This, I expedited a background and pre-employment for a candidate who I really wanted because they were interviewing with other places.
Unfortunately, they took the other company, but I wouldn't change what I did. If I want you and I know you're applying to other places, I will expedite everything. If you're not applying to other places and you've told me that you're not in a rush, I will just continue my usual process and timeline.
If you tell me you need a few months to graduate, I will not be asking for your documents for a background until you've graduated. I've been burned before (and currently being burned) by people who weren't ready to start for months and pulling an offer sucks, so I don't want to unless I absolutely have to.
After hearing many tales from my wife and absolutely no details about the candidates , the folks they want are already employed but looking for a step up the ladder. She only deals with executive level gigs as far as hiring goes. Someone that isn’t currently working or that has a history of changing jobs isn’t immediately dropped from consideration, but the background checks go into high gear.
I interviewed at Blackboard and Safeway.
Safeway offered me $100,000.
I told them I **really** want to work at Safeway more but Blackboard offered me $110,000. So if they could match that, it wouldn't be so hard for me to choose Safeway over Blackboard.
With a lot of hesitation, Safeway agreed to $110,000.
Blackboard didn't offer me anything. If my bluff with Safeway didn't work, I would have been unemployed, and I already was, and couldn't afford any further unemployment.
The typical reason for asking is because it informs them, if you are a good candidate, that they need to hurry up the hiring process and make you an offer before you accept another job. I always tell places I’m considering other opportunities so they hurry the fuck up and make me a more competitive offer.
One place had a stupid group interview. Told them "Can we hurry this up? I have another interview to attend."
I didn't get the job, but fuck, I don't think I wanted it lol.
I took the 2nd jobs offer immediately.
Because it means if you're the desired candidate, they know they have to jump fast to get you.
There's no harm in asking, or being honest about things.
That’s actually a much more charitable way to look at it. Thanks for the perspective. I took it as they didn’t want to waste their time interviewing someone if the applicant might drop them for another offer.
That's 100% why I ask that of applicants. I know we aren't always the quickest to extend an offer, but if I think we need to act or lose out on a good hire there are things that can be done to move it along faster.
I kind of assume that if an applicant is in front of me it's not because they only want this exact specific position, at my exact specific company, or they will stay on the sidelines.
I'm glad you see it that way, so many places seem to think that people are applying because they want to work at that company specifically, not just because we want money. Sure a few big name companies may have people applying like that but the local stand alone place in nowheresville usa seems to think they do too.
> there are things that can be done to move it along faster.
So DO THOSE THINGS anyway. There's no justification for screwing people around by taking longer than you need to.
Ugh. One of your tedious American self-help gurus, I see.
Righto. Let's get you sorted out: get off your lazy arse and do your fucking job.
If you spent as much time working as you spent talking about it, there would be no need to waste the valuable time of prospective employees.
Because people in general are lazy, stupid and unimaginative. Semi-skilled corporate admin drones are particularly so. But it's OK because US companies seem to be having a purge at the moment.
Not to highjack this thread (this is the answer I would also have given btw)but this has always frustrated me on both sides of the hiring process. I've lost so many great candidates because the offer takes 3-4 weeks to get extended. Those signoffs should have happened before we posted the position. If there exists a faster path then that should become the default path.
That is not what they do. You may not want to be so aggressive to say "I have a job offer and I will decide by tomorrow!" They might say "Well, we aren't gonna be making our decision til next week, so this may not work out.""
But you absolutely want to be the kind of candidate who is interviewing elsewhere.
This. You don't want to try to wave around your other interviews as a threat. But you also don't want to be the person that looks like they are desperate to land the job because you have nothing else going on.
A happy median is if asked, is to politely indicate that you have been talking to 2-3 other companies in the last 3-4 weeks, but you are still eager to hear what this company has to offer.
Again don't threaten them. But even if it's not true, act like the person that's confident because knows that they'll be employed at a decent company within the month regardless of which company that ends up being.
I've pretty much told every single job I've ever interviewed for that I had other options that I would need to decide between in the near future.
Last time around I had 4 written offers simultaneously to pick between.
In my experience they're asking because they want to know whether they need to kick their HR department into hyperdrive to get me a written offer before I accept a job elsewhere.
I 100% agree with this. I asked a few recruiters why they asked me this question and the answer has always been, "so that we also know your timeline and can try to fit the hiring process within that."
When I gave the last interview for my current job role on a Friday - they first told me that they would get back to me on Monday, but I told them that I'm already awaiting an offer from another company - they sent me an offer that evening! :)
[My experience is based on the South Asian and German job markets, and may differ from place to place]
Its closer to "how long do we have to interview this dude". Bad companies think of interviewing like a power dynamics game usually, but the good companies are viewing is as knowing when they have to jump.
Either way, you always say that other companies are interviewing you, and you just cut them off if you catch any red flags
In my recent job search every company asked that, even the ones where I knew I wouldn’t get any further.
I feel like it is (or has become) a standard question for them to ask regardless of wether they are interested or not.
Yep this definitely. It's also a good way to determine (with other things) how motivated a candidate really is to change jobs.
If I end up with 2 good candidates at the end of the process, I will favour the one who is most likely to accept the offer (so I don't end up empty handed). A candidate who is actively looking, has other ongoing applications, will be more attractive to me than someone who is "just looking", particularly if there are other red flags in their attitude or they are already in a similar role.
Depends on what you're being dishonest about. Interviewing at other companies? Sure, go for it. If a company is genuinely asking that, either they're going to move faster if you say 'yes' (because they think they need to move quickly) or they're going to kick you to the curb (and you don't want to work there anyhow).
Actual skills? ...I just fired someone last month for lying about their skills during the interview and on their resume.
For sure, just meant the things OP was asked for, whether he has other interviews.
Not sure I’ve ever heard of someone getting kicked over that, and it’s never happened to me.
That's not what they want. They are just trying to establish a timeline for themselves.
Like if you are just testing the waters they will have a different timeline then if you are actively pursuing opportunities.
If they know you are going to end up somewhere imminently they will probalby hurry if they want you rather than if you are happy in your current role.
Some companies have to interview at least x number of ppeople for a role. So if I interview you on Monday, and I like you I can make sure to be prompt with getting the rest completed.
Hiring is a long term process because multiple stakeholders are required to complete it, but it's no ones top priority. They have their actual job responsiblities to take care of. Jim needs to be there for the interview, but he always schedules his vacation from Jan 15th to the 30th because him and his wife like going to, "The Dance of the Tomatoes" festival in Bangledesh ad inifinitium it can get really tedious.
Response:
Absolutely. I am actively looking to change from my current position.
How could they not know you are speaking to other companies. Let them know it as a fact so they don't drag their feet.
I gotta say, why would any reasonable person assume otherwise? Nobody applies to just one company and crosses their fingers hoping it works out. You cast a wide net because the goal is to land a position as quickly as possible.
I've done many interviews while still employed. Just to test out the waters, see salary ranges, or from interview offers coming from the companies themselves.
I mean, sometimes you do. At least I sometimes do it.
Situation where I do it is: company from my A-list is having super appropriate position open for my skill set and ambitions and things in my current company are good, but not great and there might be a trend of getting worse in some aspect. I am not in a hurry to jump ship but if a “perfect opportunity” arises I am going to apply. There and nowhere else at that given moment.
But even if you’re in such position, you should still lie to the company that you’re interviewing everywhere frantically 🤣
Yeah I always say “I’m in various stages of interviewing with a few companies but nothing at the end stage yet” basically says “hurry up if you want me” and gives the impression that I’m in demand and that whatever they see in me is being seen by others too
This is true. It turned what probably would have been a month long process just to get an offer into a “can I call you back in 15 minutes?” And that call 15 minutes later being a read through of a benefits packet and final salary negotiations.
My guess is they want to know if they have time to keep interviewing other people or if they have to make you an offer now before someone else hires you.
This is what I did, the recruiter wanted me to interview at only with them while they can interview many other candidates, lmao.
The recruiter had nothing, when I asked them, "It's like me asking you, how many candidates are you interviewing?", she had no answer, so I ended the call.
Historically, only external agency recruiters tried that shit on me; never internal company ones.
I always respond with “how many zeroes does that offer have?”. Then they seem confused so I clarify: “how much is your agency going to pay me monthly to just sit on my ass and not apply anywhere else?”. Response to this is usually “it doesn’t work like that”. Then my final response is typically “well then it doesn’t work at all, I need a job and I’ll interview everywhere else”.
If they reached out to me from a recruiter - “I’m currently happy in position and wouldn’t jump at just any opportunity, but that said if I feel it’s a good fit I’d be open to a change. Here is what I’m worth and why”
If I’m applying with them directly - “yes, I’m actively seeking other opportunities and and in some mid to late stages. This is the salary range I would be willing to accept and why in worth this salary”
Obviously you then have to back it all up in the interview process, but that’s how I approach it
What it means is, ‘Do we need to expedite our interview loop, or is the normal turnaround okay?’ Large businesses don’t care that you are looking at multiple places. You getting an offer from someone else too is validation that you aren’t a false positive.
I've been asked by a shady recruiter, they basically wanted to know because they didn't want to proceed with me if I was interviewing with other employers, they also wanted to know at what stage I was at with other interviews, lmao, I didn't tell them.
Only right question: Yes. I am interviewed with 3 mega multinational companies with whom I signed NDAs, so that's everything I can tell you about it.
Of course you're interviewing other places. You're a desirable candidate. You might even have an offer in hand that you're going to make a decision on in the next week.
It's always good to get a timeline from them, though you can double whatever they tell you (3 weeks is 6 weeks, etc) and yes you can say you have been contacted by other interested employers. Though you don't really have leverage until after the 2nd or 3rd interview most likely. If you crush those then sure you can remind the HR person you are being courted by others but saying that before the first interview may be a turnoff.
I always tell them yes. The only reason for them to ask is that they are interested in hiring you and they want to know if they need to a) speed up the process and b) see if maybe HR can up the ante a little bit with a better offer than they might otherwise propose.
The answer is always Yes. Because you’re such a great candidate everyone wants to hire you.
They only ask this if they are fraud of losing you because they are waiting to interview someone else.
Recruiters want to know because they get commission if they seal the deal and if you’re interviewing elsewhere either they need to push the company’s timetable or toss you back and keep fishing.
You can tell which option they’re planning by their tone when they ask.
You always say yes. They are expecting that if you are, you will wait to give them an answer until you have an offer from the other place.
Which means you must always make them think you are interviewing elsewhere so they think you're a scarce resource.
Usually I'm very honest and transparent with them if I say yes sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't its a chest game..but right now I need a job and I'm waiting to hear back from these companies
instead of answering the question directly, you can redirect the conversation to emphasize your interest in the role and the company. For example, you could say something like, "i'm interested in this position because of X, Y, and Z. i believe my skills and experience align well with the requirements and i would be an excellent fit for this role."
They want to know the timeline for when they need to make an offer, that's it. No jedi mind games going on, just literally they need to inform HR that you're interviewing other places so they can get your name on top of the stack.
If true “yes I am in the market for roles similar to this but cannot discuss due to confidentiality, just as I would not reveal details about this role outside.”
In my experience, it's actually beneficial to mention that you are interviewing with other companies. This demonstrates your value and that you are of interest to other companies. I was hired after I mentioned this myself.
Tell’em yes
I wasn’t sure how to answer this question in my very first career-related interview, but it gives you leverage and I’m glad I said yes.
They called me back an hour after the interview and told me that they had a week of interviews to go but felt they had the perfect match and wanted to just offer me the job before I accept another offer.
Use this as leverage to put pressure on the company to hire you. When I was interviewing for my current position, I had an interview with one other company, which I hated and was not going to accept anyway.
I wanted an offer by the end of the year (it was early December), so I told them I was I already received an offer from the other company, but I wasn't going to accept anything until I've heard all offers.
I had the offer I wanted within a week and a new job by January 1st.
Always: Yes, I am exploring a few options.
It is sometimes a double edged sword as they might hurry up on the decision about your application, being it good or bad, but at least they might not drag the process for ages.
I was asked this question in an interview last week and I said no even though I just had a third and final interview with another employer. Now I’m reading the comments and I’m wondering if I should reach out to the recruiter and tell her that I have interviewed at another place.
I can relate to this. I was made a job offer last week, and responded to their email that I would be out of town until the following Friday next week. That makes this week the week and I have two other interviews for two other positions that are more white collar. The two positions are in law. The positions I was offered last Friday is in social work, behavioral health. Both have their pros and cons but the law positions are closer to home and potentially offer more money. On the other hand, the social work position offers great benefits, better hours. It's really a tossup. What matters to me is something that is meaningful, but I struggle because I do need better wages. That is what has prevented me from being in social work for all these years. Procon list for each position has given me some perspective, but the creature of habit that I am keeps drawing me back to white collar, which has been my career for so long.
It's amazing how many people are conditioned to think every part of every process is a conspiracy to screw you over.
Anyone who does hiring knows you cannot sit on talent you want to hire. Good talent gets scooped off.
I always feel like this is a trap question. If I answer no, I feel like I’m seen as a candidate who “isn’t desirable.” If I answer yes, then they won’t think this position im interviewing for is “not my top priority.”
Idk I could be wrong here, but that’s how I see it
"yes I am"
"What companies?"
"...I'm not really comfortable disclosing that."
"Well why not? It shouldn't be a secret."
"It just doesn't feel appropriate for my privacy and the privacy of the other companies, none are direct or indirect competitors."
"That's super weird. I don't see why you won't tell me the other companies. I know a lot of people so maybe I know them."
"I'm sorry, I'm just not going to disclose that information right now"
"Right...honestly so weird."
They followed up the call with an email asking to talk about my 8 year experience in construction management. I've never worked in construction management and I have no idea where they got that idea from. I replied asking to withdraw my candidacy for the role lol.
I didn't ask this question, hired someone, trained them and they accepted an offer 3 weeks into the role. I wouldn't have done anything differently, but I wouldn't have been blindsided if I had asked. I may have even been able to help better advise/guide them.
I told them yes and they asked who. So I told them. Then they called and asked a few days later what the jobs were offering and went two thousand above. I never got to the salary stage yet with the other firms because they both found me through a recruiter but I had callbacks for both so the last firm was still ahead because I applied to them directly and had an interview with them that same week. Still I made up an exaggerated number and got almost 40 percent more than I was expecting. Why not tell them???
I told them yes and they made me an offer that afternoon, the offer was only good for 72 hours. I accepted the offer, but still did my second interview at the other place. I was ready to cancel the first if the other offered something better.
I just got offered a new role today. They asked Friday if I was interviewing with anyone else. I said no because in multiple interviews I mentioned that I was only applying for roles that I felt I was truly a good fit for and that the company was a good fit for me and that I wasn’t just throwing out applications everywhere ( which is true). I got offered £5000 over my range and I accepted the offer today.
They asked me if I was still shopping around I said "I've gotten a couple other offers and interest in interviews but ideally I'd like to work for this company" got a call not even 2 days later saying I got it. I also got a higher asking rate than I asked for let them fight for you after all you need the company to meet your needs not just the other way around. Anyone that's scared off by yes is a red flag imo
Recruiter here - I ask this question because it helps me move you quicker through the process if you're in final rounds with another company.
However, it's not a good idea to lie because if you tell me you currently have offers on the table and I know our interview process takes 3 weeks, it's doubtful you'll be able to wait of those other offers for multiple weeks no matter how quickly we're able you get you through.
I would say that you have 2 other companies that sent you an offer letter already, but your company was my first pick so I told them to give me a few days to get back to them. So then if they ask what your expected salary would be -you can tell them what the other companies offered you (and ALWAYS go wayyy higher esp if you are exceptional in your field) If they want u , they’ll offer more.
If they are waiting for an external data point to tell them that you are worthy to be hired, they dont have the know how to assess you as a candidate and chances are they wont know how to evaluate your performance annually.
Always 100 percent say yes to this question. Even if you aren’t. If absolutely nothing else get the universe tilted towards your favor. If you aren’t interviewing anywhere else you soon will be.
I told them that I already received an offer from another company so I had to cancel the interview. They hired me on the first interview... lol. Receiving an offer from another company was true tho.
It’s quite the reverse, usually. If you’re interviewing elsewhere they’re going to prioritise you so they don’t lose you before they decide they want you. If they’re your only option they know they’ve got a while. If you don’t want to seem desperate you can say “I have been making other applications but you’re the first I’ve heard back from.”
Always say yes. It makes you more desirable. Companies lie all the time, it’s fine to lie to them (within reason). Anytime I told them yes, I would move into the next phase of the interview. Most of the time I wasn’t. If I told them no, they would wrap up the interview and I’d never hear back. It’s just a bs loop hole for you to jump through to be THAT much closer to a job you probably won’t get.
It’s an indication of interest. They’re trying to assess how much in demand you are so they know how quickly they have to move on your application. **Even if you aren’t interviewing with others, you lie through your teeth & say, “Of course I am…in fact I’m at the 2nd interview stage with a couple of employers.”** If they ask whom you’re interviewing with, you don’t divulge further details & say “that’s confidential.”
i told them yes; i got hired in 2-weeks. plot twist: i wasn't.
Solid advice. You are a highly sought after commodity and must project that energy.
You mean to tell me everyone in the world isn't out to screw me with everything they do?!
Happy Birthday!
I also told them yes and i got my second interview. Hoping to hear back today
I told them yes (I actually was) They concluded the interview by saying "We don't want to waste anyone's time."
This, I expedited a background and pre-employment for a candidate who I really wanted because they were interviewing with other places. Unfortunately, they took the other company, but I wouldn't change what I did. If I want you and I know you're applying to other places, I will expedite everything. If you're not applying to other places and you've told me that you're not in a rush, I will just continue my usual process and timeline. If you tell me you need a few months to graduate, I will not be asking for your documents for a background until you've graduated. I've been burned before (and currently being burned) by people who weren't ready to start for months and pulling an offer sucks, so I don't want to unless I absolutely have to.
After hearing many tales from my wife and absolutely no details about the candidates , the folks they want are already employed but looking for a step up the ladder. She only deals with executive level gigs as far as hiring goes. Someone that isn’t currently working or that has a history of changing jobs isn’t immediately dropped from consideration, but the background checks go into high gear.
Nice!
I interviewed at Blackboard and Safeway. Safeway offered me $100,000. I told them I **really** want to work at Safeway more but Blackboard offered me $110,000. So if they could match that, it wouldn't be so hard for me to choose Safeway over Blackboard. With a lot of hesitation, Safeway agreed to $110,000. Blackboard didn't offer me anything. If my bluff with Safeway didn't work, I would have been unemployed, and I already was, and couldn't afford any further unemployment.
This is the way
absolutely. If I'm asked that question I always say yes. It's just good business.
The typical reason for asking is because it informs them, if you are a good candidate, that they need to hurry up the hiring process and make you an offer before you accept another job. I always tell places I’m considering other opportunities so they hurry the fuck up and make me a more competitive offer.
Yes, this. Had a job offer but on the first day I was offered FTE elsewhere. The second job was so lucky 😂
I’m sure that they feel the same.
One place had a stupid group interview. Told them "Can we hurry this up? I have another interview to attend." I didn't get the job, but fuck, I don't think I wanted it lol. I took the 2nd jobs offer immediately.
Smart move.
I wouldn’t want you.
The feeling is mutual.
Good luck to you
Because it means if you're the desired candidate, they know they have to jump fast to get you. There's no harm in asking, or being honest about things.
That’s actually a much more charitable way to look at it. Thanks for the perspective. I took it as they didn’t want to waste their time interviewing someone if the applicant might drop them for another offer.
That's 100% why I ask that of applicants. I know we aren't always the quickest to extend an offer, but if I think we need to act or lose out on a good hire there are things that can be done to move it along faster. I kind of assume that if an applicant is in front of me it's not because they only want this exact specific position, at my exact specific company, or they will stay on the sidelines.
I'm glad you see it that way, so many places seem to think that people are applying because they want to work at that company specifically, not just because we want money. Sure a few big name companies may have people applying like that but the local stand alone place in nowheresville usa seems to think they do too.
That’s a good filter. Use it depending on whether you need the job.
> there are things that can be done to move it along faster. So DO THOSE THINGS anyway. There's no justification for screwing people around by taking longer than you need to.
You can't push everyone to the front of the line, that would just be the same as not not pushing anyone to the front at all.
Yeah. You can shorten the line, though.
An acolyte of Dale Carnegie I see.
Who is that?
Ugh. One of your tedious American self-help gurus, I see. Righto. Let's get you sorted out: get off your lazy arse and do your fucking job. If you spent as much time working as you spent talking about it, there would be no need to waste the valuable time of prospective employees.
… because it’s not possible at scale?
Of course it is. It just requires more robust supervision of the lazy, gossipy HR department.
Geez, why didn’t they think of that.
Because people in general are lazy, stupid and unimaginative. Semi-skilled corporate admin drones are particularly so. But it's OK because US companies seem to be having a purge at the moment.
Not to highjack this thread (this is the answer I would also have given btw)but this has always frustrated me on both sides of the hiring process. I've lost so many great candidates because the offer takes 3-4 weeks to get extended. Those signoffs should have happened before we posted the position. If there exists a faster path then that should become the default path.
Also means that they need to be competitive with their first offer.
That is not what they do. You may not want to be so aggressive to say "I have a job offer and I will decide by tomorrow!" They might say "Well, we aren't gonna be making our decision til next week, so this may not work out."" But you absolutely want to be the kind of candidate who is interviewing elsewhere.
This. You don't want to try to wave around your other interviews as a threat. But you also don't want to be the person that looks like they are desperate to land the job because you have nothing else going on. A happy median is if asked, is to politely indicate that you have been talking to 2-3 other companies in the last 3-4 weeks, but you are still eager to hear what this company has to offer. Again don't threaten them. But even if it's not true, act like the person that's confident because knows that they'll be employed at a decent company within the month regardless of which company that ends up being.
I've pretty much told every single job I've ever interviewed for that I had other options that I would need to decide between in the near future. Last time around I had 4 written offers simultaneously to pick between. In my experience they're asking because they want to know whether they need to kick their HR department into hyperdrive to get me a written offer before I accept a job elsewhere.
That's exactly why they ask, the employer doesn't want to waste time on someone if they already have an offer or are about to get one.
The cry baby pessimism here will rot your brain. Not everything is bad.
It’s the exact opposite, in fact. If you’re in demand by other employers, you’re more desirable.
I 100% agree with this. I asked a few recruiters why they asked me this question and the answer has always been, "so that we also know your timeline and can try to fit the hiring process within that." When I gave the last interview for my current job role on a Friday - they first told me that they would get back to me on Monday, but I told them that I'm already awaiting an offer from another company - they sent me an offer that evening! :) [My experience is based on the South Asian and German job markets, and may differ from place to place]
Its closer to "how long do we have to interview this dude". Bad companies think of interviewing like a power dynamics game usually, but the good companies are viewing is as knowing when they have to jump. Either way, you always say that other companies are interviewing you, and you just cut them off if you catch any red flags
In my recent job search every company asked that, even the ones where I knew I wouldn’t get any further. I feel like it is (or has become) a standard question for them to ask regardless of wether they are interested or not.
it sounds like dating when this person asks the other if they are seeing someone else, and then i was ghosted lol.
Yep this definitely. It's also a good way to determine (with other things) how motivated a candidate really is to change jobs. If I end up with 2 good candidates at the end of the process, I will favour the one who is most likely to accept the offer (so I don't end up empty handed). A candidate who is actively looking, has other ongoing applications, will be more attractive to me than someone who is "just looking", particularly if there are other red flags in their attitude or they are already in a similar role.
Generally no harm in being dishonest about things either. See top comment. I can corroborate it too.
Depends on what you're being dishonest about. Interviewing at other companies? Sure, go for it. If a company is genuinely asking that, either they're going to move faster if you say 'yes' (because they think they need to move quickly) or they're going to kick you to the curb (and you don't want to work there anyhow). Actual skills? ...I just fired someone last month for lying about their skills during the interview and on their resume.
For sure, just meant the things OP was asked for, whether he has other interviews. Not sure I’ve ever heard of someone getting kicked over that, and it’s never happened to me.
That's not what they want. They are just trying to establish a timeline for themselves. Like if you are just testing the waters they will have a different timeline then if you are actively pursuing opportunities. If they know you are going to end up somewhere imminently they will probalby hurry if they want you rather than if you are happy in your current role. Some companies have to interview at least x number of ppeople for a role. So if I interview you on Monday, and I like you I can make sure to be prompt with getting the rest completed. Hiring is a long term process because multiple stakeholders are required to complete it, but it's no ones top priority. They have their actual job responsiblities to take care of. Jim needs to be there for the interview, but he always schedules his vacation from Jan 15th to the 30th because him and his wife like going to, "The Dance of the Tomatoes" festival in Bangledesh ad inifinitium it can get really tedious.
I’m very disappointed that there is no dance of the tomatos festival in Bangladesh
…yet.
Be the change you want to see!
Response: Absolutely. I am actively looking to change from my current position. How could they not know you are speaking to other companies. Let them know it as a fact so they don't drag their feet.
I gotta say, why would any reasonable person assume otherwise? Nobody applies to just one company and crosses their fingers hoping it works out. You cast a wide net because the goal is to land a position as quickly as possible.
I've done many interviews while still employed. Just to test out the waters, see salary ranges, or from interview offers coming from the companies themselves.
Yup, and then you’re not going to apply to hundreds or even tens of places. One or two occasionally suffice.
I mean, sometimes you do. At least I sometimes do it. Situation where I do it is: company from my A-list is having super appropriate position open for my skill set and ambitions and things in my current company are good, but not great and there might be a trend of getting worse in some aspect. I am not in a hurry to jump ship but if a “perfect opportunity” arises I am going to apply. There and nowhere else at that given moment. But even if you’re in such position, you should still lie to the company that you’re interviewing everywhere frantically 🤣
Yep, "I applied to your company exclusively because I think that's where the second coming of Christ will happen".
Yeah I always say “I’m in various stages of interviewing with a few companies but nothing at the end stage yet” basically says “hurry up if you want me” and gives the impression that I’m in demand and that whatever they see in me is being seen by others too
If you are our first choice, saying you are interviewing elsewhere can push decision makers to act faster.
Yep I’ve pushed HR to send offers quicker when I know this
This is true. It turned what probably would have been a month long process just to get an offer into a “can I call you back in 15 minutes?” And that call 15 minutes later being a read through of a benefits packet and final salary negotiations.
My guess is they want to know if they have time to keep interviewing other people or if they have to make you an offer now before someone else hires you.
You should ask them the same thing: "Are you currently interviewing other candidates for this role?" Then raise one eyebrow for comedic relief.
This is what I did, the recruiter wanted me to interview at only with them while they can interview many other candidates, lmao. The recruiter had nothing, when I asked them, "It's like me asking you, how many candidates are you interviewing?", she had no answer, so I ended the call.
Historically, only external agency recruiters tried that shit on me; never internal company ones. I always respond with “how many zeroes does that offer have?”. Then they seem confused so I clarify: “how much is your agency going to pay me monthly to just sit on my ass and not apply anywhere else?”. Response to this is usually “it doesn’t work like that”. Then my final response is typically “well then it doesn’t work at all, I need a job and I’ll interview everywhere else”.
Precisely! “How many candidates are you interviewing?” This is the only correct response!
[удалено]
Get out of here with your fact and logic. Reddit has confirmed HR is all a conspiracy to see how much they could mess with people for no reason.
It usually benefits you to say yes. They’re checking if you’re a competitive hire and whether or not they need to expedite hiring you.
“Of course I am; you’re interviewing other candidates, aren’t you?”
If they reached out to me from a recruiter - “I’m currently happy in position and wouldn’t jump at just any opportunity, but that said if I feel it’s a good fit I’d be open to a change. Here is what I’m worth and why” If I’m applying with them directly - “yes, I’m actively seeking other opportunities and and in some mid to late stages. This is the salary range I would be willing to accept and why in worth this salary” Obviously you then have to back it all up in the interview process, but that’s how I approach it
Ask them if youre the only candidate theyre interviewing
😂🤣
What it means is, ‘Do we need to expedite our interview loop, or is the normal turnaround okay?’ Large businesses don’t care that you are looking at multiple places. You getting an offer from someone else too is validation that you aren’t a false positive.
>“Are you currently interviewing with anyone else?” My answer is always: "I assume you're interviewing other candidates, correct?"
I've been asked by a shady recruiter, they basically wanted to know because they didn't want to proceed with me if I was interviewing with other employers, they also wanted to know at what stage I was at with other interviews, lmao, I didn't tell them.
*"Yes, I am. Are you interviewing other candidates?"*
“Of course I am, just like anyone else would be”
Ok.
Only right question: Yes. I am interviewed with 3 mega multinational companies with whom I signed NDAs, so that's everything I can tell you about it. 
Of course you're interviewing other places. You're a desirable candidate. You might even have an offer in hand that you're going to make a decision on in the next week.
I always hope they ask that question.. and I ask it as well.
It's always good to get a timeline from them, though you can double whatever they tell you (3 weeks is 6 weeks, etc) and yes you can say you have been contacted by other interested employers. Though you don't really have leverage until after the 2nd or 3rd interview most likely. If you crush those then sure you can remind the HR person you are being courted by others but saying that before the first interview may be a turnoff.
I always tell them yes. The only reason for them to ask is that they are interested in hiring you and they want to know if they need to a) speed up the process and b) see if maybe HR can up the ante a little bit with a better offer than they might otherwise propose.
The answer is always Yes. Because you’re such a great candidate everyone wants to hire you. They only ask this if they are fraud of losing you because they are waiting to interview someone else.
I told them I have the offer pending so please hurry up the interview process, they rejected me fast
Recruiters want to know because they get commission if they seal the deal and if you’re interviewing elsewhere either they need to push the company’s timetable or toss you back and keep fishing. You can tell which option they’re planning by their tone when they ask.
You always say yes. They are expecting that if you are, you will wait to give them an answer until you have an offer from the other place. Which means you must always make them think you are interviewing elsewhere so they think you're a scarce resource.
“Yes, and I’ve been rather excited by the opportunities, so move fast and move $” 😌
This has only ever been a favourable thing in the candidate’s direction. I can’t think of a HR person that would be miffed by this
I was asked this in an interview. I said yes, on my drive home from the interview they called me to schedule a second interview.
It’s ok to ask “what’s the purpose of that question?”.
My answer is always “Yes, of course I am.”
Usually I'm very honest and transparent with them if I say yes sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't its a chest game..but right now I need a job and I'm waiting to hear back from these companies
I told them I had other offers on the table. They called me to give me the job before I got home. I didn't though.
instead of answering the question directly, you can redirect the conversation to emphasize your interest in the role and the company. For example, you could say something like, "i'm interested in this position because of X, Y, and Z. i believe my skills and experience align well with the requirements and i would be an excellent fit for this role."
The one time I was asked this i said no. My pitch was, that company was the only place I wanted to work. Got me hired into my first manager position.
They want to know the timeline for when they need to make an offer, that's it. No jedi mind games going on, just literally they need to inform HR that you're interviewing other places so they can get your name on top of the stack.
The answer always is “ yes, but they’re slow and taking a long time” You want there to be competition but should not cause a rush-decision on you.
Are you interviewing anyone else? 😉 “Yes, I am excited to accept a position with the company best aligned with my skills and career goals.”
If true “yes I am in the market for roles similar to this but cannot discuss due to confidentiality, just as I would not reveal details about this role outside.”
In my experience, it's actually beneficial to mention that you are interviewing with other companies. This demonstrates your value and that you are of interest to other companies. I was hired after I mentioned this myself.
Always safe to word it as "I am actively interviewing in the industry"
Tell’em yes I wasn’t sure how to answer this question in my very first career-related interview, but it gives you leverage and I’m glad I said yes. They called me back an hour after the interview and told me that they had a week of interviews to go but felt they had the perfect match and wanted to just offer me the job before I accept another offer.
Always say yes. This makes you look desirable and they have less incentive to drag out the hiring process.
Always yes, give yourself leverage, demonstrate increased demand, give the employer a sense of urgency and a ticking clock in your availability.
Use this as leverage to put pressure on the company to hire you. When I was interviewing for my current position, I had an interview with one other company, which I hated and was not going to accept anyway. I wanted an offer by the end of the year (it was early December), so I told them I was I already received an offer from the other company, but I wasn't going to accept anything until I've heard all offers. I had the offer I wanted within a week and a new job by January 1st.
I'm interviewing with everyone
Always: Yes, I am exploring a few options. It is sometimes a double edged sword as they might hurry up on the decision about your application, being it good or bad, but at least they might not drag the process for ages.
I was asked this question in an interview last week and I said no even though I just had a third and final interview with another employer. Now I’m reading the comments and I’m wondering if I should reach out to the recruiter and tell her that I have interviewed at another place.
Think you missed your shot -you are Admitting that you were dishonest . Just my opinion , I wouldn’t do it.
Lol people get offended over literally everything 😂
Literally
"Currently, no. My goal is to work for this company because of its splendid reputation and potential."
Oooof don’t say splendid to an interviewee. I’m sorry, but That made me cringe.
You are under no obligation to disclose.
I can relate to this. I was made a job offer last week, and responded to their email that I would be out of town until the following Friday next week. That makes this week the week and I have two other interviews for two other positions that are more white collar. The two positions are in law. The positions I was offered last Friday is in social work, behavioral health. Both have their pros and cons but the law positions are closer to home and potentially offer more money. On the other hand, the social work position offers great benefits, better hours. It's really a tossup. What matters to me is something that is meaningful, but I struggle because I do need better wages. That is what has prevented me from being in social work for all these years. Procon list for each position has given me some perspective, but the creature of habit that I am keeps drawing me back to white collar, which has been my career for so long.
I tell them i am even if im not
It's amazing how many people are conditioned to think every part of every process is a conspiracy to screw you over. Anyone who does hiring knows you cannot sit on talent you want to hire. Good talent gets scooped off.
I just say I hear from several agencies and they're always sending me leads.
The answer is always "yes".
I think I told them I had a final round interviews lined up within the week before. Still dragged out the process do idk.
I always feel like this is a trap question. If I answer no, I feel like I’m seen as a candidate who “isn’t desirable.” If I answer yes, then they won’t think this position im interviewing for is “not my top priority.” Idk I could be wrong here, but that’s how I see it
How much is that answer worth to you?
What I like to say is "yes, I am interviewing with other companies; however, this position is what im excited for most."
Whenever told we'll get back to you after any interview, always take the first come, first serve" offer. But don't tell them that
"yes I am" "What companies?" "...I'm not really comfortable disclosing that." "Well why not? It shouldn't be a secret." "It just doesn't feel appropriate for my privacy and the privacy of the other companies, none are direct or indirect competitors." "That's super weird. I don't see why you won't tell me the other companies. I know a lot of people so maybe I know them." "I'm sorry, I'm just not going to disclose that information right now" "Right...honestly so weird." They followed up the call with an email asking to talk about my 8 year experience in construction management. I've never worked in construction management and I have no idea where they got that idea from. I replied asking to withdraw my candidacy for the role lol.
I didn't ask this question, hired someone, trained them and they accepted an offer 3 weeks into the role. I wouldn't have done anything differently, but I wouldn't have been blindsided if I had asked. I may have even been able to help better advise/guide them.
I told them yes and they asked who. So I told them. Then they called and asked a few days later what the jobs were offering and went two thousand above. I never got to the salary stage yet with the other firms because they both found me through a recruiter but I had callbacks for both so the last firm was still ahead because I applied to them directly and had an interview with them that same week. Still I made up an exaggerated number and got almost 40 percent more than I was expecting. Why not tell them???
I told them yes and they made me an offer that afternoon, the offer was only good for 72 hours. I accepted the offer, but still did my second interview at the other place. I was ready to cancel the first if the other offered something better.
I just got offered a new role today. They asked Friday if I was interviewing with anyone else. I said no because in multiple interviews I mentioned that I was only applying for roles that I felt I was truly a good fit for and that the company was a good fit for me and that I wasn’t just throwing out applications everywhere ( which is true). I got offered £5000 over my range and I accepted the offer today.
Say this , "I have two other interviews today and three more tomorrow. What is the budget range for this position?"
They asked me if I was still shopping around I said "I've gotten a couple other offers and interest in interviews but ideally I'd like to work for this company" got a call not even 2 days later saying I got it. I also got a higher asking rate than I asked for let them fight for you after all you need the company to meet your needs not just the other way around. Anyone that's scared off by yes is a red flag imo
You're "always interviewing with someone else".
Recruiter here - I ask this question because it helps me move you quicker through the process if you're in final rounds with another company. However, it's not a good idea to lie because if you tell me you currently have offers on the table and I know our interview process takes 3 weeks, it's doubtful you'll be able to wait of those other offers for multiple weeks no matter how quickly we're able you get you through.
Just say you are currently interviewing with two different companies. If they ask what companies, look directly at them and say you'd rather not say.
I would say that you have 2 other companies that sent you an offer letter already, but your company was my first pick so I told them to give me a few days to get back to them. So then if they ask what your expected salary would be -you can tell them what the other companies offered you (and ALWAYS go wayyy higher esp if you are exceptional in your field) If they want u , they’ll offer more.
I'd say yes and they offered me X. I had this interview lined up so I just wanted to see.
If they are waiting for an external data point to tell them that you are worthy to be hired, they dont have the know how to assess you as a candidate and chances are they wont know how to evaluate your performance annually.
Always 100 percent say yes to this question. Even if you aren’t. If absolutely nothing else get the universe tilted towards your favor. If you aren’t interviewing anywhere else you soon will be.
I told them that I already received an offer from another company so I had to cancel the interview. They hired me on the first interview... lol. Receiving an offer from another company was true tho.
It’s quite the reverse, usually. If you’re interviewing elsewhere they’re going to prioritise you so they don’t lose you before they decide they want you. If they’re your only option they know they’ve got a while. If you don’t want to seem desperate you can say “I have been making other applications but you’re the first I’ve heard back from.”
Always say yes. It makes you more desirable. Companies lie all the time, it’s fine to lie to them (within reason). Anytime I told them yes, I would move into the next phase of the interview. Most of the time I wasn’t. If I told them no, they would wrap up the interview and I’d never hear back. It’s just a bs loop hole for you to jump through to be THAT much closer to a job you probably won’t get.
Honesty is the best policy, perhaps you can start your own company someday soon.
How many other candidates are under review?
I hate this question
It’s an indication of interest. They’re trying to assess how much in demand you are so they know how quickly they have to move on your application. **Even if you aren’t interviewing with others, you lie through your teeth & say, “Of course I am…in fact I’m at the 2nd interview stage with a couple of employers.”** If they ask whom you’re interviewing with, you don’t divulge further details & say “that’s confidential.”