Interviewers asked me about other job interviews...

justin.j · May 31, 2012

Before going back to school for nursing, I worked in HR and was part of a recruiting team. Some of the other folks in my department would ask that question, make a note of it, and then unfortunately try to give a low ball offer to the applicants who said they had no other interviews or opportunities. If the applicant came back to the negotiating table stating that they had a better offer and wanted us to match, the recruiter would promptly call to their attention the fact that they said they had no other offers during their interview with our company. (Now can you see why I needed to get out of that office?) As to whether or not that's what your folks were doing, I'm not too sure. If the hospital has a fixed pay scale, it seems unlikely. I'd like to think that these are good people and want an idea of how long they have to push your application through the proper channels before they can move forward with you. If you have other interviews, they'll know they have less time to snag you before someone else makes you an offer. :)

Also, generally speaking unless you know a question is illegal, it's usually never in your best interest to refuse to answer. All you can do is give an honest answer and let them take it away from there. Good luck to you!

ozoian · May 31, 2012

I had a smilar situation recently with a hospital (XYZ) I interviewed at as a New Grad RN... I told them I had two interview at two local hospitals the week before but that my HEART was at hospital XYZ. As of today I am the only applicant who heard back from hospital XYZ. All other applicants that I know have not heard word back.

Just be honest, be you, be professional, show enthusiasm, and tell the hiring managers that you really want to be there.

Good luck! Sounds like you are doing great!

Despareux · May 31, 2012

Thanks. I think they could tell I was uncomfortable answering that question. Do you think they would check to see if the other companies were going to offer me the job? That would almost stalker-ish; so I hope they wouldn't do that.

justin.j · May 31, 2012

Nah, even the most unethical recruiters that I worked with wouldn't go that far. I wouldn't sweat it. :)

allnurses Guide · May 31, 2012

Perhaps answer with a vague "I am exploring all options for employment, of course, but this particular opportunity with your organization is my top priority. Do you know how soon you will be making a decision?"

If you answer with a question, it is hard for them to work back around to asking you more specifics such as where you are interviewing and who has offered you jobs.

llg, PhD, RN · May 31, 2012

They may also want to see where your true interests lie. For example, if the other jobs you are applying for are in the same specialty, they may take it as a sign that you are really interested in that specialty. If not, it may help them discover what type of nursing you are REALLY interested in and whether or not the job they are trying to fill is one that matches well with your real interests.

jodyangel, RN · May 31, 2012

The questions they ask are Crazy! I'm interviewing and I dread them!

Jmira.BSN.RN · May 31, 2012

Near the end of my interview, I was asked if I have had other interviews or any lined up. I told them that I have been to two interviews and I am waiting for a response. Then they asked me where and I told them. Why would they want to know this information and should I have told them? I really didn't want to tell them, but I felt this "pull" to divulge this information.

Such a strange question, would definitely make me feel uncomfortable, but you were honest and you responded in the best way possible.

Seems like they would only ask that specific question if they were interested in you.

Good luck!!

Patti_RN · May 31, 2012

In my book, this is the equivalent of the applicant asking for names of others who are being interviewed!

You had two options during the interview: refusing to answer the question (this would make you appear very uncooperative) or answering honestly (and feeling this was inappropriate--it was!)

As others have said, they have some reason for asking--they want to make an offer before you accept elsewhere, or they might be worried that if you accept their offer, then another place calls you, you'll jump ship. This is the only situation where you might be able to do some damage control. If you have not yet written a thank you note, do so now. In the note, express that THEIR organization is your first choice, you're excited about the prospect of working there, you appreciate the interviewer's time, and you're looking forward to knowing their decision. (But, only do this if you are sure you wouldn't quit next week if another employer offers you a job!)

Despareux · May 31, 2012

Well, I've already written the thank you notes and sent them--less than 24 hours after the interview, but I did not express that their organization was my first choice. I did tell them I am looking forward to hearing their hiring decision.

The nurse manager that asked me about other interviews; she and I seemed to connect. She was very responsive to me and seemed interested in me. I liked her; she seemed very easy to talk to. The other two women did not seem all that interested in me, but who knows, really.

Patti_RN · May 31, 2012

We never know how our choices will pan out, but you have two options right now... you could send an email or note saying that you'd like to clarify that you had other interviews, but you're hoping to hear from them... this might be overkill, and could seem pushy. You could also do nothing for the time being... but you'd not be communicating an important detail: that you really want THIS job.

Assuming that you really want this job....my advice is to hold tight for a week or two. If you do get an offer from one of the other interviewers, you can then go back to this employer, say that you are anxious to know if you're being considered, ask when you'll hear of their decision. Tell them (they already asked about other prospects) that you got an offer but are really hoping to work at this facility, but you won't start a job then abruptly quit because of a better offer. This also shows them you will do the same for them.

Good luck!