Want a Succesful Job Interview? Do Not Make Assumptions

You have probably heard the old saying that "assuming makes an a** out of you and me." We view the world out of the lens of our own experiences. When we make assumptions, we make them using this same lens. Giving a successful interview requires illustrating that you can deliver the expected results both in and out of the interview room. Making the wrong assumptions can lead you to making the wrong conclusions. Interviewers may see the possibility of this happening while you are performing the job's daily duties. Fortunately, it is not that hard to avoid making assumptions.

Recognize the reasons job candidates make assumptions. Often, job candidates make assumptions because they either do not understand the interviewer(s) questions or do not fully listen to the question. Job interviews can cause candidates to experience some nervousness. Nervousness may cause a person to become impatient. Be sure to listen fully to the interviewer(s) question before answering.

Clarification is one of the best and fastest ways to avoid making assumptions. If you do not understand a question then let the interviewer(s) know. You can achieve this by simply stating, "I am sorry I do not understand the question could you explain what you mean by _____?" You can also restate the question to ensure you fully understand it by saying something similar to, "You are asking how my customer service experience could be used as a technical support representative for your company?" Seeking clarification illustrates that you want to make sure and do the job right, the first time. That you are willing to seek clarification rather than risk wasting time doing the job twice.

Do not assume the interviewer(s) will understand industry specific jargon. Even in similar industries, jargon may not hold the same meanings. For instance, the term "case" holds a much different meaning for a law enforcement officer than it does for an Emergency Medical Technician. While both of these professions are in emergency response, they do not use the same jargon. Using jargon may cause the interviewer(s) to misunderstand one of your answers. It also can make it seem like you cannot communicate without using jargon. If you must use jargon then explain what you mean. A more preferable course of action is replacing industry specific jargon with more common terminology.

Do not assume that you have the job. Confidence is a good quality to possess. During an interview, confidence can illustrate that you are secure in how well your experience fits into the company. However, over confidence can be seen as arrogance. Over confidence can also lead to making assumptions about the position at hand and what the interviewer(s) are looking for. Dialing down the confidence will help you pay attention to the interviewer(s) questions and provide adequate answers. Remember, you do not have the job until it is offered to you.

During a job interview, it is crucial to not make assumptions. Assumptions can lead you to make false conclusions about the company, job, and/or what the interviewer(s) are looking for. Understanding common pitfalls that can cause assumptions, clarifying any questions or statements that you do not understand, and avoiding industry specific jargon are simple ways to avoid making false assumptions. Avoiding assumptions will help ensure that you provide the interviewer(s) with the information necessary to land the job.