How to handle interviewing with more than one company

After weeks of searching and applying, you’ve made it to the interview stage, a victory in and of itself. But what happens if you land multiple interviews with different companies at the same time? 

While it’s certainly a good problem to have, it’s still one that needs to be handled with care—especially if one of the companies asks whether you’re interviewing elsewhere. 

But does interviewing with multiple companies make you seem like a more desirable candidate—or someone less committed? What if you get a job offer from one company, but are midway through the hiring process at another?

These questions are common, and how you handle them can impact not only your chances with each company, but also your reputation in the hiring process. We asked Christian Lovell, founder of Careers by Chris, to weigh in.

The benefits of interviewing at multiple places

“In general, it’s fine, and honestly encouraged to let companies know that you are in interviews with other companies,” Lovell says. For one, letting them know you’re interviewing elsewhere can encourage them to make their decision more quickly.

Here’s the thing: Whether you’re receiving an offer or not, “you want them to make a decision either way—you don’t want to be in limbo,” Lovell says. “If they want to hire you, it will push them in that direction. And if you’re not their top candidate, it’s honestly a good thing for them to say, ‘Hey, you know, we’re moving [forward] with another candidate.’ ”

How to disclose that you’re interviewing elsewhere

When sharing that you’re interviewing with more than one company, you don’t have to explain too much, such as which company you’re interviewing with or all the details about the other job, Lovell explains. 

During your interview, you can say something simple like, “I’m in the final stages of interviews with another company, and I wanted you to know.” This might also come up naturally when the company shares the timeline of their hiring process, or when you ask, “When can I expect to hear back on next steps?”

Following up 

When you’re waiting to hear back about a job, especially from more than one company, it’s natural to feel eager to follow up. But according to Lovell, the key is doing it the right way, and that comes down to timing and professionalism.

“I’ve seen it happen, and it’s even happened to me,” Lovell says. “Someone emails every other day, sometimes every few hours, asking, ‘Do you have a decision? I’m super interested.’ ” It’s okay to say that you’re interested and that you’re interviewing with other companies. But you don’t want to follow up with them so much that you seem desperate.

After giving it a week or two, Lovell suggests saying something like: “Just to be transparent, I’m currently interviewing with other companies and expect to receive a decision within the next week or two. Are there any updates on your end?”

Sending a message like that once is completely fine. It’s professional and respectful, and it doesn’t make the employer feel rushed. You can also take the opportunity to reiterate your interest by saying, “You’re my top choice because of X, Y, and Z.” This helps remind them why you’re a strong fit while reinforcing your enthusiasm.

If you receive an offer 

If you receive an offer from one of the companies that you’re interviewing with, the first thing to do is celebrate, Lovell says. “That is a huge accomplishment.”

Then the next step would be to request their offer in writing. That way you have something to review, and it also gives you time to check in with the other company or companies you’re interviewing with. 

“It is honestly not expected of you to accept an offer on the spot,” Lovell says. This might look like, “Hey, can I have the offer in writing?” Or “Can I have a couple of days to review this to make sure that it aligns with what I’m expecting?”

Once you’ve done that, it’s a good idea to check in with any other companies you’re waiting to hear back from, especially if one of those other companies is your top choice. You might follow up with a final message that reads: “I’m still excited about this opportunity. I did receive another offer, and I wanted to check in and see if there are any updates on your end?” 

This will give them the chance to respond with an offer or let you go as a candidate. Either way, getting an offer, or even getting asked to do two interviews at once, is something to celebrate.

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