How to answer "Do you have other offers?"
Recruiter: "Are you interviewing anywhere else?"
Divya, who was in final rounds at two companies, panicked:
"Oh, no, no, just this one really. You're my main focus!"
Two weeks later she had an offer elsewhere with a three-day deadline, and the recruiter she'd told "just this one" had no reason to hurry.
What is the recruiter really asking?
"How fast do we need to move, and how likely are you to say yes?" Recruiters ask almost every candidate this, usually on the first call. It's a planning question, not a loyalty test. A clear answer helps them help you.
The rule: honest, brief, about this role
- Be honest about where you are.
- Keep it brief. No company names, no salary numbers from other offers unless you choose to share them.
- Bring it back to this role, so it doesn't sound like you're shopping around. One sentence is enough.
Suggested answers
Interviewing elsewhere, no offers yet
"Yes, I'm in conversations with a couple of other companies, at similar stages. This role is one of the strongest fits, so I'm keen to see it through."
You have an offer
"I've had an offer from another company, and they've asked for an answer by Friday. I'd much rather be here, so I wanted to let you know in case there's any way to speed things up."
You have nothing else
"I'm being selective, so I've only applied to a few roles. This is one I'm genuinely excited about."
You're employed and not really looking
"I'm happy where I am, so this is the only process I'm in. It's the role that made me look."
Should you name the other companies?
Usually no. "A company in the same space" is enough. Naming them invites comparisons you can't control. If they ask directly, you can politely decline:
"I'd rather keep that confidential, the same way I'd keep our conversation confidential."
Can you use another offer to negotiate?
Yes, if it's real. Share the deadline first. Share the number only if you want them to match it, and only once they've made you an offer. More in the salary guide.
What if you accept another offer?
Tell the recruiter straight away, and thank them. It keeps the door open for later roles.
"I wanted to let you know I've accepted another offer. Thank you for your time; I'd be glad to stay in touch for future roles."
What should you avoid?
- Inventing an offer. Recruiters talk, and a bluff called ends the process.
- "No, just you!" when it isn't true. You lose the chance to speed things up later.
- Sounding like this is your backup. Always say why this role stands out.
- Sharing other salary figures too early. Keep that for the offer stage.
Quick answers
Should I tell a recruiter I'm interviewing elsewhere?
Yes, briefly and honestly. It helps them plan, and it can speed up the process. You don't need to name the companies.
How do I answer "Do you have other offers?" if I don't?
Say you're being selective and only applying to roles you're genuinely interested in, like this one.
Should I tell an employer about another job offer?
Yes, especially if it has a deadline. Say when you need to answer and that you'd prefer this role.
Should I lie about having other offers?
No. It's easy to check and damaging if it comes out. Honest urgency works better than invented pressure.
Do I have to say which companies I'm interviewing with?
No. "A couple of companies at similar stages" is enough, and it's fine to keep names confidential.
Thanks for letting us know.