I’m afraid I can’t compete against people with more experience than I have.

I’m afraid to say that I’m looking for a job.

We’re afraid of all sorts of things. In most cases we ignore or work around what we fear, like heights, snakes, spiders, and slippery slopes. Fear can be a good thing if it keeps us out of harm’s way.

There are some fears we can’t ignore or work around, as in fears about our job search, like where do I start? What do I say? Where do I go? What if I fail?  Fears that sound more primal than logistical. Those fears might protect us from the uncomfortable but if we give them too much power we’ll stay away from the very things that are essential that we move toward, address, and overcome.

Let’s start with that first one: I’m afraid I can’t compete against people with more experience than I have.

You’re going to be up against people with more experience than you, and less; more sophistication and smarts than you, and less. They’ll be more handsome, or taller, or more awkward, or smaller. You name it; there will be those who tip the scale at one end of the continuum or the other. Get over it. Focus on what you bring to the table and make the most of it. It’s up to employers to decide who’s the best match and they will when you provide them what they need to make the best decision possible. If you hold back out of fear that you can’t compete, or have secrets to keep, you’re getting in your way and theirs.

Go in prepared and give it your all.  Be prepared with examples of what you’ve accomplished and where; what you had to overcome, how you did it, and what the result was.  Be prepared to talk about your biggest challenges, biggest wins and yes, examples of times you fell short and what you learned as a result.

Let’s talk about your other big fear; why you left your last job. Whether you left it or it left you, focus on what you learned from that position that informs you of what you want to achieve going forward.  In other words, if it was a lay off and you really enjoyed the work and did it well, be clear about that, and your intention to continue to (choose what words describe you best)  create,  initiate, develop, execute, problem solve, expedite, for the benefit of the company where you work.

If you’re looking for a job while working a job, focus on what you want the next steps in your career to be… that benefits the organization where you work. If you were fired from your last job, be clear about what you learned from the experience and how you can contribute best and most effectively to the business where you work.

Stick with these basic themes: Here’s what I do best, how I make a difference where I work, and why I care.  Tell fear to take a hike. You’re busy getting a job.