By Rachel Loe, September 2, 2024

“Why are you leaving your current company?” The question seems to get asked when interviewing for a position with a new company, and it may be the most difficult question to answer. Obviously, when you are looking for a new job, it is because something is either not meeting expectations at minimum, or in many cases, it is because you are in a bad work environment. So, how do you answer this question in a Christlike manner while maintaining integrity? How do you explain a negative situation without unnecessarily throwing people under the bus?

We are called to be honest in all of our words.  Paul wrote to Timothy, encouraging him to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV).  But God has also given us the gift of wisdom, and a heart of peace comes with that. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 ESV) So, how do we manage this balancing act?

Be thoughtful:

Often, when we are in a situation that has moved us to the point of pursuing a new job opportunity, it is because of a bad situation or a boss who has treated us poorly. Emotions run hot, and our first instinct is to defend ourselves. If you have not thought about how you will answer this question before you get into an interview situation, then you will answer from emotion and could say something that is regrettable. Even if you describe a horrible situation, your potential employer could read an emotional response negatively. Proverbs 10:19 says, “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Consider your words beforehand.  Also, work with a mentor or respected friend and role-play how best to answer honestly but with kindness. 

Be honest:

Above all, we must be honest. You can answer honestly and tactfully if you are calm and direct with your response. Focus on the positive aspects of the new opportunity rather than dwelling on the negative experiences. 

Genevieve Northup – the HR manager of employee success and talent development for a Texas college – “No matter the reason for leaving your job, ensure you respond to this question tactfully. A hiring manager who’s asking this question is trying to determine what you may be looking for in your next opportunity that you didn’t have previously. They may also hope to identify your preferences to ensure you’re a good match for the role.” 

Interviewing for a new job can be intimidating.  Adding the pressure of answering a question you are unprepared for can be a lot. The thing to remember above all is that no matter the situation, as Christians, we are ambassadors to the world for our Lord and must reflect that in our actions. 

“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NLV).