One of the reasons an employer might ask this question is to find out if you are dedicated to very particular line of work. If you have applied at other companies in different industries, where the skill sets may appear dissimilar, the employer may question your direction and career focus, or perceived lack thereof! Some employers may ask where else you have applied to see if they have competition for your talents. If you have the skills and background, this can be a compliment. Other interviewers may want to check your awareness of their professional competitors. If this question comes up, talk about the type of companies you have applied to, i.e., “multimedia firms,” “accountancies,” “biotech,” “automotive,” etc. rather than name specific firms. You don’t want to say so to your interviewer, but the other places you have applied are really none of their business. Just give the interviewer enough information to show that you are focused on doing the kind of work you are being interviewed for!