Don't Compete With Yourself By Nick Corcodilos

A headhunter often discovers that a job candidate has a very powerful competitor: himself. A job candidate can be his own worst enemy. He can undermine his efforts without realizing it. This is common in interviewing. While you are trying to perform well, you inadvertently do things that prevent you from achieving your goal.

Part of a headhunter's job is to coach a candidate to avoid "competing with himself". People compete with their own efforts to succeed in two main ways.

Preparedness
First, a candidate's efforts can be undermined because he or she is unprepared. You know what you want, but you have not done what is necessary to achieve it.

Perhaps you didn't know where to get the information you needed to prepare for your meeting. Perhaps you just didn't devote the time necessary to study and think. Or, you thought your knowledge about a subject was exemplary, but you were surprised to learn it wasn't.  Whatever the reason, you have sabotaged your own efforts. The ignorant part of you is competing with the part of you that wants this job. Which part do you think will win?

Self-control
Second, you undermine your efforts when you are not in control of yourself. You're scared. Anxious. Apprehensive. Lacking confidence. Some of the most talented, well-prepared people fall apart when they have to perform in an interview. If they can't perform, it doesn't matter how skilled they are. The capable part of them is competing with the scared part. The stronger part will win.

Let's approach each of these problems separately...

You've just read a short selection of one of nine books that comprise Fearless Job Hunting! Don't Compete With Yourself is now an enhanced section of Ask The Headhunter Fearless Job Hunting Book Six: Be The Profitable Hire Myth-Busting Answers For Fearless Job Hunters: Introduction: The truth about job interviews Don't compete with yourself Total confidence in the interview How can I demonstrate my value? Are you an A or B candidate? A killer interview strategy Do I have to say it? How do I overcome my deficiencies? How can I stand out in the final interview? How to do a Working Interview™ You blew the interview? Fess up and fix it Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What's your business plan for doing this job? PLUS: 8 How to Say It tips PLUS: 6 sidebars packed with advice to give you the insider's edge! Book Six: Be The Profitable Hire LEARN MORE! "Nick Corcodilos is the brutally honest, forthright and insightful headhunter who serves up tough love to job seekers while taking job boards and others to the woodshed."  U.S. News & World Report