Help with an interview question

[jlumsden]

I'm weeks from graduation, and I have begun to interview at several clinics and hospitals.  Several interviewers have asked where else I have applied.  Can anyone shed light on why this might be asked, and how best to answer it?  So far, I've been honest, but I've applied to a number of specialties, as well as one primary care position.  Will this make interviewers think I am unfocused, or that I don't have a clear plan about what kind of work I want to do?

[kittryn]

I usually say, "I'm not really in a position to discuss that right now".

 

because I'm not. it falls under the "NOYB" clause (none of (their) business) :-)

[MT2PA]

I'm sure any potential employer would assume you are applying to multiple positions when preparing to graduate. They are probably curious, though, if you're applying to positions that you think you are a good fit for, or just applying to everything under the sun in hopes of landing any job out there.  They could also speculate as to the seriousness of your interest - say you apply to mostly specialty positions and that one primary job thinks 'oh, we're a back-up.  If we offer and he gets a specialty offer, too, he won't even seriously consider us'.

 

Personally I'd attempt a vague 'I'm pursuing options that I feel would be a good fit for me'.

[UGoLong]

Often they're really interested in to what other hospital systems or locations you are applying to. You might feel a little more latitude in answering (to whatever level of vagueness you'd like) in that space, rather than talking about which specialties you are applying for.

 

I personally wouldn't say "I'm not a position to answer" as it can send a signal that you are on the prickly side. Be friendly and as vague as you want, however.

[gcox87]

Sometimes people ask to determine how actively you are looking for a new job. If they know you have applied to a lot of places, they might want to give you an offer quickly. This happened to my wife recently. I agree that you should be vague.

[EMSGuy1982]

I was asked this same question in several of my interviews. I was relatively vague in my response. The position in urgent care where I eventually signed I told them I have other hospital systems that have showed interest and think I would be a good fit for their system. I had two other offers and when this group offered me a position, I was able to use the other interested groups offer as a jumping point for negotiations. Ultimately I was able to negotiate for a higher base salary. I agree that they are most likely assessing how quickly they should make an offer, especially if it is toward the end of the interview which mine have been. I doubt you'll have any trouble finding a spot that your a good fit for! We are pretty lucky to be in the PNW where jobs are plentiful. Good luck in the hunt man.

[Arthropathy]

In my first interview I told them I had some other opportunities that I as pursuing. 2nd interview I told them I had another interview planned. Everything was very friendly and "oh good luck, it's important to meet people and know what opportunities are out there, you need to make sure you know what you want"...

 

Then when they gave me the job offer I said I have an interview next week and I'll get back to you after they said "we need an answer by the end of this week or we will cancel the offer". I had been in negotiations with them for 3 months at this point and still hadn't even sat for the PANCE yet.

 

So my advice is be vague.

[gcox87]

I was asked this same question in several of my interviews. I was relatively vague in my response. The position in urgent care where I eventually signed I told them I have other hospital systems that have showed interest and think I would be a good fit for their system. I had two other offers and when this group offered me a position, I was able to use the other interested groups offer as a jumping point for negotiations. Ultimately I was able to negotiate for a higher base salary. I agree that they are most likely assessing how quickly they should make an offer, especially if it is toward the end of the interview which mine have been. I doubt you'll have any trouble finding a spot that your a good fit for! We are pretty lucky to be in the PNW where jobs are plentiful. Good luck in the hunt man.

Well done.

[Reality Check 2]

As an employer I don't know if I would ask that question or what the intel from the answer would tell me.

 

I wouldn't want someone to answer - "This is the only job I want and if you don't hire me I will be homeless and bankrupt." Nor would I want to hear "I have applied at 14 positions".

 

Same for the question about "where do you see yourself in 5 yrs?" Loaded question...

 

Same as "does this make my butt look big?"

 

I would be more interested in "Will you advocate for your patient's well being?" and the painful honest and inappropriate "Am I going to regret hiring you. Are you a slacker? Is personal drama a large part of your life."

 

I amway over political correctness and into up front spill it type of approach...