Companies are interviewing plenty of candidates for their open positions. It’s only fair that candidates look into multiple roles as well. But if you’re asked by an interviewer if you’re interviewing elsewhere, it can be tricky to answer.
As a job seeker, you should absolutely hedge your bets and shop around for your next role. However, a company wants to see how serious you are about their opening while also gauging what their competitors are up to. Navigate this loaded question by tactfully answering with these thoughts in mind.
Be honest
These types of questions can easily put you on the defensive and make you feel like you need to exaggerate. Lying and saying this is the only role for you might make you look too eager or desperate. Trying to sound like you’re a top candidate everywhere suggests this role isn’t a priority for you. It’s a tough market, and every job seeker should explore all of their opportunities. Be honest about the fact that you’re talking to multiple companies, but be careful how you phrase it.
TopResume’s Natalia Autenrieth says that many managers have friends among their competitors, and it’s not difficult to check in and see if you’ve interviewed or received an offer elsewhere. Lying could risk destroying your reputation at both companies and send your search back to square one.
“Simply answering that you are interviewing with lots of other companies might lead the interviewer to perceive that you’ve just applied for every job you could find.” –Alex Shteingardt, Hays
But don’t overshare
Yet being honest doesn’t mean disclosing everything about your job search. You’re not in a zone of truth, and some openings you’re interviewing for might not be public knowledge. You have every right not to disclose more details than you’re comfortable with.
Some companies might ask for the names of other organizations you’re interviewing with. You do not have to name them. They may simply wish to know if this is the primary job title or industry you’re looking into. FlexJob’s Kimberli Lowe-MacAuley says to focus your answer on that title or industry and pivot your question toward why this role stands out from the rest.
Explain why this is a top choice
A little flattery in an interview is never a bad thing, as long as you don’t go into full desperation mode. The truth is that this might not be your top choice among your options. Even if you simply just really need a job, there should be reasons why this organization was on your list. Focus on the aspects of this role that do excite you and focus your answer on those.
Enthusiasm for the role can help your candidacy no matter how many other roles you’re interviewing for. Indeed says if this is your only role, expressing why you’re not exploring other options yet can leave a good impression. Likewise, describing why this role would be your top choice can help you stand out while looking like a sought-after candidate. If done out of dishonesty or desperation, your answer can fall into the pitfalls previously discussed. But if you’re sincere, honest, and enthusiastic, you’ll stand out in the right ways.
“Round off your answer by bringing it back to the present, focusing on your enthusiasm for the current opportunity.” –Anna Morelock, Insight Global
Pivot toward what you’re looking for
In every tricky interview question, it’s always good to circle back and summarize why you’re the best candidate for the job. Keeping your positive qualities and ability to solve the company’s problems at the forefront of the interviewer’s mind will make you memorable. You obviously need to answer the question, but if you’ve followed this advice, you’ll have answered the question and can now reiterate why you’re well-aligned with this role.
Talk about what qualities you’re looking for in your next role (room for growth, working in an exciting industry, an opportunity for collaborative work, etc.) and why this company would be the best place for it. The Muse’s Lily Zhang says the more specific you can be, the better. Explain the skills you have and how this role will best allow you to showcase them. This effectively reiterates why this role would be a top choice, even if you have options.
Wrap up
You aren’t “cheating” on a company by interviewing with other companies, but it can be awkward to discuss. Balance being truthful without oversharing, express your genuine interest in the role, and focus on the conversation on what you’re seeking and why your skills are beneficial for this role and you’ll answer the question accurately while reiterating why you’re the ideal candidate.
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