“Are you interviewing with any other companies?”

If you’re actively looking for a new job, it’s more than likely that you will have applied for multiple opportunities. You may be interviewing with multiple different employers as part of the hiring process.

If you’re actively looking for a new job, it’s more than likely that you will have applied for multiple opportunities. You may be interviewing with multiple different employers as part of the hiring process. 

Throughout the interview process, you may have to answer whether you are currently interviewing with any other companies. Although it seems like a simple question, it can feel intrusive and loaded with inquisition. 

This is one of the more common interview questions and can catch even a well-prepared candidate off-guard. But, you can answer tactfully, comprehensively and easily when you adopt the right strategy. 

So, here are some tips to help to ensure you answer this question in a manner that will be well-received by the interviewer. 

Why do recruiters ask if you’re interviewing with other companies? 

Before discussing how you can answer this question in a positive way, let’s first explore why recruiters ask it:

• To gain validation that you are genuinely interested in this role, at this company 
• To see evidence that your job search is well-thought-out and focused, rather than scatter-gun 
• To gauge whether or not you are interviewing with any of their competitors 
• To help the interviewer understand how quickly they will have to move if they were to offer you the job

You can see that this question isn’t simply a curve ball designed to test you. From the interviewer’s perspective, there is a strategy behind it. To answer the question well, follow these dos and don’ts to offer a positive and strategic response.

How to answer: “Are you interviewing with any other companies?”

When answering this interview question, you need to make it clear that you are in-demand. You also need to show that you are a well-organised candidate who has carefully targeted your job applications.

If you mention interviewing with many other companies, the hiring manager may think you applied for every job out there.

Treat the below dos and don’ts as general advice. If the interviewer tries to delve deeper, we’ll explore how to handle the situation. We’ll also talk through how to respond if they are, in fact, the only company you are interviewing with. 

How to answer this job interview question:  

• Highlight that the company you are interviewing for is your number one choice 
• Steer the conversation towards what you are looking for in your next role, rather than focus on other employers. A change in direction will bring the focus onto this role, not on others you may or may not be applying for 
• Keep things general. If you have several interviews lined up, it’s okay to say so. Explain that you’re actively exploring your options. Also mention that while you have multiple interviews lined up, this is the position you’re most excited about 
• If you happen to have already received a job offer, don’t hide it. By keeping things general, you can show that you are in demand. But you can also focus on the number one position you’re interviewing for 

“Are you currently interviewing with other companies?”: example answer: 

“I have a couple of interviews coming up soon with other firms in X city. I am pursuing these roles because of the particularly strong emphasis that they place on X skills, and the opportunity they would give me to develop.  

However, based on what I know, this vacancy is an especially great match. The role offers precisely the challenges that I am seeking at this stage of my career. 

Remember, how you present your interview answer can be just as important as the answer itself. Read our guidance on how to answer difficult interview questions. 

How to answer follow up questions: “Which specific companies are you interviewing with?” 

If you admit to having an interview elsewhere, many interviewers won’t probe your answer any further. However, some may ask for more information about the companies you are interviewing for. Try to answer the question tactfully, without revealing any information you’d prefer to keep to yourself.

Example interview answer: 

“The other companies I’m interviewing for are, like yours, leading names in the X sector. They have also advertised similarly appealing roles in Y. As my ambition is to reach the position of Z in the future, I decided to apply for the most exciting roles that would help me to achieve this goal within the industry.” 

What not to say in a job interview:  

Remember, you don’t have to give any details about other applications 

You don’t have to give specific details about other employers you are interviewing with. Forbes contributor Liz Ryan points out, “you don’t have to name names”. That includes: 

• The names of the employers 
• Whether or not they are competitors 
• Job titles 
• The number of jobs you’ve applied for or are interviewing with 
• When the interviews were or are due to take place 

Don’t exaggerate the extent of your job search 

However, at no point should you exaggerate either the scale of your job search or your progress in the interview process. Just as you wouldn’t lie about your skills or abilities, this simply isn’t worth your own peace of mind. Employers have the capability to cross-check most information you provide them with.

Focus on sharing information that demonstrates your diligent approach to job searching.  

And what to say if this is the only company you are interviewing with 

If this is the only job interview you’ve gotten after applying for multiple roles, it’s best not to mention it. Instead: 

• You could explain that you are applying for roles with specific employers. Say that this role is the first one you’ve come across that could be a good fit for your skills, experience and potential 
• You may not want to say that you are only interviewing with this company. In this case, explain that you have just started your job search 

Example interview answer: 

“As I’m specifically interested in positions like this one, I have applied to the role you have advertised. This is the first and only job I’ve found that would allow me to not only apply my skills in X, but also expand upon my experience in Y and develop my potential and interest in Z. I will consider any similar positions I see, but for now my interest is in this role and your company alone.” 

Checklist for how to discuss interviewing elsewhere 

By now you’ve hopefully got an idea of why interviewers ask this question and how you can prepare. Follow this checklist for interview success: 

• Remember: you don’t need to reveal every detail of your job search.  

• Try not to give an overly closed answer either. Being too guarded might give the impression you have little interest in the role you are interviewing for. 
• Use this opportunity to position yourself as an in-demand candidate who may be snapped up by another company.

This interview question is intended to identify a desirable candidate. Every question an interview asks you – including these extra-tricky ones – gives you the chance to prove that you’re right for the job.

• “Why are you looking to leave your current job?”
• “So,  talk me through your CV”
• “Why do you want this job?”
• “Tell me about a time you failed”
• “So, tell me about yourself”