You already hold an offer from another company. Should you tell us?
Yes, be honest if asked, mention it without using it as a threat, and explain why this company is still your preference. Never invent or exaggerate an offer.
Explain it simply
Holding an offer is normal and can even make you more attractive. Hiding it can backfire if it comes out later, especially in campus placements where many colleges have a one-offer rule you must follow.
State it simply: which kind of company, the role, and that you would still prefer this one, with a reason. Do not use it to pressure HR ("match it or I go"). If they ask for the figure, share it honestly or decline politely, but never lie.
Example
Situation: Neeraj holds an offer from a services company and is in the final round with a product startup he prefers.
Task: Be honest about the offer without making it a bargaining weapon.
Action: He says: "Yes, I have an offer from a large IT services company for a developer trainee role. I would prefer to join you because I want to work on one product deeply and your team works on the payments stack I enjoyed in my project. I would need to respond to them in about ten days, so it would help to know your timeline."
Result: The startup speeds up its decision and makes him an offer within a week.
What to say in the interview
"Yes, I have an offer from X for a Y role. I'd still prefer to join you because Z. I need to respond to them by a date, so it would help to know your timeline."
Common mistakes
- Inventing a fake offer to push up salary.
- Threatening to leave unless they match.
- Breaking your college's placement rules about multiple offers.