How to balance multiple interviews

I don't know if you are anything like me, but most days it is difficult to balance a schedule.  Between internal and external forces there is always something demanding your time and energy at work.  Which means things naturally get turned upside down when you add in the idea of interviewing for another job.  Then it is compounded when you decide to interview with multiple companies at the same time.  So how do you balance it all?

The first thing I usually tell people is to clearly communicate your goals regarding timing.  While you cannot completely control timing in an interview process, it is fair to go into a job search with an end date in mind.  If you cannot express this then it is likely that different companies will move at a different pace for their interview process.  And the end result may be your first offer coming from a place that is not your first choice.  Then your hand is forced to make a difficult decision earlier than expected.

This becomes even more critical once you get into middle and final phases with a few of your interviews.  If you need to adjust, be sure you communicate the change to everyone.  You may have had a 60-day window of time at the outset of your search, yet find yourself nearing offer stage with a couple of companies after only 20-30 days.  It is okay to adjust, as long as you fairly communicate the adjustment to all parties.

The other thing to keep in mind is being fair to your current employer.  Most people are not going to tell their boss that they are interviewing for other jobs, but these interviews cannot become a full-time obsession.  Unless you are willing to quit your job before taking another job.  Which is not a good idea.  Besides, the conclusion of a search may show that where you are at is still the best place for your career at this time.  I always encourage candidates to think like that.  The grass is NOT always greener on the other side of the fence.

Finally, if one opportunity is clearly becoming the favorite it is okay to admit that to everyone involved in the interview process.  Candidates are usually reluctant to tell me as a third party recruiter that another option not represented through me is becoming the most appealing.  I would much rather know about it during the interview process than find out about it after the candidate has accepted an offer with another company that I didn't even know about.

Have you sensed a trend here?  Communication is everything.  Be honest, be focused, and be consistent.  That will help you juggle the daunting task of interviewing with more than one company at the same time.

Anyone out there had to balance a demanding interview schedule with more than one employer in the recent past?  What helped you through the chaos?