Are you interviewing with other companies? How to answer it
Be honest about where you are, keep it general, and bring it back to this job: say whether you're interviewing elsewhere and at what stage, without naming companies, then say why this role is high on your list. If you have an offer or a deadline, mention it plainly so they can plan, not as a threat.
Why they ask
Recruiters and hiring managers usually ask this for practical reasons:
- Timing. If you might accept another offer next week, they may need to move faster.
- Seriousness. Are you actively looking, or just testing the market?
- Fit. The kinds of roles you're applying for show whether your search is focused.
- Leverage. Some use it to guess how much negotiating room they have.
Your answer can help with the first three without handing them the fourth. It often comes paired with a closer question, "If we offered you the job, would you accept?", which has its own guide. Expect both in a recruiter screen and again in a final round.
The three rules
- Tell the truth about your stage. Don't invent offers. It's easy to get caught, for example when they ask to see a deadline, and it damages trust.
- Don't name companies. It's normal and professional to keep them private. Saying "other companies in fintech" is enough.
- End on this job. Every version of the answer should finish with why this role interests you.
What to say at each stage
These are example lines. Adjust the details to your situation.
| Your situation | What to say |
|---|---|
| Not interviewing elsewhere | "Not at the moment. I've been selective and applied to a few roles that really fit, and this is the one I'm most focused on." |
| Early-stage with others | "Yes, I'm in early conversations with a couple of other companies. This role is one of the ones I'm most interested in, because of the focus on…" |
| Later stage elsewhere | "Yes, I'm in final rounds for one other role. I wanted to be upfront so you know the timeline, but this role is my first choice because…" |
| You have an offer with a deadline | "I've received an offer, and I need to respond by the 15th. I'd much rather be here, so I wanted to let you know in case there's any flexibility in your timing." |
| Interviewing for different kinds of roles | "I'm looking at a couple of operations roles and one project role. What they have in common is…" Then link to this one. |
| Currently employed, not urgent | "A couple, but I'm happy in my current role, so I'm only moving for the right opportunity, and this looks like it could be." |
Example answers
These use made-up details to show the full shape.
Example answer: early in your search
"Yes, I'm talking to a few other companies, mostly early conversations. I'm looking specifically for customer success roles at software companies with mid-sized clients, and this one stands out because you work with healthcare clinics, which is where I spent my first three years. So it's high on my list."
Example answer: you have an offer
"I'll be honest with you. I received an offer from another company yesterday, and they've asked for an answer by Friday next week. This role is the one I'm most excited about, especially the chance to build the analytics function from scratch. Is there any chance your process could finish before then? If not, I understand, and I'd still like to continue."
Example answer: you're not interviewing anywhere else
"Right now, no. I've only applied to a handful of roles that genuinely fit what I want, and I'm still employed, so I'm not in a rush. This is the first one that's got to this stage, and I'm keen to see it through."
When they ask "Which companies?"
Some interviewers push for names. You can decline politely:
"I'd prefer to keep that confidential, the same way I'd keep our conversations confidential. They're other companies in the logistics space, for similar roles."
If they press again, a little more detail is fine ("one is a large retailer, one is a start-up"), but you don't owe them names.
Mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Try instead |
|---|---|---|
| Inventing a competing offer | Can be checked and destroys trust | Only mention offers you have |
| Using an offer as a threat | Sounds like pressure, not interest | Mention it as a timing fact |
| Naming the other companies | Unprofessional and can backfire | Describe the type of company or role |
| "I'm applying everywhere" | Sounds unfocused or desperate | Describe a focused search |
| Over-explaining your whole search | Takes time from the real interview | Two sentences, then back to this role |
| Saying no when you're actually deep in other processes | Surprises them later | Be honest about your stage |
Delivery matters here
This question often comes as a quick aside, near the end or during a recruiter screen, and people tend to rush or sound guilty. A calm, even answer signals that you're a serious candidate with options, which is exactly the impression you want. Say your version out loud a few times. If you have an offer, practise the deadline line especially, so it comes out as information rather than an ultimatum. In Speaking Coach, the interviewer follows up on what you said, so it can ask "Which company is that?" and you can practise holding your line politely.
Questions people ask
Is it bad to say I'm not interviewing anywhere else?
No, if it's true. Say it confidently and explain that you've been selective. It can even help, because it suggests you're serious about this role.
Does saying yes make me look less committed?
Not if you end on why this job interests you. Employers expect good candidates to have options.
Should I tell them about another offer?
Yes, if you have one and its deadline is before their process ends. Telling them gives them the chance to speed up. Say it as a timing issue, not leverage.
Can I say I'm interviewing at their competitor?
You can say "another company in the same industry" if it helps explain your focus. Avoid naming the competitor.
What if they ask how far along I am?
Give the stage honestly ("second round", "waiting on an offer") and the rough timing. That's the information they actually need.