Why does nobody talk about the power of saying "I don't know" in interviews?

I was helping a friend prep for a dental assistant interview last week and she kept trying to bluff answers to questions she didn't actually know. I told her to just say she wasn't sure but would look it up. She tried it in the real interview and the hiring manager actually told her that honesty was refreshing after 10 other candidates who all pretended to be experts. Has anyone else found that admitting a gap actually helps you get hired faster?

2 comments

2 Comments

paul3461mo ago

Doesn't it feel like everyone is just expected to know everything these days? I've noticed that people really respect when you're straight with them instead of trying to fake it. Being honest about what you don't know shows you're trustworthy and willing to learn, which seems way more valuable than pretending.

luna8911mo agoMost Upvoted

Wow, really?? I mean it sounds like you’re saying people actually believe that whole "fake it till you make it" thing is wrong? Because I always thought that’s just what everyone does. Like, if someone asks me something I don’t know, I panic and make up something that sounds smart. But you’re saying people can tell when you’re being honest about not knowing? That’s wild to me. I used to think admitting you don’t know something makes you look weak or dumb. But the more I think about it, the more I remember how relieved I feel when someone just says "I don’t know" instead of giving me a long confusing answer. Maybe I should try that more often.