"So, where else are you interviewing?"
It's a simple question - one you could easily answer without having to think too hard. But it's actually a lot trickier than it seems, and how you answer this question can make or break the interview.
"It can be a slippery slope because you'd like to be honest and demonstrate you're not bluffing about your other opportunities," says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert, leadership coach, and author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job." "But don't fall into the trap, as there's more downside risk."
To have an effective response, it's helpful to first consider the interviewer's objectives when asking this question, she says. "They typically want to determine how marketable you currently are; how they stack up against the competition; and how far along you are in other negotiations."
You don't owe this information to a hiring manager, but how you handle it will demonstrate your level of diplomacy and your ability to navigate sensitive questions. "And these people skills are valued today more than ever," Taylor adds.
So how do you appear cooperative, sincere, and marketable, while maintaining your privacy?
"There's a fine line between being honest and putting yourself at risk. It's a small world in every industry, and you never know if your interviewer may compare notes with another of your interested hiring managers in your mutual network," says Taylor. "For example, if you reveal a firm's hiring intentions to a potential competitor, you risk a reputation of not being discreet."
Here are five tips for responding to this tricky question: