Always the runner up? Here's what it means, and why it's not a bad thing

About this episode

<p>Have you been told you're a backup candidate, or that you only * just * missed out. Listen to this episode before you let those feelings of rejection creep in!</p><p>In this episode, Emma and Sarah discuss what it means and what you should do. We explain why it's not necessarily a bad thing and share our own success stories of hiring or being hired as a backup candidate. </p><p>We also chat about how the "if I'm not their first choice I don't want it" mindset isn't always helpful or applicable in the job search [note, we definitely DO support this energy in your dating life].</p><p>🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Brittany! “I am obsessed with this podcast. You both have&nbsp;the&nbsp;best voices, I literally soak up everything you both say.&nbsp;I'm on&nbsp;a&nbsp;temporary contract at work&nbsp;and&nbsp;didn't want to return to my substantive position, so started applying for other external jobs.&nbsp;The&nbsp;first interview I absolutely bombed, but then I found your podcast! (I have been at&nbsp;the&nbsp;same company for 9 years&nbsp;and&nbsp;have had&nbsp;a&nbsp;lot of internal transfers, so don't have much interview experience/ I usually try to avoid them like&nbsp;the&nbsp;plague). I was feeling really deflated/stuck,&nbsp;and&nbsp;just lacking confidence in my ability to ever get another job because I thought my interview skills were that bad. After listening to your podcast though I felt so incredibly empowered&nbsp;and&nbsp;aware of my transferable skills. I got an interview with&nbsp;a&nbsp;government agency, which I would have previously found so scary&nbsp;and&nbsp;intimidating. I treated your podcast like&nbsp;a&nbsp;bible while I prepared for that interview,&nbsp;and&nbsp;went into it feeling so confident&nbsp;and&nbsp;prepared! It was in&nbsp;a&nbsp;different area to where I live, so I knew I probably wouldn't get this job, but wanted to do well to prove to myself I could do this&nbsp;and&nbsp;to hopefully get into&nbsp;the&nbsp;merit pool for local positions. My nerves didn't get&nbsp;the&nbsp;best of&nbsp;me&nbsp;and&nbsp;I answered all&nbsp;the&nbsp;questions well. I even stayed firm on&nbsp;the&nbsp;days I would be willing to travel if&nbsp;the&nbsp;hybrid arrangement was negotiable. I received&nbsp;a&nbsp;call from one of&nbsp;the&nbsp;panel members afterwards with absolute glowing feedback&nbsp;and&nbsp;to tell&nbsp;me&nbsp;I'm successfully in&nbsp;the&nbsp;merit pool for local positions over&nbsp;the&nbsp;next 18 months (They said I had everything they were looking for, but there was no wriggle room on&nbsp;the&nbsp;hybrid arrangement). Even though I didnt get that position, I have never felt more proud of myself&nbsp;and&nbsp;am still on such&nbsp;a&nbsp;high. I have even since had&nbsp;the&nbsp;confidence to speak to my current manager about career development opportunities/&nbsp;a&nbsp;permanent role in her team. This has lead to really great internal feedback on how I'm doing,&nbsp;a&nbsp;permanent job offer&nbsp;and&nbsp;reassurance that there will be upcoming managerial positions that I would be suitable for. I'm still working up&nbsp;the&nbsp;courage to ask for&nbsp;a&nbsp;salary review. All in all, my situation hasn't changed financially or in terms of&nbsp;a&nbsp;better title, but my mindset&nbsp;and&nbsp;self confidence has improved immensely. Keep&nbsp;the&nbsp;podcast coming! I would love to hear more on creating internal champions/mentors&nbsp;and&nbsp;networking! (Especially when your mentors are very busy&nbsp;and&nbsp;you work remotely so don't get many chances to speak to them) Thanks girls x”</p><p>Resources Mentioned:</p><p>🔥Our episode about rejection: <a href="https://player.captivate.fm/episode/54b5ba16-d654-46ae-a338-cb7c39785fe5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://player.captivate.fm/episode/54b5ba16-d654-46ae-a338-cb7c39785fe5</a></p><p>☕ Did our podcast help you out? Want to say thank you in coffee form? Shout us a virtual coffee here: <a href="http://www.buymeacoffee.com/interviewboss" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buymeacoffee.com/interviewboss</a></p><p>📄 To book an interview coaching session with Sarah, go to <a href="http://www.interviewboss.com.au/coaching" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.interviewboss.com.au/coaching</a></p><p>💌&nbsp; Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/interviewboss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><p>💻&nbsp; Check out our website for free jobseeker resources</p><p><a href="https://dashboard.whooshkaa.com/567c163a/episodes/735473/www.interviewboss.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.interviewboss.com.au</a></p>