Exit Interview Template

Part of the HR templates hub. It is free, printable and placeholder-based — read it here, copy the block, or use the print/save-as-PDF button. For the wider practice, see the related employer-operations guides and the HR metrics it supports.

Template overview

The template covers the reason for leaving, what worked and what didn’t, and what the organisation could improve, plus space for themes that feed back into retention. It is designed to learn, not to persuade someone to stay.

When to use it

• When an employee is leaving and you want to learn why.
• Standardising exit conversations across the organisation.
• Spotting patterns across departures over time.

Who it is for

• HR running exit interviews.
• Managers learning from a departure.
• Leaders tracking why people leave.

Template structure

• Context — role and tenure (no sensitive data).
• Reason for leaving — in their words.
• What worked — what to keep.
• What didn’t — what to improve.
• Themes that feed retention.

Printable template

Copy the block below and replace every [bracketed] placeholder. It contains no real names or data — adapt every part to your situation.

Print or save as PDF

Example (placeholder version)

An illustrative version using placeholders only — it shows the kind of content each part holds, with no real employee or company data.

Customisation guidance

• Keep questions open so leavers feel free to be honest.
• Focus on learning, not on changing their mind.
• Aggregate themes across exits to see real patterns.
• Avoid recording sensitive personal data.

Common mistakes

• Defensive or leading questions that shut honesty down.
• Collecting exit feedback but never acting on patterns.
• Treating one exit as a trend, or ignoring a real one.
• Recording sensitive personal information.