Interview Question of the Week: Are you considering other opportunities?

This week, we conclude the Interview Question of the Week series with a very common question that many candidates don’t know how to handle.

Are you considering other opportunities?

From my standpoint, I asked this question primarily to find out if I needed to put some pressure behind the hiring process in order to bring a talented person into my company before someone else got them.  Other managers may want to see your level of commitment to their organization or how clear you are on your career direction.

If you’re asked this question, it’s fair to assume that the employer wants to learn all of these.

• If you have other job prospects, be honest. Don’t share what company or role, but do share if you’re expecting an offer in the upcoming days or could otherwise be off the market if they don’t act fast.
• Don’t push or pressure. Share information in the context of helping them with their decision-making process.
• Reaffirm your interest in their company. Talk about why this opportunity is your first choice.
• Keep your focus. If you’re looking at two other positions, one in IT and one in sales, keep the details to yourself.  Looking at two very different opportunities can be perceived as a lack of decisiveness in your career path.  By all means explore all avenues, just keep them to yourself.

Prepping for your next interview?  Review all of the Interview Questions of the Week.  Good luck!
photo credit: {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester}

Related posts:

1. Interview Question of the Week New Grad Edition: How did you choose your major?
2. Interview Question of the Week: Would your supervisor be surprised to learn that you are seeking new employment?
3. Interview Question of the Week: Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
4. Interview Question of the Week: Tell Me About Yourself
5. Interview Question of the Week: What has been your greatest success?

Tagged as: Career, interview, interview prep, job hunt, job search