What they are really asking

The employer wants to know how much time they have. If another company is about to hire you, they may need to move faster. They're also curious how in demand you are, and whether you really want this job or are collecting offers.

Honesty is the only safe path. Inventing an offer to create pressure can backfire badly, especially if they ask a follow-up question or tell you to go ahead and take it. On the other hand, you don't have to name other companies or share their numbers. A short, true summary of where you are is enough, plus a clear line about how you feel about this role.

A shape that works

Where you are, any deadline, where this job stands. Say honestly whether you have offers, final interviews, or early conversations. Keep company names private. If you have a deadline, mention it calmly; that's useful information for them, not a threat. Then say where this role sits for you, and only call it your first choice if it's true.

Model answers

Listen to how each answer is built, then make it yours.

Answer 1: a data analyst in Delhi with no offers yet
Answer 2: a product designer in Berlin with a deadline
Answer 3: a hotel manager in São Paulo in final stages elsewhere

Check yourself

1Why is inventing an offer a bad idea?
2What does Answer 2 do with its deadline?
3What don't you have to share?

Practice · 3 min

Record a thirty-second answer that describes your real job search honestly: offers, final interviews or early conversations. Mention any deadline calmly, keep company names private, and say where this role stands for you. Listen back and check that every sentence is true.

Your recording stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.