Common Interview Questions
Master 30 common interview questions that appear across industries and interview formats.
Question 29 of 30
Which other companies are you interviewing with?
The Goal
Example Answer
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Manager
Marketing
Retail
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Teacher
What to Avoid
Pro Tip
How to Answer
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The interviewer wants to know if you are entertaining close competitors or discussing similar roles with other hiring companies. They also want to know if your job search stage will impact their preferred timing for making a hiring decision. The goal of your response is to inform the hiring company of your job search status while further expressing your interest in their particular opportunity.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I have been interviewing for a couple of similar positions. I am furthest in the interview process with your organization, however. I am very pleased with the impressions Company ABC's management and HR team members have left on me so far."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I am interviewing with two other organizations for similar roles. I am in the third interview stage for one of these positions. It is important that I find work shortly. However, I will wait for the right opportunity before I accept a job offer. Could you share with me the approximate timeline for this hiring decision?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I am most familiar with Company ABC, which is my preferred opportunity. However, a competing organization has approached me to discuss a similar management role. I'd like to ensure the timeline is mutually beneficial. Do you have a date in mind for this hiring decision?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I have been actively interviewing and realize how tight-knit the marketing industry is in our city. Three other local marketing firms have approached me with interest, however, I look forward to joining an organization like Agency ABC where the work environment is flexible and the projects are highly creative."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"There are many seasonal retail positions available right now. With that said, Company ABC's position is of great interest because it is a full-time opportunity, and I am in love with the brand! I shop at this store all the time and would love to join your team. Could you share with me your timeline for making a hiring decision?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I am in early to mid-interview stages with two other companies. Company ABC is my first choice since I know this industry the best and this organizations' products are superior. I look forward to discussing the next steps with you and your hiring team."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"School ABC is my first choice because I know that I can learn a lot from your talented leadership team. Also, this location is ideal for my family. I have applied to three other schools, but I certainly hope to be your first choice!"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Avoid giving the impression that you are only counting on this particular opportunity. Think of this interview question as a 'first date' question. If the person you are on a first date with asked for the names of other people you're dating, you wouldn't start listing the names of other people. You also wouldn't say, 'I'm fully committed to only you.' Instead, you want to express your interest while remaining open to other opportunities.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
You are never obligated to disclose the names of the companies you're entertaining. Instead of saying, 'Tomorrow I have a second interview with Company ABC and a third interview booked with Company XYZ at the end of the week...' consider giving an overview of the interviewing company's industry instead. You could say, 'I am actively interviewing with two other companies. One is a healthcare tech company, and the other is a SaaS company focused on education...'
A more general response protects the companies actively interviewing you. If the interviewer is interested in moving forward with your candidacy, an answer like this should elicit some urgency in putting you through the interview process at an appropriate pace.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Be direct without giving away too much information about your job search and the other companies with which you're interviewing. Let the interviewer know that you are active in your job search. Then, make sure to bring your answer back to the opportunity you're currently discussing by expressing your interest in their role. Talk about what caught your interest and why you see this specific job as an excellent match.
If you are not interviewing elsewhere, you can express that you are not actively interviewing with other companies; however, you expect to hear back from various recent applications. Again, be sure to bring your answer back to the hiring company and why you are enthusiastic about their opportunity in particular.
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Anonymous Answer
I have been interviewing for a couple of similar positions; however, I am furthest in the interview process with your organization. I am happy with the impressions your management and HR team members have left on me so far.
Rachelle's Feedback
Avoid giving too much away. You can also ask questions re: next steps.
"I am actively interviewing; however, I am keenly aware of the roles that are best for me. I am very pleased with the impression of your HR and management team. Could you share with me your timeline for the next steps?"
Anonymous Answer
This is the only company I'm interviewing with.
Rachelle's Feedback
Try expanding on why you have chosen only to apply to this company.
"This company is the only one I have applied to at this point. Your job description, as well as the company reputation, are significant drivers for me in my job search."
Anonymous Answer
I have applied for a few other positions, and have an interview scheduled. Lockton Affinity is my first choice, though, and your company has been the quickest and most welcoming that I have worked with.
Rachelle's Feedback
You compliment the company very nicely! Be sure to share with them at least one reason why they are your first choice.
Anonymous Answer
At this time, I have been very selective in my job search as I currently work for an amazing company, and I want to make sure leaving it will be for a company that is going to raise the bar even higher.
Rachelle's Feedback
You find yourself in a fantastic position where you can be choosy with the next career move that you make. You tackle this question very well!
Anonymous Answer
I have been interviewing for a couple of similar positions; however, I am furthest in the interview process with your organization.
Rachelle's Feedback
You offer up enough information to satisfy most interviewers as it's likely the timing to hire that they want to assess the most.
Anonymous Answer
I have been interviewing for similar roles; however, I am most interested and impressed with your company and this role more than anything.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a good start! When speaking about the ways you are most impressed/interested, be sure to give as much detail as possible.
Anonymous Answer
This company is the only one I have applied to at this point. Your job description and the company reputation are significant drivers for me in my job search.
Rachelle's Feedback
To the point, complimentary, and well delivered. Good work!
Anonymous Answer
I am actively interviewing. However, your job description and the company reputation have really made this position significant in my job search.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's always a great idea to compliment the interviewing company and let them know where they stand in your search. If you don't want to name any companies, you could also briefly mention industries. By doing so, you aren't entirely ignoring the question but at least giving the nod to it. I have provided an example below.
"I am actively interviewing with three other companies in the XYZ Industry. With that said, the reputation at Company ABC, along with my positive experiences here so far, make this position the most significant in my job search."
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