Can you ask how many applicants are being interviewed?

Asked by: Prof. Llewellyn Bradtke  |  Last update: November 2, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (39 votes)

It's OK to ask an interviewer how many other people are up for the same position. After all, you just want to know the odds you're up against, as anyone would. But even if inquiring is harmless, the way you ask your question might bother the interviewer.

Is it okay to ask how many candidates are being interviewed?

This is decidedly not rude, but it's also a useless question because employers don't want you to know in most cases. It weakens their negotiating position if there are few candidates and strengthens it if there are many.

What is the 80/20 rule for interviews?

The 80/20 rule applied to design job interviews recommends that you should put 80% of your effort into preparing for and presenting your case study well and 20% in all other questions.

How do you politely ask the status of an interview?

How do you politely ask for a status update interview? If you're still waiting for a response following an interview, you can politely ask for a status update. To do this, send a short and polite email that expressed your continued interest in the role, and your wish to find out whether there is any update.

Can you ask how much someone is making in an interview?

Employers may not ask for nor rely on job applicants' salary history when deciding to offer employment, or in determining salary, benefits or other compensation during the hiring process. Employers may ask about the applicant's expectations around salary, benefits and compensation.

10 ‘INCREDIBLY POWERFUL’ QUESTIONS to ASK AN INTERVIEWER! (Do You Have Any QUESTIONS For Us?)

44 related questions found

Can I ask an applicant how much they make?

No. California employers may not ask an applicant verbally or in writing about: Their salary history; What they are currently making; or. What they used to make.

Is it OK to ask how much someone makes?

Discussing Salary

It's rude to ask how much money someone else makes, and it's also disrespectful to share how much money you make unless there is a good reason to do so, i.e., someone is looking for a job in your field and wants to know a typical salary range. But, again, this can make people feel uncomfortable.

Is it okay to ask about the status of an interview?

Do Follow Up. At the end of your interview, ask the hiring manager whether they have a time frame for the hiring process. Also ask if, when and how you can follow up. This way, you have a plan to check in at a later date so you won't be left wondering.

How do you politely ask for status?

Simple Phrases to Use for Quick Status Updates
  1. "Could you please share a quick update on [project/task]?"
  2. "Just a quick call checking in to see how things are progressing with [specific task]."
  3. "I'd appreciate it if you could let me know the current status of [project]."

How long after an interview to hear back?

The average response time after an interview is 24 business days, but it varies between industries. Some types of companies, such as electronics and manufacturing , may make an offer to the successful candidate in less than 16 days after an interview.

What is the 24 hour rule interview?

The 24-hour rule tells you that you need to take 24 hours before you have the conversation so that you don't react impulsively, don't say or do anything you'll regret, and keep your reputation intact.

Is a 30-minute final interview good?

A 30-minute final interview is a crucial step in the hiring process, signaling that you are a top contender for the position. By preparing thoroughly, showcasing your qualifications and cultural fit, and engaging thoughtfully with the interviewer, you can maximize your chances of success.

What is the 70 30 rule interview?

Apply the 70/30 rule: candidate talks 70% of time; you talk 30% of the time. Allow silence. During the interview, the candidate needs time to think. If a candidate seems reluctant to answer a difficult question, don't rush on to the next question.

Do employers interview the best candidate first?

Some hiring managers may choose to interview the strongest candidates first. This can be advantageous for a number of reasons. By interviewing the top candidate early, employers can gauge other candidates' performances against the benchmark set by the best candidate.

What not to ask during a job interview?

For example, we recommend that you avoid:
  • Questions about race, religion or ethnicity, such as: Are you biracial? ...
  • Questions about age, unless used to verify that applicants meet any age-related legal requirements for the job.
  • Questions about an applicant's pregnancy or plans to start a family, such as: Are you pregnant?

How many applicants are usually interviewed?

Only 20% Of the Applicants Get to the Interview Round.

On average, 118 candidates apply for one single job, of whom only 20% are interviewed. And, if you get an offer, you are among just 30.89 percent of interviewees to be selected.

What to say instead of just checking in?

Alternatives to “Just checking in” include opening your message with context, requesting a specific status update, sending a friendly reminder, and asking your recipient for any questions or concerns.

How to ask for an update without sounding pushy?

How to Politely and Professionally Ask For an Update at Work: Tips + Examples
  1. Step #1: Open with a polite greeting.
  2. Step #2: Avoid cliché corporate jargon.
  3. Step #3: Formulate your update requests clearly.
  4. Step #4: Ask open-ended questions.
  5. Step #5: Use a CTA (Call to Action)
  6. Step #6: Provide enough context information.

How do you ask politely and professionally?

How to ask for help professionally: Phrases to use when you require assistance at work
  1. “Could you please do me a favor?”
  2. “Can you give me a hand with this?”
  3. “Would it be too much trouble for you to…”
  4. “I could do with some help, please.”
  5. “Could you spare me a few minutes of your time, please?”

How do you politely ask about the interview process?

I hope you're having a terrific day. Just a quick follow up to see if you could provide an update on timing for potential next steps in the interview process for the <title> role. I'm still very interested in <company> and would love to continue the conversation.

What to do when you have a job offer but are waiting for another one?

Review the following tips to help you stall a job offer while waiting for another:
  1. Practice gratitude. ...
  2. Give a prompt response. ...
  3. Make sure you have a written offer letter. ...
  4. Communicate with the other company that they are your top choice. ...
  5. Be enthusiastic. ...
  6. Ask for a timeframe they need a decision by. ...
  7. Ask for additional time.

Do employers get back to you after an interview?

Typically, it's advisable to give interviewers at least five business days to contact you. That means if you interview on a Thursday, you would wait until the following Thursday to reach out. This could mean you are waiting a week or longer before you get a response from the hiring company, provided they do reply.

Can you ask someone how much they make in an interview?

Can Employers Ask for My Salary Information? In most states, employers are free to ask job applicants about their current or prior salaries. However, many states and cities are considering salary history bans that prohibit this practice.

Why is it considered rude to ask someone how much they make?

The common consensus is that questions about a person's salary are “rude” and therefore off-limits. Divulging your salary can make you feel self-conscious because you're afraid that people will either pity or envy you, and neither of those are comfortable positions.

How much is too much salary to ask for?

Some salary negotiation advice encourages asking for any amount that is deserved and says no amount is too much as long as it reflects the value of what is being delivered at work.