Are you interviewing elsewhere?
⚡ In a Hurry? Quick Answer
Say "Yes, I am exploring a few options" to create healthy scarcity and show you're in demand. Then emphasize why this specific role excites you. Don't give competitor names or specific timelines unless pressed.
💡 The Recruiter's Mind
They're assessing your market value and urgency. Candidates who say "No, you're my only option" appear desperate and lose negotiating leverage. Saying "Yes, I have other opportunities" creates scarcity, which psychologically makes you more valuable. It also signals you're selective and in demand. They want to know: Should we move quickly? Are we competing for you? How interested are you really? The best answer creates urgency without seeming disloyal.
The Strategic Answer Framework
- Confirm you're interviewing: "Yes, I'm exploring a few opportunities"
- Keep it vague: Don't name competitors or give specific details
- Emphasize this role: Explain why this company is your top choice (even if it isn't yet)
- Show selectivity: You're not applying everywhere, just companies that align with your goals
Example Answers by Situation
Actively Interviewing (Standard Response)
"Yes, I am exploring a few opportunities that align with my career goals in product management. However, this role is particularly exciting to me because of your company's focus on sustainable technology and the opportunity to work directly with the CTO. I'm being selective about where I invest my time, and this position stands out as a strong fit for my skills and values."
Multiple Final Rounds
"Yes, I'm in final-round conversations with a couple of companies. I want to be transparent that I'm evaluating my options carefully. That said, this role has been at the top of my list from the beginning because of your company culture and the specific challenges you're working to solve. If you're able to share your timeline, that would help me coordinate my decision-making process."
Early in Job Search
"I'm in early-stage conversations with a few companies, but I'm being very selective. I'm specifically looking for roles where I can leverage my data science background in healthcare applications, which is why your company caught my attention. Quality of fit matters more to me than speed, so I'm taking time to find the right opportunity."
When You Actually Aren't Interviewing Elsewhere
"I'm focusing my search on companies that align with my specific criteria: mission-driven organizations, strong engineering cultures, and opportunities for growth. Your company checks all those boxes, which is why I applied here. I'm being deliberate rather than applying broadly, so I'm prioritizing quality conversations over quantity."
🚫 Red Flags to Avoid
- Saying "No, only you" - appears desperate and kills negotiating leverage
- Naming specific competitors - unprofessional and may create conflicts
- Bragging about dozens of interviews - comes across as unfocused
- Lying and saying yes when the answer is no and then fumbling follow-up questions
- Using it as a threat: "Yes, and they're about to make an offer, so hurry up"
- Sharing confidential details from other interview processes
- Seeming disinterested: "Yeah, I'm interviewing everywhere"
Pro Tips for the "Interviewing Elsewhere" Question
- Create scarcity: Being in demand makes you more valuable, not less
- Stay vague on specifics: Don't share company names unless absolutely necessary
- Emphasize selectivity: You're not mass-applying, you're being strategic
- Reaffirm interest: Always circle back to why this role excites you
- Be honest about timelines: If you have an offer deadline, share it professionally
- Don't use as leverage too early: Save urgency for negotiation phase
- Prepare for follow-ups: They may ask "Where are you in those processes?"