Is it a bad idea to tell potential employers you have another job interview? (employment, highest)

[ColdCanadian]

I hope I didn't sabotage my chances at finding a new job.
I told a recruitment agent that their job is my prefered position
but I also have a job interview next week.
This recruiter has asked me a lot of questions and has kept in touch with me
regarding what their client, the potential employer, when they might be ready for interviews

I just mentioned the other job interview to show I'm hoping to hear back soon.

At the time it seemed like I was being considerate to the recruiter,
however a friend of mine suggested that I could have blown my opportunity.

I asked my friend what is wrong with it and the friend has no answer.
It's almost like "...If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand..."
But I'm a smart guy, if I saw some logic behind this strategy, I would remember to practice it.

[Nell Plotts]

Don't share your business with anyone. What's done is done. I don't recommend doing that again. If a recruiter attempts to schedule you for an interview and it impinges on another interview just say you have a conflict and propose another date/time.

[move4ward]

Your friend is inexperienced.

The employer knows that people don't send out 1 resume at a time for an interview. A high demand applicant will have multiple interviews in the pipeline. You don't have to work in HR to know that.

It also makes salary negotiation easier, because they come out with their best offer or try to match. In my hunt, I had narrowed it down to 2 companies. I informed them that they had to act quickly, because of pending response from the other company. I was looking for a $10k raise. One called back with a $20k raise with NO negotiation from me. I was shocked.

Other company offered on $12-13k more without any negotiation from me. I moved on to the $20k offer and the rest is history.

I had a similiar experience in previous job search with a $12.5k raise offer and a $25k raise offer with NO negotiation. Both companies knew I had interviews lined up with others.

[ColdCanadian]

Ah so what I did is probably not bad,
but it might make me look a bit odd disclosing my business? Hmm...

The non-negotiation angle is interesting. Glad to hear it worked for you move4ward.
I doubt a salary increase will happen in my situation, however I hope I can get a positive reply quicker.

[ChiGuy2.5]

This is one of those things where it depends on how you say it. If you come off as somebody who is trying to just make the other employer jealous, it will make you sound cocky and thus you could potentially be hurting your chance at employment.

On the other hand sometimes it is necessary for your potential employer to know that you are weighing your options. This helps show your honest and trustworthy and gives your potential employer some insight into your decision making. It is never bad to be honest. If you feel like its necessary to let them know you have other jobs in mind then speak up.

I will share one story I have that is related. When I was getting ready to graduate college I had interviewed with about 5 different companies. 2 of which I was only actually interested. Company A was my main priority and Company B was a backup. Apparently I made the mistake of telling Company B that I was certainly interested in the job if Company A didn't get back to me. This offended the recruiter and she basically kicked me out of the interview. I certainly wont ever be that honest again.

[move4ward]

I have to agree with ChiGuy. I only let them know that other interviews are out there. I never had to disclose the company name or the offer amounts. They just came out with their highest amounts.
I never tell a company that they are the 2nd banana.

It's like telling your wife that she was your 2nd choice, after a prettier girl wouldn't date you.

[ColdCanadian]

Originally Posted by move4ward

I have to agree with ChiGuy. I only let them know that other interviews are out there. I never had to disclose the company name or the offer amounts. They just came out with their highest amounts.
I never tell a company that they are the 2nd banana.

It's like telling your wife that she was your 2nd choice, after a prettier girl wouldn't date you.

I understand that,
but in my situation I explained to the recruiter that their job is my 1st choice.
The recruiter is just waiting to hear back from the prospective employer and at the moment.

[TexasGuy22]

If the employer ask what other companies you are seeking opportunities with, that is a very good sign, they are trying to gauge how quickly they need to move if they were to make a decision t hire. If this is the case i would be honest with them

[thebunny]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

Don't share your business with anyone. What's done is done. I don't recommend doing that again. If a recruiter attempts to schedule you for an interview and it impinges on another interview just say you have a conflict and propose another date/time.

This is just silly. Not even worth going in to detail as to why.

[thebunny]

Originally Posted by ColdCanadian

Ah so what I did is probably not bad,
but it might make me look a bit odd disclosing my business? Hmm...

The non-negotiation angle is interesting. Glad to hear it worked for you move4ward.
I doubt a salary increase will happen in my situation, however I hope I can get a positive reply quicker.

Not at all. That is being honest with your recruiter, which they will appreciate as will the company. If they know you are also waiting for another offer, they know if they really want you, they will have to be quick. Nothing wrong with that.

As for the disclosure of where, I am not one to tell that. I don't even usually tell a job that I am leaving where I am going, as I feel that is not their business