Why is it okay to be second best—especially during a jobsearch? Shouldn’t you always strive to be the best? From an early age, we’re taught to aim for excellence. Being second best often feels like failure, or even worse, like being average.
Without a doubt, you should always give your best effort in everything you do. But when it comes to your jobsearch, being second best isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can sometimes work in your favor.
Let me explain why.
You Can Still Get the Job
Imagine this: you’re the second-best candidate for a role you really want. Disappointing, right? But here’s the good news—you might still get the job.
In many jobsearch scenarios, the top candidate doesn’t end up accepting the offer. They might receive a competing offer, decide the role isn’t the right fit, or change plans entirely. When that happens, companies often turn to their runner-up.
This is more common than you might think. In fact, I personally landed two previous roles this way. In both cases, the first-choice candidate was no longer available, and being “second best” turned into a great career opportunity.
You Might Be Considered for a Similar Role
Another overlooked aspect of the jobsearch process is that companies often recruit for multiple, similar positions at the same time. Even if you’re not selected for one role, hiring managers may remember you for another opening.
Sometimes, candidates aren’t even aware that more than one position exists. Being second best can put you on the shortlist for future roles—without having to restart your jobsearch from scratch.
Letting Go of Perfection Can Improve Your Performance
Constantly trying to be the absolute best can be exhausting, especially in today’s highly competitive job market. Allowing yourself to be “second best” can actually reduce pressure and help you perform better.
This is particularly relevant for young professionals who tend to be very hard on themselves. A more relaxed mindset during your jobsearch can help you show up as your authentic self in interviews—confident, calm, and genuine. That authenticity often resonates more with employers than perfection.
Second Best Isn’t Failure—It’s Progress
In your jobsearch, being second best doesn’t mean you weren’t good enough. It means you were close. And sometimes, close is all it takes to land the right opportunity at the right time.
So keep showing up, keep applying, and keep giving your best—while knowing that second best can still lead to first-rate outcomes.