Your real competition isn't some job hunter off the street. It's the candidate who was coached by The Headhunter. Use The Headhunter's insider perspective to your advantage; don't let it sneak up and bite you!

26. There is no sure thing.
Headhunters see it all the time. A person gets a job offer -- and promptly tells other companies he's no longer available. He cancels pending interviews, submits his resignation, and terminates discussions with "b-list" employers.

I can't tell you how many people I've known who started a job, only to be job hunting again a few days or weeks later. Either they realize the new job isn't what they expected, or the Dr. Jekyll who interviewed them turns out to be a Mr. Hyde, or the company is in serious trouble. In the meantime, they've closed the doors to other options.

• Never sever your connections to other job opportunities, even if you've accepted an offer.
• Keep the interview doors open for at least two weeks after you've started a new job.
• Always keep the door open for discussions with other employers (and sources of jobs).

You work hard to develop good career options. Don't get smug. Don't toss options aside for a "sure thing". There is no sure thing.