Should You Tell HR You're Applying Elsewhere?

I know the human resources department plays an important role in job-hunting and employment management. In many firms, these folks handle the initial screening of candidates. They also make sure employers are following the law in hiring and firing issues. And, of course, they handle the management of pay and benefits. HR deals with the whole management of the employer-employee relationships.

That said, and while acknowledging that HR plays a sometimes vital role in the hiring process, I always advise job-seekers to cut through HR as quickly as possible to talk with the people who really matter — the hiring managers.

Now, should you ever tell the HR person or the hiring manager that you are applying for jobs at other companies? Generally speaking, my advice is no. There’s no reason for them to know you are applying to other companies, especially competing firms.

The exception? If you have other job OFFERS, and you really want to work for the company and are basically in a holding pattern, mentioning that you have other offers not only makes you more attractive (a fairly common occurrence — you’re never more attractive than when others find you attractive), but it can also get the employer to pick up the pace in the hiring decision. Please note, however, that this strategy can also backfire: an employer can find your announcement of other job offers as offensive or boastful — or worse, as simply a rouse to get them to make you an offer. Tread carefully here.