What NOT to Do When Interviewing For Multiple Jobs

Are you interviewing for multiple jobs at the same time? You’re not the only one.

Interviewing for more than one job at a time is increasingly common, especially in larger cities. It’s been a popular topic for our recruiters in Toronto. Our team has discussed how to approach this situation from an employer and candidate perspective. So, we thought we’d pass on our insights to candidates to ensure they approach the situation correctly.

In a previous post, we discussed how to successfully manage multiple job offers. Here we take a look at the other side – what NOT to do when interviewing for more than one job at a time.

Why would you have multiple job interviews?

When job hunting, it’s typical to get interview invitations from multiple companies, especially if you’ve applied to many positions. Generally, companies inform you of their decision within two weeks after the interview. If you have numerous interviews in a short span, you might receive several job offers around the same time.

Is it okay to do multiple job interviews?

Yes, absolutely! From my perspective, it’s an ideal situation for candidates. Having career options is always a good thing, but how you handle the situation is what matters. There is a right way and a wrong way to handle multiple job interviews. Other recruiters and HR professionals agree.

“More job seekers are juggling multiple offers at once, creating sticky situations for all involved. How well candidates manage them can shape their long-term career satisfaction and their professional reputations,” says Sue Shellenbarger in the Wall Street Journal.

Should I tell my interviewer that I have other interviews?

Keep your responses general. If you have multiple interviews scheduled, it’s fine to mention it. Explain that you are actively exploring your options and, although you have several interviews, this is the position you are most enthusiastic about. If you’ve already received a job offer, be honest about it.

What things should I NOT do when interviewing for multiple jobs?

If you find yourself in a position where you are interviewing with multiple companies, great! But there are some things you should not do. Our recruiters outline them here:

1. Don’t Leverage One Employer Against Another

We all want to make more money, but when you receive an offer, trying to leverage it to get more out of another employer or your current company may not work out.

Trying to pit one employer against another and start a bidding war for your services is not a good idea. It can backfire on you if you are not careful. You never know how your current employer may react. What if they say no and then the other job doesn’t work out? An offer of employment can fall through, and if an organization feels as though you are attempting to leverage them, they may opt to go with a different candidate, squandering your opportunity and potentially hurting your reputation.

2. Avoid Name-dropping Other Companies

Building on the point above, avoid comparing potential employers or using information from one interview in another. Don’t mention the name of the other company or people you are in contact with. Treat each interview as a separate event. Prepare for each as if you only have one interview and avoid oversharing too much about your interview schedule.

3. Don’t Communicate the Decision Via Text

Choosing between multiple offers is a difficult decision. You want to make the best decision for your career. The decision you make will have a big impact on all parties involved, including the employers. As a professional courtesy, always communicate employment decisions via phone or in person. Avoid using text or email to decline an offer of employment, if possible.

4. Don’t Make Your Decision Based on Salary

The best offer is not always the one with the highest salary, so don’t make your decision based on salary alone. Think about the larger picture. What does the employment offer in totality? Think about your role, responsibilities, company reputation, opportunity for advancement, professional development, and long-term career advancement. Choose the offer that gives you the best chance to succeed long-term. Avoid making career decisions based on short-term factors.

5. Rushing A Decision And Taking The First Offer

Don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer you receive. Take your time to weigh your options and choose the best fit for you. Politely informing a potential employer you’re considering other opportunities. You can phrase this by expressing your interest and mentioning you’re still in the interview process with other companies. This can help manage their expectations for your timeline.

6. Never Ghost An Employer

Ghosting employers during the interview process has, unfortunately, become a common occurrence. Be respectful of all potential employers, even if you decide not to pursue a position. Thank them for their time and consideration.

Remember, professionalism and courtesy go a long way during the interview process, even when you have multiple options on the table.