Write your resume in 15 minutes
Our free collection of expertly designed resume templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.
In this guide, you'll learn how to approach an interview with a competitor the right way. We’ll cover what to say, what to avoid, and how to protect yourself while making a great impression.
5 Tips for Having a Succesful Interview at a Competitor Company
Interviewing at a competitor in the same industry isn’t the same as a regular job interview. You need to be prepared, professional, and careful about what you say. Here’s how to handle it.
1. Preparing for the Interview
Researching the Competitor
Before you walk into the interview, make sure you understand the company’s mission, values, and current challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’ve done your homework.
- Check their website, press releases, and social media.
- Read industry news to see how they compare to your current company.
- Look up employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor to get insider insights.
Understand Why They’re Interested in You
A competitor isn’t hiring you randomly. They see something valuable in your skills and experience. Figure out what that is before the interview. Are they looking for industry knowledge? Do they need someone with experience in a specific role? Are they expanding into a new market that aligns with your background? Understanding this helps you focus on your strengths without giving away company secrets.
Reviewing Your Contract
Before you accept an interview, check your employment contract. Some companies have non-compete agreements that could limit your ability to work for a competitor. Look for clauses in the employment agreement about working for direct competitors. If you’re unsure, consult a lawyer or HR professional. Even if you don’t have a formal agreement, be mindful of confidentiality rules.
2. Key Strategies for a Successful Interview
Stay Professional and Neutral
Never badmouth your current employer. It looks unprofessional and might make the interviewer wonder if you’d do the same to them later.
If asked why you’re leaving, keep it positive. Focus on growth opportunities, career goals, or a better fit for your skills. Avoid venting about workplace frustrations.
Even if you’re leaving due to issues like poor management or company culture, frame your answer carefully. Say something like, “I’m looking for a company that aligns more with my long-term career goals” rather than listing complaints about your current role.
Focus on What You Bring to the Table
The company wants to know what you can do for them and how you are qualified, not what secrets you can spill. Keep the conversation about your skills and experience.
Highlight your contributions without mentioning confidential details. If you worked on a major project, talk about your role in its success, but avoid specifics about strategies or company data.
Talk about industry trends, not your current company’s strategies. A good way to phrase it is, “I’ve worked on marketing strategies that improved customer engagement,” rather than, “At my current job, we increased engagement by 40% through a new campaign.”
Use examples from past roles without sharing private information. Focus on how you approach challenges, solve problems, and contribute to success. This shows your value without crossing ethical lines.
Approach Salary Discussions Carefully
If asked about your current salary, you don’t have to give exact numbers. Instead, you can say:
- “I’m looking for a job offer in the range of X based on my experience.”
- “I’d prefer to focus on the value I bring rather than my past salary.”
This keeps the conversation about your worth, not just what you’re earning now. Employers may also ask about benefits. If you’re negotiating, consider the full package (healthcare, bonuses, remote work options) not just base pay.
If they push for specific numbers, you can redirect by saying, “I’d love to hear more about your compensation structure before discussing figures.” This shifts the focus back to their offer rather than putting you in a position to reveal too much.
3. Answering Questions Without Oversharing
Some interviewers might try to get details about your current company. If they ask about upcoming projects or business strategies, keep your response general. A good way to handle it is by saying, “I can’t share confidential details, but I can speak to my experience in project development and execution.”
If they press for specifics, hold your ground. Ethical companies won’t expect you to break confidentiality. If they do, it’s a sign that they might not respect boundaries in the workplace either.
Framing your experience the right way is key. Instead of saying, “I helped develop a product launching next quarter,” say, “I have experience bringing new products to market, from early development to launch.” This keeps the focus on your skills rather than insider knowledge.
4. Ethical Considerations
Integrity matters. Even if you’re tempted to share details to impress the interviewer, it can backfire. If a company hires you because of what you know about your current employer, they might not trust you in the long run. So, know what you can and cannot share. Anything covered under a confidentiality agreement is off-limits. This includes business strategies, pricing models, and client lists. If you’re unsure, it’s better to stay vague than to risk a legal issue.
Avoid conflicts of interest. If you’re still employed, don’t use company time or resources for your job search. Be careful about connecting with employees from the competitor on LinkedIn if your network includes colleagues from your current job.
Showing that you value ethical boundaries makes you a stronger candidate. Employers want someone who is trustworthy and professional, not just knowledgeable. If you set clear limits about confidential information in the interview, you’ll stand out as someone they can rely on.
5. Handling Post-Interview Communication
After the interview process, it’s important to follow up professionally. Send a thank-you email expressing appreciation for the opportunity and reaffirming your interest in the role. Keep the message focused on your skills and how they align with the company’s needs.
Be careful not to mention anything you discussed in the interview, especially if it touches on confidential details. A simple, courteous follow-up will demonstrate your professionalism and help leave a positive impression without overstepping boundaries. If you’re still employed, avoid discussing the specifics of your job or employer in any follow-up communication or even during the hiring process. This keeps the focus on your value as a candidate and maintains your professionalism.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing with a competitor can open doors, but it comes with responsibilities. Stay professional, focus on your skills, and avoid sharing confidential information. A good employer will value your experience, not insider details.
If you handle the interview right, you’ll prove you’re the best candidate for the new job; not just because of where you’ve worked, but because of what you bring to the table. By demonstrating integrity and professionalism, you’ll show you’re the type of employee they can trust and rely on.
