Job interviews often test more than just skills on a resume. Sometimes, the most uncomfortable moments come from unexpected questions that put candidates on the spot emotionally rather than technically. One such question that frequently unsettles professionals is about loyalty to their current employer. A recent post by career coach Simon Ingari on X has sparked discussion by breaking down how candidates should navigate this tricky HR question without sounding disloyal or unprofessional.
Simon Ingari, a career coach, took to X and shared a detailed breakdown of how candidates should handle a commonly asked and often uncomfortable interview question about whether their current boss is aware of their job search.
He explained that HR professionals sometimes ask candidates whether their manager knows they are attending interviews elsewhere. According to Ingari, this question is not just about logistics, but about assessing professionalism, discretion, and workplace ethics.
What not to say to an interviewer?
He first highlighted what not to say in such situations. According to him, responses that directly criticise the current employer or openly express dissatisfaction can come across as unprofessional. For example, saying that the boss already knows and encouraged the job search, or suggesting that the current workplace does not matter because the candidate is focused only on leaving, may create a negative impression during the interview.
Instead, Ingari emphasised the importance of maintaining balance in the response. He suggested that candidates should avoid sounding either overly rebellious or disrespectful toward their current organisation.
What to say instead?
One suggested approach is to explain that the current employer has not been informed yet, as the candidate prefers to ensure a smooth transition before communicating any changes. This framing signals responsibility and professionalism rather than secrecy or disloyalty.
Another acceptable response, according to Ingari, is to emphasise respect for the current organisation. Candidates can communicate that they intend to inform their employer at the appropriate time, once their next career step is confirmed. This reflects maturity and consideration for workplace processes.
He also addressed situations where HR may probe further, asking whether the candidate feels guilty about looking for another job without informing their current boss. In such cases, Ingari suggested maintaining a calm and balanced tone. He recommended acknowledging that while a job search is underway, professional responsibilities are still being fulfilled. The idea is to reassure the interviewer that ongoing work is not being compromised, even during the transition phase.
How should the ideal response sound?
Throughout his advice, Ingari focused on a consistent communication style. He emphasised that the ideal response should be calm, composed, and free of defensiveness. According to him, interviewers are often observing not just what is said, but how it is said.
He also pointed out that maintaining a respectful tone toward the current employer is important, even when the candidate is actively looking to move on. Speaking negatively about a previous or current workplace can raise concerns about attitude and long-term professional behaviour. The broader message in his post was that job interviews are as much about emotional intelligence as they are about technical capability. Candidates who demonstrate a balance between ambition and professionalism are more likely to leave a positive impression.
By structuring answers around respect, timing, and responsibility, Ingari suggested that candidates can navigate sensitive questions without compromising their chances or their ethics.
His post has resonated with many professionals navigating career transitions, especially those who find themselves balancing loyalty to their current role with the desire to explore better opportunities.