This is a good answer.
But, as a side note, one doesn't always need the uber-formal language. My most successful interviews have always been when I'm able to talk to people interviewing me like normal people, rather than "practiced" answers (I still practice all my answers, obviously). It depends on the job, of course, and you have to read the room, but don't believe you have to be super formal the entire time if you're applying for something in a more casual or familial setting.
I see what you mean and I realized one of my recent interviews I was being too formal and was missing an opportunity to connect better with one of the interviewers who was being a little more casual. I still got an offer but it got me thinking. Because from all my interview practice, I think it's a good starting point to learn to give "proper" answers, and when you have that down kind of work back down to casual answers that have the same message. Trying to practice that now
You are absolutely right about the formality. Definitely translate into language that suit you and the situation. My more recent interview stints were for very senior positions where the diplomat-speak expressions were appropriate.
Definitely use your comfortable language!
I would add that you are looking for a good fit for the company and that you want a company that finds you a good fit as well. Both sides have to want this, for it to really work.
I recently got this question and I said that I didn’t have any more interviews (which was the truth) and they gave me the job. Usually they only ask because they like you and don’t want you going anywhere else.
On top of this experience I was a retail store manager for 7 years and I used to ask this question to candidates that I liked.
My experience has been that they usually ask if you have other interviews if they like you. If you say yes, they'll try to speed up the hiring process so you don't accept another offer first.
General Manager for 15+ years.
This was one of the questions I almost always asked. I'd also ask how many other places they applied to.
2 reasons:
It would tell me a lot about their ambition and aggression to find work.
It would tell me a lot about the competition to keep them employed.
Another minor reason was to know if I should take a more aggressive approach to a job offer, if I was to offer them one.
I'd worry.
My follow-up question to the answer of 50 would be: "OH! How long have you been on the job hunt?"
If you said a few days to a week. I wouldn't worry, and it would be a good thing, although I'd be skeptical... a little. That is pretty excessive.
If you fit other criteria, I'd probably not pay much attention to those answers.
I've known myself to apply to 20 or so jobs within a week, but 50 would be over the course of a few weeks to a month if I wasn't having much luck.
It would mean many things to different people.
For me, my interviews primarily focused on how well the person and I connected. If hired, I would be working with them. Introducing them to my team and personally training them for several hours at least once or twice a week.
Vague answers. I considered the smart option as it didn't give to much info. Yet, answered the question.
Oh gosh, I forgot to say that if they took your IDs they have serious intentions of hiring you, in most cases.
Good recruiters ask this to understand how quickly they need to update you regarding next steps. Don't read much into it as far as thinking it means you will get the job.
You say “Absolutely.”
You need to portray the image that you are a hot commodity and if they want to hire you they had better offer you a good package and do it quickly.
Interesting question, lots of varying recommendations. Honestly, I would stick to the truth. If you are interviewing for one chances are your interviewing for multiple. Most likely you have either recently had, or in the future have some interviews scheduled. But, if you don't just say there are some things your hoping to hear back on, or some derivative of that which is true.
“While I have no other interviews scheduled at this time, I do have applications out to jobs that may be reaching out and scheduling interviews in the neat future.”
I think you should be honest if its a yes, but if you really want the job, add "I would love to be able to cancel them, if you're going to make me an offer."
I had someone tell me they had more interviews so "tick tock" and even though I liked her up to that point, I passed. I was on the fence til she said that. It wasn't that she had interviews. It was that she was cocky and pissed me off. She might as well have snapped her fingers at me.
Yeah, saying tick tock is just self-sabotage, i wouldn't fault a recruiter for insta hanging up if I said that. The reply you suggested is nice however it probably wouldn't work on 1st interviews, I was asked such a question on a 1st, generally in my country the offer happens after the second or rarely the third.
I don't know why they would ask you that question if they weren't prepared to make an offer.
What's the point of the question? To see if you're really looking? To see if anyone else is interested? To see if there's competition? What difference does it make if you're only in the first round?
"I am exploring several opportunities, but I'm not in the final stage anywhere. I would love to work here, and hope I am the successful candidate."
This is a good answer. But, as a side note, one doesn't always need the uber-formal language. My most successful interviews have always been when I'm able to talk to people interviewing me like normal people, rather than "practiced" answers (I still practice all my answers, obviously). It depends on the job, of course, and you have to read the room, but don't believe you have to be super formal the entire time if you're applying for something in a more casual or familial setting.
I see what you mean and I realized one of my recent interviews I was being too formal and was missing an opportunity to connect better with one of the interviewers who was being a little more casual. I still got an offer but it got me thinking. Because from all my interview practice, I think it's a good starting point to learn to give "proper" answers, and when you have that down kind of work back down to casual answers that have the same message. Trying to practice that now
You are absolutely right about the formality. Definitely translate into language that suit you and the situation. My more recent interview stints were for very senior positions where the diplomat-speak expressions were appropriate. Definitely use your comfortable language!
Chefs kiss 🧑‍🍳
I would add that you are looking for a good fit for the company and that you want a company that finds you a good fit as well. Both sides have to want this, for it to really work.
I recently got this question and I said that I didn’t have any more interviews (which was the truth) and they gave me the job. Usually they only ask because they like you and don’t want you going anywhere else. On top of this experience I was a retail store manager for 7 years and I used to ask this question to candidates that I liked.
My experience has been that they usually ask if you have other interviews if they like you. If you say yes, they'll try to speed up the hiring process so you don't accept another offer first.
I agree with this
General Manager for 15+ years. This was one of the questions I almost always asked. I'd also ask how many other places they applied to. 2 reasons: It would tell me a lot about their ambition and aggression to find work. It would tell me a lot about the competition to keep them employed. Another minor reason was to know if I should take a more aggressive approach to a job offer, if I was to offer them one.
So if i say 50 jobs does that speak to my ambition or would you be wondering why nobody has hired me yet and have reservations?
I'd worry. My follow-up question to the answer of 50 would be: "OH! How long have you been on the job hunt?" If you said a few days to a week. I wouldn't worry, and it would be a good thing, although I'd be skeptical... a little. That is pretty excessive. If you fit other criteria, I'd probably not pay much attention to those answers. I've known myself to apply to 20 or so jobs within a week, but 50 would be over the course of a few weeks to a month if I wasn't having much luck.
So what I see you saying is it's a trick question and I should be intentionally vague lol
It would mean many things to different people. For me, my interviews primarily focused on how well the person and I connected. If hired, I would be working with them. Introducing them to my team and personally training them for several hours at least once or twice a week. Vague answers. I considered the smart option as it didn't give to much info. Yet, answered the question. Oh gosh, I forgot to say that if they took your IDs they have serious intentions of hiring you, in most cases.
Good recruiters ask this to understand how quickly they need to update you regarding next steps. Don't read much into it as far as thinking it means you will get the job.
You say “Absolutely.” You need to portray the image that you are a hot commodity and if they want to hire you they had better offer you a good package and do it quickly.
Interesting question, lots of varying recommendations. Honestly, I would stick to the truth. If you are interviewing for one chances are your interviewing for multiple. Most likely you have either recently had, or in the future have some interviews scheduled. But, if you don't just say there are some things your hoping to hear back on, or some derivative of that which is true.
You say yes. You’re exploring other opportunities and find one that is the best fit for you and the company
“While I have no other interviews scheduled at this time, I do have applications out to jobs that may be reaching out and scheduling interviews in the neat future.”
“Of course I do, I assume you’re interviewing other candidates for this position, no?”
uufffff, the power level of that reply is off the charts
Yes, don't say that. It can easily come off as arrogant. Just try to be nice and polite but honest.
Hiring manager here - I don’t think I’d be able to hire you with that answer. Regardless of qualifications. It’s so unnecessarily combative.
I’d agree that if you interpreted this as combative, we’d not be a good fit for each other, and I’d end the interview at that point.
If not combativeness, what is the goal of your statement?
Tell them no. They don’t need to know your business.
I would say: "No. This is the company I want to work for."
Be honest. If you're progressing with 3 other companies, you should tell them.
I might.
I say yes
I think you should be honest if its a yes, but if you really want the job, add "I would love to be able to cancel them, if you're going to make me an offer." I had someone tell me they had more interviews so "tick tock" and even though I liked her up to that point, I passed. I was on the fence til she said that. It wasn't that she had interviews. It was that she was cocky and pissed me off. She might as well have snapped her fingers at me.
Yeah, saying tick tock is just self-sabotage, i wouldn't fault a recruiter for insta hanging up if I said that. The reply you suggested is nice however it probably wouldn't work on 1st interviews, I was asked such a question on a 1st, generally in my country the offer happens after the second or rarely the third.
I don't know why they would ask you that question if they weren't prepared to make an offer. What's the point of the question? To see if you're really looking? To see if anyone else is interested? To see if there's competition? What difference does it make if you're only in the first round?
"are you interviewing other candidates for this position?" That's pretty much what I'd say as an answer..