Are job interviewers allowed to ask if you have other interviews to attend? is that legal?

Question

I know they cannot ask your age, whether you have children, if you are married, and where you were born because it is illegal. But what about if you have other interviews?

Answer 1

Yes, it's legal, and done frequently. Basically they want to know are you on an active job search or just testing the waters to see if something better is out there. And how competitive they need to be if they are really interested in hiring you.

Answer 2

This is outrageous and unbelievable . The person who would ask such a question is low-class/ no-class trash and he believes that also is what he's dealing with and who he's asking this question . No decent responsible person would ever speak like this to another person during a professional interview. The interviewer obviously has a low opinion of the person he's interviewing. He'd never ask such a thing unless he felt assured that he'd get away with it. The interviewer obviously has no respect for the person either. Is this how low our society has sunk ? I'm disgusted, but I'm also disgusted about some of your answers, they also are low-class, no-class responses. I'd have gotten up and just walked out without a word. I would never tolerate that anybody speak to me in such a manner. How much are expected to sell our self respect for these days ?

Answer 3

The question is not illegal however; just like any other interview question you are not generally required to provide an answer.

It would start to enter the shady area if they required or asked who else you were interviewing for however; this can be defined as breaking the ice rather then any breach of privacy.

The key with any interviewing situation is not be offended or defensive on the questions they ask. Not only will your answers impact if you receive the job or not... So will your posture and the nature of the questions you ask of them. The questions are intended on evaluating if both of you are a good fit not just the employer.

Answer 4

it is legal
it cuts both ways when you get that question, on one hand you do not want to look like you have no other options, on the other you do not want to show disinterest in the company. When ever I was faced with that question I would respond something like "I have gone on a number of interviews, however I have not seen anything that's really made me excited." what gets trickier is if they ask, "what other firms did you interview with" there I'll get very general and I'll say "a few midsize and large general practice and litigation firms. " it's not good to name other employers.

Answer 5

It's legal to ask. You aren't required to give them a true answer.

But think about it a minute - why are they asking? It probably says they're interested in you and don't want to lose you, so will try to speed up the rest of the decision process if you do.

Answer 6

Sure it's legal, that doesn't mean that you have to answer it truthfully. I personally tell them that I do have other interviews, even if I don't. That way they won't screw around with putting together an offer that isn't competitive.

Answer 7

They can ask this.

Also, even though they can't ask you questions about marital status or about your family. Becareful of questions worded like: "what do you like to do on weekends", "what are your hobbies?" These questions may result in them indirectly knowing about your marital and family status.

Answer 8

I think they can legally ask. Your answer, however, should be "why do you ask?" They may just be trying to gauge your interest in their company.

Answer 9

It's a legal question, but not one I would be honest about, b/c it's an inappropriate one.

Answer 10

yes it is legal.