Are you interviewing elsewhere

[purplepolarbear]

What is the best answer to give to the question "Are you interviewing elsewhere?"

In the current market I need to keep as many options open as possible, but if I say I am potential employers may think they are a second choice.

[Doofus]

The best answer to any interview question is the true one.

They might think they're a second choice, but it's more likely they'll think that your skills are potentially in demand and that if they don't make you an offer quick, they'll lose you.

If you say you're not interviewing elsewhere, and they ask "Why?", what will you say then?

[edc]

Then why don't you say to the interviewer explicitly that they are your first choice? But then another fear is that they will use this to beat you down on salary.

[Bodo]

I got this question once. I answered honestly 'yes'. Got the job and more salary offered than the range I gave them, when they asked me.

[plg]

Be truthful.

"Yes, but your are my first choice because...." + stuff about them and their approach to the market / products / strategy and then why it's good for you - natural career step, good cultural fit, etc.

[ShadownINja]

plg said:

Be truthful.

"Yes, but your are my first choice because...." + stuff about them and their approach to the market / products / strategy and then why it's good for you - natural career step, good cultural fit, etc.

Pah. Needy. It reads, "I really, really want to work with you and don't have another place to go to so am happy to take a lower salary."

I told one interviewer I had one interview the following week and was awaiting the outcome of another interview.

BTW Are we allowed to ask, "Are you interviewing any more candidates?" and get huffy if they are?

Edited by ShadownINja on Friday 12th November 15:39

[The Walrus]

ShadownINja said:

plg said:

Be truthful.

"Yes, but your are my first choice because...." + stuff about them and their approach to the market / products / strategy and then why it's good for you - natural career step, good cultural fit, etc.

Pah. Needy.

Very needy that response try something more along the lines of..

Yes.

If they then ask whioh they most likely will why would you like to work for us, then by all means roll out the bullst brigade and tell them what they want to hear but try not to sound desperate.

[plg]

I meant say it if you mean it.

Don't sound too arrogant, in the interview the future client is still in "buy mode" and some like being flattered.... human nature.

[ShadownINja]

plg said:

I meant say it if you mean it.

Don't sound too arrogant, in the interview the future client is still in "buy mode" and some like being flattered.... human nature.

So... sarge them.