How straightforward should I be in an interview when they ask if I have any other leads that are near the offer stage?

Jennifer Newman

December 1,2022 at 3:16PM UTC

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How straightforward should I be in an interview when they ask if I have any other leads that are near the offer stage? I am sometimes asked this by the HR/recruiting person. If I say that I am in the final stages with a company, will they pull me from their list of candidates because they fear I'll accept a role somewhere else in the meantime? Or will they move the process forward faster to "scoop me up"? My gut tells me to keep it simple and just say I'm actively interviewing but I haven't found the right opportunity yet. Thoughts?

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Crystal HowellDecember 1,2022 at 4:04PM UTC
I would say I have several interviews lined up for next week, this puts the pressure on them to give a letter. Good Luck
TeenieDecember 1,2022 at 4:54PM UTC
Just be honest wrt why this particular one is more compelling for you, even as you may have others lined up. That shows your commitment to the opening at hand
AnonymousDecember 1,2022 at 5:03PM UTC
I keep it simple and let them know I am actively interviewing.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterDecember 1,2022 at 5:24PM UTC
I concur with what others have said. Tell the truth - just not the whole truth. Having other options will increase your desirability...and the employer will know they can't dawdle if they want you.
AnonymousDecember 1,2022 at 5:51PM UTC
I am always very very clear about other offers. This usually lights a fire under the process and speeds things up.
It's like anything in life, if people know your are highly valued it validates their interest and I've found they work harder & faster to land you with an attractive offer. That's been my experience.
Jessica SmithDecember 2,2022 at 3:17PM UTC
Always be transparent they respect it fully. Defiantly tell them you have opportunities it does not hurt anything. They prefer honesty.
Jennifer NewmanDecember 2,2022 at 7:45PM UTC
Love this! Printing it out on a notecard ;) Thanks!!
Gisele CloutierDecember 3,2022 at 2:13PM UTC
As a Recruiter I can say we usually ask this question in order to know if we should try to expedite the process. (Though that's not always in our control.) Be honest with them. If you are close to an offer elsewhere, say that (and "but I'm still very interested in your position. Can you give me a sense of the timeline and next steps here?") If the other offer comes through but you really like this opportunity you can tell them, "I appreciate how transparent you've been with me, and out of professional courtesy, I should tell you I have received another offer. Can you tell me where things stand with your firm because I really do like the opportunity with you." By framing it as the professional thing to do you don't come across as trying to manipulate them. Good luck!
AnonymousDecember 4,2022 at 1:38PM UTC
in all my years recruiting typically I ask this question so I can move the managers along quickly if possible however, you’re dealing with so many people involved in the process you have no idea how objective, subjective that answer will or how it would be perceived by all parties involved.
I think keeping it simple is “yes I’m actively looking, and I am in the process of some second interviews”no more, leave it at that and if you’re dealing with an outside recruiting agency, they only want leads they want to know where you’re interviewing so they can call and get their candidates in ?