The disadvantage of that strategy is that you don't look serious about wanting the job. That is what happened when former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer was promoted as a last-minute compromise candidate as Commonwealth Secretary General last year and he missed out.
Clark has entered a race that has seven competitors. Others can join at any stage.
In the unique way this United Nations appointment has been run - with the "grass roots" member countries demanding a role instead of leaving it to the Security Council - it makes perfect sense for Clark to publicly declare, accept transparency and face scrutiny.
It is the honest way. It is the fearless way. It is a salute to the modernisation of the UN.
To have sat back and waited for a shoulder-tap from the Security Council would have sent the opposite message.
But of course she also has to retain or gain the respect of the old power players on the Security Council who will still make the final recommendation - especially Russia, China and the United States.
Few who know Clark would doubt her ability to do the job, and the fact that Clark will be in contention is an incredible achievement.
But Key is breaking the habit of lifetime and cautioning people not to be too optimistic.
He and Clark both know that such contests are more about politics than merit.
READ MORE:
• Key on Clark: 'amazingly capable' for top UN job
• Helen Clark 'honoured' to be nominated for UN's Secretary-General position
• Helen Clark: 'NZ a model of religious tolerance for the rest of the world
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