“What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With?”

When your interviewer asks, “What other companies are you interviewing with?,” he or she has every right to be curious about your job search. What many candidates don’t know is that they have every right to their privacy when confronted with this question. Your other options don’t need be revealed until you are choosing between job offers, in which case it’s a good idea to use another offer as leverage to gain a higher salary.

As a candidate, you need to convince your interviewer that your primary focus is getting this particular role at this particular company.  That’s why it’s usually not a good idea to rattle off a list of other companies, especially if 1. you’re interviewing in a variety of different industries and roles (in which case your interviewer may get the impression that you’d be happy with a job anywhere) or 2. you’re interviewing with the company’s competitors. There’s also an awkward third scenario: You might not be interviewing anywhere else.

So how do you answer this question without really answering it? Always, always relate your answer back to the job you’re currently interviewing for.

If you are interviewing elsewhere, find a common theme amongst the roles or companies you’re currently considering. For example, you can say something like, “I’m interviewing with a number of organizations that will rely heavily on my social media skills, but I feel this role is best for my professional growth.”

If you aren’t interviewing anywhere else, don’t show your cards just yet: Employers tend to attach value to candidates who are being pursued by other companies. Instead, respond with something like, “I’m staying open to a lot of different opportunities at the moment, but it’s most important for me to find the best fit. That’s why I’m excited about this role in particular…”

At the end of your response, you should either express your interest in the role or talk about how the role can benefit you the most. Remember that hiring managers are more likely to extend an offer if they feel that you’re going to accept, so showing your interviewer that you see value and opportunity within the company can only help your chances.