When you apply for a new position, recruiters often ask candidates whether they have any other interviews scheduled. If you say yes, they might wonder why you didn’t give them enough time to schedule yours. They might also question whether you want to join their team or want to get a free ride.
It’s important to be honest with employers. Tell them you have another interview because it shows you’re serious about working at their company. Also, it demonstrates that you’re willing to put in extra effort to land the job.
If you receive an offer from your current employer, keep this from affecting your decision to accept the new one. Be sure to compare both offers and make a decision based on what will work best for you.
This article will discuss answering “yes” when asked if you have other interviews. We’ll also cover some of the reasons why you should tell recruiters about your other interviews.
Land More Interviews With A Professional Resume
Get a professional resume review from a certified career expert
Pros and cons of telling a recruiter you have other job interviews
There are pros and cons to answering “yes” questions about other interviews. Here are some of the most common ones:
Pros
1. It Shows That You’ve Got Drive And Ambition
When recruiters ask if you have other interviews scheduled, they’re impressed by your willingness to take on additional responsibilities. This shows that you have initiative and will go above and beyond to get the job done.
2. It Shows You’re Flexible And Open-Minded
Recruiters are impressed by your ability to adapt to different situations when they ask about other interviews. They see this as an indication that you’re willing to work hard and learn new skills.
3. It Gives You More Options
Recruiters are impressed by your flexibility when they ask whether you have any other interviews. This lets you pick and choose from multiple opportunities without feeling pressured to make a decision immediately.
4. It Helps You Stand Out From The Competition
When recruiters ask what else you’re interviewing for, they try to figure out how well you match their company culture. You give yourself a competitive advantage over other applicants by telling them that you have other interviews scheduled (even if those interviews aren’t happening).
Cons
1. It May Make You Look Unreliable
If you say yes to questions about other interviews, it might seem like you’re being dishonest or unreliable. This is only sometimes true. However, recruiters may interpret it that way.
2. It Might Be Seen As Cheating
Some people believe that lying to employers is unethical. If you tell recruiters that you have other interviews, you risk coming off as someone who doesn’t respect the rules.
3. It Could Hurt Your Chances Of Getting Hired
Some companies will only consider candidates who still need to interview elsewhere. When you answer “no” to questions about previous interviews, you’ll appear less attractive to these organizations.
4. It Doesn’t Help You Get The Job
You don’t want to lie to recruiters because you think it’ll help you land the job. However, there are times when it’s okay, to be honest. In this case, you should explain why you have other interviews.
Pros and cons of NOT telling a recruiter you have other job interviews
Here are some of the most important things to remember when deciding whether to answer “yes.”
Pros
1. It Doesn’t Show That You’re Reliable Or Willing To Work Hard
When recruiters ask about other interviews, they notice you’re willing to commit to something. This can come across as unprofessional and irresponsible.
2. It Can Hurt Your Chances Of Landing A Job
When recruiters ask where you’re looking next, they’re interested in knowing which jobs you’re applying for. If you tell them that you’re going after another position, you’re giving them information that could hurt your chances of landing the job.
3. It Might Not Even Be True
You may have had other interviews but didn’t mention them. In this scenario, you wouldn’t need to lie to recruiters.
Cons
1. It May Make You Look Dishonest
When recruiters ask questions about other interviews, they expect honesty. It may look like you’re hiding something if you tell them you have other interviews.
2. It Could Hurt Your Chance Of Landing The Job
When recruiters find out that you lied, they won’t trust you. This could lead to problems down the road.
3. It Could Hurt Your Reputation
By lying to recruiters, you’re showing that you’re untrustworthy. People may view you differently now than before.
4. It Could Hurt Your Chance Of Being Hired
Companies usually only hire people who have yet to apply elsewhere. When recruiters find out that an applicant has previously interviewed at another organization, they may decide to wait.
How to Manage a Job Offer When You’re Still Interviewing Elsewhere
A common question among job seekers is whether they should accept a job offer while still interviewing elsewhere. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument. Here’s what you should know:
Pros
1. Accepting An Offer While Interviewing Elsewhere Is Okay
Some situations when accepting a job offer while still conducting interviews elsewhere make sense. For example, if you’ve been offered a great salary and benefits package, it might make sense to take the job even though you’re still interviewing elsewhere.
2. Rejecting An Offer While Interviewed Elsewhere Makes Sense
If you’re interviewing with multiple companies, rejecting an offer from one company while still interviewing with others makes sense. This way, you can keep all of your options open.
3. Don’t Take Too Long To Decide
If you’re considering taking a job offer while still being interviewed by other organizations, you should immediately make up your mind. Otherwise, you risk losing out on opportunities.
4. Consider The Company First
Before deciding whether or not to accept an offer, consider the company first. Would the company be a good fit for you? Does the work environment appeal to you? Will you enjoy working there? These are important considerations.
5. Keep Yourself Available
Once you accept a job offer, remember yourself. Stay available to employers so that you can continue to interview with them.
6. Think About What You Want Out Of A Career
Think about what you want out of a career. Are you willing to compromise on certain aspects of your career path? Or do you prefer to stick to your guns?
7. Be Honest With Employers
Be honest with employers. They deserve to know that you’re interviewing elsewhere. By telling them upfront, you give them time to adjust their hiring plans accordingly.
Cons
1. You Might Get Fired
You could get fired after accepting a job offer while interviewing elsewhere. In this case, you could lose out on future employment opportunities.
2. You May Lose Money
You may make less money if you accept a job offer while interviewing elsewhere.
3. You May Not Get Paid On Time
Some companies pay employees once they start working. If you accept a job offer before starting, you will receive compensation once you begin working.
4. You May End Up Working More Hours Than Needed
Some jobs require overtime hours. If you accept a position before beginning work, you may work more than 40 hours per week.
5. You May Miss Out On Future Opportunities
By accepting a job offer while you’re still interviewing, you may miss out on future opportunities.
6. It Can Hurt Your Resume
Accepting a job offer while still in the process of applying for another job can hurt your resume. Companies may view you as unreliable because you accepted a position without giving them enough notice.
7. You Could Become Unemployable
You may become unemployable if you accept a job offer during the application stage. Some companies will only hire people who already have a job lined up.
Land More Interviews With A Professional Resume
Get a professional resume review from a certified career expert
Conclusion
Accepting a job offer while continuing to look for other employment opportunities is a decision with no clear right or wrong response. However, considering the benefits and drawbacks, the decision to do so should be made first. Additionally, you should prepare a professional-looking résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. That way, you won’t have to worry about anything but getting a great job.
If you’re looking for a job, your resume is one of the most crucial documents you’ll ever create. It’s the deciding factor in whether or not you land a job. Therefore, it is reasonable that you should spend some time refining it. However, a recent survey found that many job applicants must devote more time to perfecting their resumes.
If you’re having trouble putting together a Resume, our team of professional writers is here to help. We will proofread your resume for errors and draft a powerful cover letter on your behalf. We know you’ll like working with us. That’s why we promise you’ll be happy with the CV we design for you.