For human resource (HR) professionals, one of the tricks of the trade is getting accurate, honest exit interviews. It’s a tough trick, though, one that many HR professionals may need to turn to an IVR to pull off.

Interactive voice response technology can conduct some of the same phone calls that HR professionals have to do. IVR systems can make the application and exit interview processes easier for both HR staff and applicants or departing employees.

Many companies run an automated application system, which requires applicants to fill out their own information in the system—data entry that someone in the HR department used to have to do by hand.

IVR provides a unique phone interview option, whereby applicants can call an automated system and record answers to questions in their own voice. This can take the place of a first phone interview, where an HR professional tries to gauge a person over the phone. Reading something someone wrote is one thing, hearing their voice is another.

But that’s exactly the problem with exit interviews—manners. Employees aren’t always as honest as they could be in exit interviews—because they have to stare someone in the face and tell them whatever it is they want to tell them.

If what departing employees have to say about a company is negative, only a few people will just go ahead and say it. But if employees don’t have to face anyone during their exit interviews, they’ll feel much more relaxed and honest.

If the purpose of exit interviews is to get honest feedback, it’s important for companies to set the stage as best they can to get that honest feedback.

That means having an IVR number where employees can call and do their exit interviews without worrying about politeness.