It’s no secret that looking for a job can be a competitive game. You’ve probably worked hard to get where you are, and so have the many candidates you’re up against.

So what happens when one of those candidates is your friend?

FIRST THINGS FIRST: DON’T COMPARE

In situations like this, it’s easy to be consumed by thoughts of who is better at what, who is more suited for the job, and who has worked harder.

Don’t.

Not only will these things hurt your friendship immensely, they damage your self-confidence and your vine’s, too.

DISCUSS IT BRIEFLY, THEN LEAVE IT ALONE

So, you find out you’re going for the same job. There’s no harm in talking about it in hypotheticals with your friend once–but don’t make your time with this friend only about the job. In fact, try not to talk about it. Instead, continue your friendship as is.

BE HER SUPPORT

Encourage her, build her up. Trust she will do the same for you. This is not an easy situation to navigate, and in the event that one of you gets the job and the other does not, you both have an important role to play. Make an effort not to let this be a needle in your friendship, but instead, a defining moment.

What would you do if you and a friend were up for the same job? Let us know below!