Yesterday, we talked about
Geraldo Rivera and his views on marriage.
He gave advice
on a field he’s not yet an expert on.
What should you do
when you’re asked your expert opinion
on a field you’re not an expert on?
My knee jerk reaction is to answer.
I want to look like I know everything.
Unfortunately, this reaction
will do more harm than good
to my professional reputation.
If I answer incorrectly
(and that’s likely),
I’ll look like an idiot
and everyone involved will question my knowledge
in my field of expertise.
If the interview is completed over email,
I usually contact and quote an expert.
This does two things.
1) It gives me the right answer
or if it is the wrong answer, it won’t be attributed to me
and
2) It shows the world that I know other experts
which makes me look even more knowledgeable
If the interview is live,
I make a joke about knowing nothing
about this field.
If I’m pressed,
I’ll qualify my answer.
“If this held true to the laws of
(whatever area I’m an expert is),
then….”
Interviewers normally love this
because it is showing them a glimpse of the world
seen through my lens.
Don’t pretend to be
an expert in a field you’re not.