Job interview question.

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

When at an interview, if they ask you: - "What other jobs are you currently applying for?". What is the best response? Be honest; "I'm applying for anything and everything". Or lie in the hope they take you on? "I've only applied for this job as it is the only one I want"?
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Harold_Shand · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Karma :

You HAVE to lie. It's bloody ridiculous.

I'd be tempted to say that you are applying for a number of temporary jobs unrelated to your qualifications and experience but that this job is much more in line with your blah blah blah essential criteria blah blah methodical blah blah example of when you last blah ability to work within a team and on my own blah good IT skills blah server blah introduced a new system of working bleh bleh bleet COSHH baaa baaa risk assesment etc etc ad nauseum, enjoy.
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Harold_Shand's theory might be the best explanation.

M1ke · Ped Boi Joined: 11 Jun 2002 Karma :

Generally they ask you that question to see how likely you are to be on the market in a few weeks should they want you back for a second interview.

But yes, lie to them and tell them that is the only job you are applying for at present, saying anything else could give them the impression that you don't really care who you work for.

TheFoxyDuke · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Karma :

'Due to the current market conditions I would prefer to keep my options open at present. However, I am interested in this position if you were to offer me the position then I would give it some serious consideration' Rolling Eyes

Bullshit. It's none of their business whether you're applying for other jobs or running for Pope. Until you're employed and under contract then you're a free agant and open to other offers. I would be applying for as many as took my fancy and telling each of them the same thing.

Screw them while you have the opportunity - before they 'own' you and your soul Wink

FoxyD
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Kwaks · I'm not a fast rider Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Karma :

I wouldnt say "this is the only one" in case they get the impression you are work shy.

I would say you're best to say that you have a few applications on their way out and leave it at that.
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chrisw · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Karma :

Saying 'this is the only one' will just lead to more lies. What happens if they call you back for a 2nd interview at short notice and it clashes with another interview? Lie again? Keeping track of that kind of thing just adds stress were there need not be any.

Tell them the truth. If you are out of work I don't think its unreasonable to be applying for a few jobs at a time, infact I'd expect it!

If they like you that much, knowing you are appyling for other jobs could also speed up their decision making process.

D O G · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Karma :

I had to find a job when I came back from Oz a month ago (and I'm still searching even though I have a job at the moment) I was honest with the guys at the interviews - yes I am applying for jobs, and yes I have been called for interview at other places.

Why lie? I don't see the point. If you say you are only going for that one, then they have a hold over you, and will try and shortchange you on the money. They will also probably think you are a bit dim to put all your eggs in one basket.

So yeah, just tell them you are applying for several positions, and if they ask you how far you have got, tell them.

It will focus their minds to make a quick decision if they think you are in demand.

BUT.

Don't tell them you have been rejected from somewhere. Total no-no. It will automatically make them think that there must be something wrong with you if you have been rejected elsewhere.

Good luck, etc.

Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :