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A Common Miscommunication That Can Cost You the Job.

Why you should never confuse a question with a doubt.

Imagine yourself in a job interview with a prestigious U.S. company, eagerly trying to impress the hiring manager with your skills and expertise. But, oops! You just said that you have a doubt.

Native English speakers wouldn't typically use that word in this context. Instead, opt for "question" to express your uncertainty.

Confusing the meanings of "question" and "doubt" is a common hurdle for non-native speakers when communicating in English. This confusion can lead to ineffective communication.

According to a British Council study, language barriers cause 35% of communication failures in international business. Thus, improving cross-cultural communication, including using "question" and "doubt", is crucial for success in global business.

So, what's the difference exactly?

👉 A question is an inquiry that seeks information. It is used when you want to obtain more information about something.

👉 A doubt is a feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence in something.

🚫 Here is how you should NOT use it:

The use of "doubt" suggests uncertainty about the company's vision and mission, giving the interviewer a negative impression. 

✅ Using "question" instead, such as "Could you explain more about the company's vision and mission?" would have been more appropriate.

So next time you're in a similar situation, remember to use "question" when seeking information and "doubt" when expressing uncertainty or lack of confidence. With this knowledge, you can confidently communicate in English and avoid costly miscommunications that could jeopardize your ideal job!

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