5 valuable tips to keep in mind during your termination interview

Most people find the termination interview to be an unpleasant evil, but this does not have to be the case for you. If you go to your boss’s office well prepared, you need not fear the outcome of the termination interview.

Last year, foundation figures reached unprecedented record levels. Many Swiss people took advantage of the covid-19-pandemic to start their own business. However, those who want to start their own business must first quit their current employment. Employees usually find the necessary termination interview an unpleasant affair. Good preparation not only makes the interview easier, but also helps to leave a positive impression with the boss.

1. Say thank you

Ideally, the termination interview produces productive outcomes for both parties and is a good way to end the working relationship in a professional manner. The employee is well advised to say thank you for the time spent together and to highlight some positive experiences and lessons learned. This also applies to employment relationships of a negative nature. Even if you are quitting due to dissatisfaction, you should try to name one or two good experiences while remaining honest. Accentuating the positive makes it easier to leave and ensures being remembered fondly.

2. Show confidence in the interview

Many employees are dreading the termination interview, which is why they already enter the dialog with a defensive attitude. This is a serious mistake. As an employee, you should not allow yourself to be pushed into a corner during the termination interview but should treat your superior with respect and at eye level. After all, it is your right to leave the company.

3. Prepare the transition

If you go into the termination interview with a “devil may care” attitude, you risk making yourself unpopular not only with your boss, but also with your former colleagues. To avoid any bad blood you should think ahead and provide plans in the interview on how to make your transition as easy as possible for everyone involved. Of course, you can clarify the details with your supervisor during the interview. However, you should already have some initial ideas. You may already have the chance to suggest a potential successor during the termination interview.

4. Hold back on details

If your resignation comes as a surprise, your boss may ask you some awkward questions. Why are you leaving? When did you apply for the other job? What does your new position look like? You should exercise restraint when answering these questions. Be honest, but don’t provide too many details. You are not obligated to answer such questions. If necessary, make this clear to your supervisor in a friendly but emphatic manner.

5. Keep your calm

Despite good preparation, the termination interview may not go as planned. Some bosses do not realize the value of an employee until it is too late and try to persuade them to stay in the final meeting by offering a promotion or salary increase. Others take the dismissal personally and become abusive. Either way, you should remain calm. In the event of an offer, give yourself time to think it over and else remain professional even in the face of personal attacks.

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