next steps—so you can stay present without forgetting what you promised five calls ago. Use code GIRLBOSS for one month free.* |
🌸 New romance book alert! Ashley Poston, who wrote The Seven Year Slip, just dropped The Someday Garden, and it’s already at the top of Executive Editor Victoria’s TBR. It’s about a gardener who stumbles upon a secret garden with a mysterious man trapped inside. |
🥉 Mrs. Hailey Bieber never misses… and rhode’s new Pocket Bronze is no exception. It gives the perfect sun-kissed glow that blends like an absolute dream—it’s sooo creamy. You won’t regret stocking up. |
☀️ Victoria has tested a lot of body sunscreens, and this SPF 60+ one from Neutrogena passes the test. It dries down quickly, doesn’t clog your pores, and leaves behind the yummiest scent that’s not at all headache-inducing. |
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*This link is sponsored. Apply to advertise in Girlboss Daily here. |
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If you buy something through our links, Girlboss may earn an affiliate commission. You’re receiving this email because you signed up to join the Girlboss community. |
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