Question:

Jo, can I pick your brain about a quick question that I have? I am interviewing for a new role at the place where I already work. Many of my colleagues know that I’m applying, and someone has already asked what I will do if I don’t get the position. I said I didn’t know yet.  Is there a more a savvy response I could give? — Educator

Answer:

Try this:

First, smile confidently (and just a little bit cheekily) and say, “Of course, I believe I’m the ideal candidate for the role!”

Now shift to a more serious tone of voice.

Explain that in the unlikely event that you don’t get the position, you can be counted upon to be supportive of the person who moves into the role.

Conclude with “I will continue to work on…” and name something that you find exciting or fulfilling about your current job, or a skill that you are currently developing.

With that you will have covered all bases, demonstrating that you’re a strong contender for the new position, but one who won’t derail if someone else lands it.

Good luck, and go knock ‘em dead!

Update: Now a finalist for the new role, our candidate is confidently (and just a bit cheekily) smiling her way through multiple rounds of interviews.