Hi there,

you can turn this tricky question into a deflection and opportunity that will make the firm at hand want you more. I'd suggest you..

1. Reveal that you're invertivewing with others - can state that, given the compeitiveness of the process, it would be naive to put all eggs into one basked 
2. Give them an indirect indication of the competitors - will provide “external validation" to your candidacy. If you're in late stage of the process, indidate that too - creates urgency. 
3. Reinforce that firm X is your preferred choice by reiterating the points you made earlier. “if i were in a situation of choice, I'd definitely go for X, given…”

This method allows you to stay authentic - truth is, every interviewer will expect you to interview with multiple firms anyway -  make your even profile more interesting to them and enables you to reinforce your conviction.

Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out, if you have further questions.

Regards, Andi

Hi,

If I were you, I'd go with Option 1 and tell him the actual situation here. I don't think any firm would think that you lack ‘loyalty’ at this stage where you don't even have an offer/started work yet. 

It is common practice for people to apply to multiple firms, and I would hope that this firm in question also realizes that.

Hi there,

In general, avoid lying in interviews (and life!).

That said, there are right ways to answer a question and long ways.

As you are indeed interviewing with other firms, then say that!

However, you should do the following:

1. Touch on the fact that you are interviewing, but keep it “light”
2. Highlight why you are interviewing (Why Consulting)
3. Flag why you are particularly interested in them

Hi there,

Q: I was asked “what other firms are you applying to” by the partner. What's the best way to deal with this situation? 

It is totally ok to say you are interviewing with other firms in your situation for the following reasons:

1. It is true
2. It shows you are smart in your application strategy (it would be very risky to do all the prep for just one firm)
3. It shows you could have multiple options and be in demand

You can still say that the firm you are interviewing with is the best one and justify it accordingly if they ask for details.

Best,

Francesco

Hello,

Don't stress too much about this question - it seems awkward to answer, but rest assured that interviewers are well aware that most candidates apply to more firms than just theirs! I think there's no benefit to lying here. I would do the following:

• Tell them that you have applied to and are currently interviewing with a few different firms
• Explain why you are interested in their firm specifically