Don't Play to Win - Play to Succeed, When You Are Looking For A New Job

Some people can be competitive in every endeavor in which they participate. They fight hard to win at sports, cards, grades, income, social standing and in just about any other where someone can come out on top. Guess what?  People compete for jobs, too!  They do not just compete against the competition; but more importantly the honed skill of the interviewer(s).  Perhaps, it's just human nature for many of us to "play to win" every time we perceive something as a game.

Here's the problem, when gaming meets careers.  Job candidates often forget that not only are they being interviewed for a particular job, but that they are also interviewing the employer about the same job opportunity.  That's right.  A job is a two way street.  You must fit the company's job description for the job; and the company culture must be an equally good fit for you.

Marrying the prettiest girl in the room is no guaranty that the marriage will last.  Perhaps, you and she have differing values, likes and dislikes.  You may have wooed and won her, but beyond the expensive night out and long stem roses, is the devil waiting to rear his ugly head.  Ever hear the expression, "be careful what you wish for?"  This is the kind of failed situation that was being talked about when that phrase was coined.

So, you like the challenge of beating an experienced interviewer at his or her game?  You like making him/her sweat? They ask their toughest questions and you know how to get around each one of them; turn the negatives into positives; and avoid bad-mouthing your past manager - though you really want to tell all the world what a jerk he was.  To what end is all of this maneuvering and positioning, anyway?  What's the end game?  What's the prize?

The job involves lots of travel; working many weekends; and dealing with irate customers most of the time.  You know you have had jobs like this one before and they haven't worked out.  What makes you think this one will be any different?

But, there is that great feeling that comes with "winning" the job offer and knowing you were the best one competing for the job.  But, stop a second to think.  Is every job worth having and is taking a bad job now, better than walking away and going after those better suited to your interests and skills?

Yes...DO be careful what you wish for and stop trying to win prizes you don't really want to put on your mantle.