Sometimes they're a trap. Sometimes people genuinely want to know your opinion and if they did anything wrong in your view. Sometimes that VP wants to know if the rumors are true that your direct manager is planning to return to Andromeda. Sometimes it's just good to clear the air with your manager, especially if there were some contentious issues.
And even if they disagree as to the causes or solutions that you propose, it's really good to at least have the conversation -- to communicate! This is the last time you'll ever get a chance to (sort of) speak freely.
Really, these people are all humans too. Well, most of them, anyway.
So, seriously, lean toward taking the exit interview, even with full knowledge of the (true) downsides listed in the article versus few upsides for you. Just gauge the exit interview based on the person who's sitting across the table.
And even if they disagree as to the causes or solutions that you propose, it's really good to at least have the conversation -- to communicate! This is the last time you'll ever get a chance to (sort of) speak freely.
Really, these people are all humans too. Well, most of them, anyway.
So, seriously, lean toward taking the exit interview, even with full knowledge of the (true) downsides listed in the article versus few upsides for you. Just gauge the exit interview based on the person who's sitting across the table.