Muhammad Ali’s famous quote, “Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer” is not very good advice for interviewees.
Neither is the second half of Plato’s quote, “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.”
Advice from the early Egyptians clearly wasn’t intended for interviewees either, “Silence is more profitable than abundance of speech.”
All of these quotes are subtly pointing out the value of saying less, rather than more. It reminds me of a beautiful Swedish proverb, “Fear less, hope more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.”
In summary, the advice for interviewees is: be succinct, don’t waffle, breathe, no negatives, don’t be fearful, be concise, express yourself clearly, pauses are fine but silence is a big no-no! #proteuscareermanagement
I am a proactive director and business leader who is intent on providing, in the most ethical manner possible, discreet and confidential career management services to individuals. My ultimate aim, my…
