Did you ever ask at your interview how many other applicants they were considering? (jobs, hiring)

[fpsbob]

If you could please state whether it was over the phone or in person.

The only times I've heard about how many other applicants there may be was over the phone.

Do you guys ask about this stuff or just ask more important questions (which I usually plan on doing) and move on?

[joe from dayton]

As an interviewer, I get asked that question (face to face) on a regular basis.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by joe from dayton

As an interviewer, I get asked that question (face to face) on a regular basis.

Same here, in fact it happened last week. My answer is always the same: That's not something we divulge.

[mdovell]

With government jobs sometimes that's a given that it comes out. In more higher end positions usually the top three are announced so to speak.

[StPaulGal]

I have never asked because I don't see how that would be relevant information. They could have just one other candidate who happens to be ideal in every way, or they could have several dozen lackluster candidates I would beat out easily.

I have had interviewers volunteer that I was being brought in because I was in their top three, but I didn't read into that in any way. Even if you were the only person they called in for an interview they could still decide you weren't right for the job.

[FBJ]

Originally Posted by fpsbob

If you could please state whether it was over the phone or in person.

The only times I've heard about how many other applicants there may be was over the phone.

Do you guys ask about this stuff or just ask more important questions (which I usually plan on doing) and move on?

No why should anyone be concerned about other applicants if they have confidence in themselves?

[yellowbelle]

I have been asked in person and I do not have any problem telling candidates the truth. It does not bother me when candidates ask this question. It's not much different (IMO) than asking when a decision will be made.

Asking over the phone is premature because they could be phone screening 10 candidates hoping to whittle it down to 3 in-person interviews. Knowing they are talking to 10 other people is not relevant. It only matters if you make it to the in-person stage.

[Wry_Martini]

It's a very inappropriate question to ask. You also run the risk of irritating the hiring manager and/or looking unprofessional and unpolished if you ask.

[FBJ]

Originally Posted by Wry_Martini

It's a very inappropriate question to ask. You also run the risk of irritating the hiring manager and/or looking unprofessional and unpolished if you ask.

I feel the question screams low confidence and should never be asked

[Nema98]

I ask questions but never that one nor will I ask. It makes you look needy and bad.