It can be emotionally very costly to make assumptions particularly when it comes to one's professional life. It's really the lazy way out of something by making an assumption rather than being proactive and finding out the real deal.
I contacted a career development director at a university a few weeks ago to see if she was interested in contracting my coaching services. I received a promising email back that she was waiting to find out about the fiscal budget and if she'd then have the money to hire me. When I didn't hear back from her, I ASSUMED it was either bad news or she forgot about me completely. Needless to say, I got myself worked up, felt disappointed and ruined my own day. On what basis did I have to make this assumption? Absolutely none. I made a calculated guess based on pure emotion. It had nothing to do with reality. So, I decided to be proactive and email her. She genuinely seemed glad to hear from me and said she was still waiting on an answer but thanked me for following up. Not only did I get an answer, but I also looked professional in the process.
If you're looking for a job, please don't be hard headed like me and make assumptions. It will get you nowhere except frustrated and discouraged. It's challenging enough looking for a job so why make it harder on yourself?
"Assumptions are the termites of relationships."
~ Henry Winkler
"Good Night, And Good Luck"
Laura Rivchun
PS - If you're job interviewing and need to develop or just brush up on your follow up skills, contact me directly at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to learn more about my coaching sessions on this very important topic.
