Should you let the recruiter know that you are interviewing with others before interviews?
I had my on-site recently. Recruiter asked me about my interviews with others in initial small talk while walking in the lobby. Is it better to tell them about your stage of interviewing with others like on-site stage, initial phone screen stage etc? Should you name the companies? Does the answer change based on whether these companies are well known or lesser known? I understand it's better to tell them when they are ready to hire, but should I tell before the interviews?
Yes, you should mention how you are actively looking. If you do have interviews, say yes if they ask. You can mention names if you want but donโt if you donโt feel comfortable. The earlier the better, because this will be on the recruiterโs notes and makes you a more attractive candidate.
Mentioning this early speeds up the process, for sure.
Telling the recruiter can also speed up the interview process, and you can get an offer more quickly.
Yes, say you are even if you arenโt. They will also generally raise the offer slightly too (to shut down other offers)
Mentioning other interviews and statues- phone, on site, anticipating offer, etc. can be used to force other decision makers to expedite. So yes, I'd definitely talk about others and status, but not mention who
I think itโs def worth mentioning that you are in active conversations with others. I wouldnโt necessarily go in to details w/ whom & how far, but they should know youโre a sought after asset...