"Don't think because they are interviewing you that they don't have someone else in mind - they are probably simply going through the motions, wasting your time, to satisfy some state requirement."

Well, yeah - that's true. And the point is....?

It can be as simple as this: I've got a pool of five finalists coming in. Candidate number one hits the ball out of the park. I still have four other people to talk with; I'm not going to cancel their interviews. At this point, though, barring a big surprise, I'm thinking I'm going to extend the offer to number one. If you're one of those other candidates, it's fair to say that at this moment in time, I definitely have someone else in mind for the job.

And yes, sometimes various requirements play a part in dictating who or how many candidates are interviewed. As a result, it's possible the hiring manager you're about to speak with is approaching the conversation with a lackadaisical or somewhat indifferent attitude.

I've got news for you - you'd probably be shocked if you knew how often hiring managers are unenthused or a little apathetic about the people they're about to interview. For all sorts of reasons.

Welcome to the hiring process.

But I have one word for you to consider...UPSET.

Just because you're the underdog, does it mean your fate is sealed? Maybe you shouldn't bother showing up for the interview at all. After all, if the hiring manager has someone else in mind, or is "going through the motions," you don't have a chance. Maybe the only time you should interview is when you're certain you're the only one being considered for the job. Right?

Evidently, the US Olympic Hockey Team in 1980 didn't get the memo that it was a waste of time to show up. There was no way anybody was going to beat the Soviet machine-on-ice...until a bunch of American college kids did it and won the gold medal.

And how about the New York Giants in Super Bowl 42? The Patriots had posted a pretty impressive streak. They were unstoppable. The game was going to be a blow-out for the Pats. Except it didn't turn out that way.

Anything can happen. And that's why they play the game.

Yes, the hiring manager may be walking into the interview with you thinking she's probably going to extend the offer to someone else. So what?

Change her mind. The other guy hit a solo home run...how about you hit a grand slam?

You got an invitation to interview. Do you have any idea how many people didn't make it that far?

Get rid of the defeatist attitude. Bring your "A" game with you, and go in to win.

Rebecca Metschke helps professionals seeking a competitive advantage in today's global economy. Her book The Interview Edge is available online in downloadable format. You can find free info on career strategies and other helpful tips and advice at The Interview Edge blog http://blog.theinterviewedge.com/.