How Many Irons in the Fire Do You Really Need?

We talk a lot about putting more irons in the fire here at Interview Success Formula, but what does that really mean?

It means ensuring you always have multiple promising job opportunities lined up—positions you’re genuinely in the running for and would be thrilled to land. But why is this so important?

1. Less Pressure, More Confidence

Walking into an interview with other job prospects on the horizon takes a lot of pressure off. Knowing you have options allows you to relax, focus on giving your best performance, and not worry about “blowing it.” After all, there’s always another opportunity ready and waiting.

This is a huge advantage.

2. Better Vibes, Better Results

When you’re more relaxed, you’ll give off a calm, confident energy, rather than a needy one. That change in attitude makes you appear more valuable to the interviewer. People can sense desperation, and it’s never a good look. But if you’re casual, cool, and collected, you’ll come across as the kind of professional they want on their team.

3. Leverage for Negotiation

When hiring managers from different companies are competing for you, you gain leverage. This puts you in a strong position to negotiate the salary and benefits package you deserve. Instead of the hiring manager holding all the cards, you’ll have the upper hand.

But Be Cautious: How Many Irons Should You Have?

Sometimes people take my “more irons in the fire” advice to the extreme. It’s important to find the right balance between having just enough options and not overwhelming yourself.

So, what’s the ideal number?

Between 3 and 5.

Why such a specific range? Let me explain.

The Real Meaning of Having an Iron in the Fire

Having an iron in the fire doesn’t just mean sending a resume—it means you have a legitimate opportunity where you’re actively in the running for the position. To get there, you need to research the company and the hiring manager, understand their needs, tailor your resume and cover letter, and craft interview answers that show you’re the perfect fit.

This process takes time and effort. If you have more than five irons in the fire, it’s difficult to do this research properly. You’ll end up spreading yourself too thin, and that means you’re not really giving each opportunity the attention it deserves.

As the saying goes, chasing after too many rabbits means they all get away.

What If You Only Have One or Two?

If you have just one or two job prospects, it’s time to put another couple of irons in the fire. Look for two or three more opportunities you’d love to pursue and get yourself in the running for them.

But remember—keep it between three and five. That’s the sweet spot for managing your prospects without getting overwhelmed, and it maximizes your chances of landing the job you really want.