In the ultra-competitive job market of 2025, standing out isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential. With so many candidates vying for top positions, job seekers and hiring managers alike are on the lookout for ways to break through the noise. And while credentials matter, sometimes it's bold confidence that wins the day.
Confidence Over Credentials
Taking risks during the job search can feel counterintuitive—especially when you’re told to check all the boxes: perfect resume, polished attire, ideal body language, and the right answers. But the truth is, safe and predictable often blends into the background.
Take Shawn D. Nelson, now CEO and founder of Lovesac, as an example. Long before he built a multi-million dollar company, Nelson applied for a position at one of Salt Lake City’s finest restaurants. He had zero fine dining experience. On the application, under "qualifications," he wrote just three words: “I’m dead sexy.” He got the job.
That experience shaped his personal philosophy: the world doesn’t always need more credentials—it needs more confidence. Nelson believes people who are willing to be bold, visible, and unafraid to stand out are the ones who make an impact. That mindset has helped build Lovesac into a standout, unconventional brand.
The Cost of Playing It Safe
Most job seekers are plagued by nerves. For many, interviews are scarier than skydiving or handling a spider. So the idea of taking risks—saying something offbeat, offering a bold idea, or showcasing personality—feels dangerous. But keeping your head down can make you invisible.
Dr. Rebecca Heiss, author of Springboard: Transform Stress to Work for You, reminds job seekers to consider the cost of inaction. “We’re great at predicting the costs of action—embarrassment, rejection, failure,” she says. “But we rarely weigh the cost of not acting—missed opportunities, regret, or staying stagnant.”
Her advice? “Go big and play all-in. Regret is painful, and it teaches you nothing.” When it comes to interviews, Heiss encourages candidates to speak up, offer fresh ideas, and be willing to take chances. Think of it like learning to ride a bike—you might fall a few times, but you’ll never ride if you don’t get on.
Be Prepared to Talk About Failure
One area where risk-taking can really shine is in how you handle questions about failure. According to Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of Kickresume, candidates should prepare for more than just “strengths” questions. Based on a study of 250+ interview questions across 50 leading companies—including Google, Apple, and Unilever—his team found that 22% of hiring managers ask about failures or mistakes.
“It’s not a trap,” Duris explains. “Interviewers want to see how you recover, solve problems, and grow from setbacks. Everyone fails—it’s what you do next that counts.”
Additionally, 10% of interviewers ask about conflict resolution—how you deal with difficult colleagues or tense situations. These questions reflect the increasing value employers place on emotional intelligence and collaboration.
Storytelling is also key: over half of companies use behavioral interview questions like “Tell me about a time when…” Candidates who come prepared with specific, real-world examples stand out from the pack.
Don’t Just Play It Safe—Play It Smart
Employers are looking for more than polished resumes and perfect answers. They’re seeking candidates with growth mindsets—people who take initiative, embrace learning, and bring ideas that can move the business forward.
Duris puts it simply: “Playing it safe might protect your ego, but it won’t land you the dream job. Showing vulnerability, creativity, and resilience will.”
That’s not to say you should be reckless. Risk-taking in job interviews doesn’t mean being outrageous—it means being genuine, bold, and unafraid to show your value in unconventional ways.
Final Thoughts
If you want to land the dream job, you may need to leave your comfort zone. Think about one place where you’ve been holding back—then challenge yourself to step forward. Maybe that’s sharing a unique idea, telling a story you’re nervous about, or even just showing a bit more of your personality.
Don’t stay hidden behind the metaphorical potted plant in the recruiter’s office. Take the leap. Whether it’s a small step or a bold jump, it might just be the move that gets you noticed—and hired.