In the world of interviews, much like in sports, there’s always the “favourite” and the “underdog.” As a finance and accountancy recruiter, I’ve seen this dynamic play out time and time again. The candidate with a flawless resume, impressive qualifications, and glowing references often gets pegged as the top contender. But here’s an interesting twist: while it might seem advantageous to be the favourite, it can come with a hidden burden. In contrast, being the underdog might offer a surprising edge. Let’s explore why.
The Weight of Expectation
When you're the favourite to land a role, the expectations are sky-high. From the moment you step into the interview, there’s an unspoken pressure to live up to your credentials. The hiring panel might have preconceived notions about your performance based solely on your resume. This weight can make even the most confident candidates feel the strain. They may start overthinking their answers or feeling the pressure to maintain a perfect image, inadvertently clouding their natural authenticity and spontaneity.
In finance and accountancy, where precision and detail are paramount, a slip-up under pressure can seem like a glaring flaw, even if it's a minor error. The favourite, expected to ace the process, might feel the impact of a small mistake much more acutely, leading to a snowball effect where anxiety starts to creep in.
The Underdog Advantage
On the flip side, when you’re the underdog, you don’t carry the same burden of expectation. You’re not stepping into the interview room with the pressure to perform perfectly or to meet a high bar set by others. Instead, you have the freedom to showcase your abilities, your unique approach, and your potential without the shadow of preconceived expectations.
Underdogs often find themselves in a position where they can surprise interviewers. They come prepared, knowing they have something to prove. This mindset can lead to a display of determination, grit, and authenticity that can be incredibly compelling to hiring managers. I've seen underdog candidates who, without the pressure of being the favourite, were able to think more clearly, answer questions more naturally, and even connect better with interviewers on a personal level.
Turning Perceived Weakness into Strength
Feeling like the underdog can be empowering. It fuels a candidate’s drive to prove themselves, pushing them to prepare more thoroughly and present themselves as a true wildcard. This determination can lead to a more compelling interview, as it shifts the focus from merely ticking boxes on a job spec to demonstrating the potential for growth, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
Furthermore, the underdog status can sometimes work in your favour during the decision-making process. Hiring managers may be more forgiving of minor gaps or less conventional career paths if they see a candidate who has demonstrated resilience, eagerness to learn, and a genuine passion for the role.
The Danger of Complacency for Favourites
For those who enter the process as the favourite, there’s a danger of becoming complacent. Confidence is a great asset, but overconfidence can lead to less preparation or an assumption that the job is already theirs. In interviews, this can manifest as generic answers or a lack of enthusiasm because they believe their resume will do the talking.
However, in finance and accountancy roles—where fit, attitude, and cultural alignment are just as important as technical skills—overlooking the importance of preparation and genuine engagement can be a costly mistake. Employers often want to see a hunger to succeed and a passion for the business, which might not come across if the candidate is too relaxed or believes they are a shoo-in for the role.
Embrace Your Underdog Status
So, if you find yourself feeling like the underdog before an interview, embrace it. Use it as motivation to showcase the qualities that might not be apparent on paper. Bring your full self into the conversation. Tell your story—highlighting your unique experiences, your adaptability, and your determination.
Being the underdog can offer a fresh perspective, one untainted by the pressure to conform to a specific expectation. It can also be an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and show how you’ve overcome obstacles in your career, turning perceived weaknesses into strengths.
Underdogs Have a Unique Edge
Ultimately, being the underdog in an interview isn’t about being the least qualified candidate. It’s about having the chance to exceed expectations, to show your true potential without the burden of preconceived notions. The underdog can surprise, innovate, and bring fresh ideas—qualities that finance and accountancy roles often crave but don’t always explicitly seek.
So, the next time you feel like the underdog going into an interview, remember this: favourites may have the spotlight, but the underdog has the power to change the narrative. And in a world where standing out can be the key to success, maybe being the underdog isn’t so bad after all.