High Self-expectation + Tenacity ≠ Arrogance. On the other hand, ‘high self-expectation + tenacity’ minus a well-developed ‘communication sense’ might.

Has this happened to you? Has your enthusiasm and focus on being the best you can be, either in an interview or one the job ever have this effect? I am not suggesting you completely ‘curb your enthusiasm’ during an interview or on the job but rather that you work on developing good communication sense.

Here are some sound tips for developing your communication sense.

• Truism: You create a more meaningful connection by becoming interested in others than by first trying to interest others in you.
• Don’t oversell yourself: Talking to much is perceived as over-selling. Focus and listen and show the interviewer that h/she matters.
• “Two ears, one mouth blah, blah, blah…”
• Don’t bury your listener with incidentals and unnecessary details of a situation. When showcasing your value if it is not relevant to a result, drop it!
• Use simple language when talking with others. Don’t make your listeners plow through jargon. If they recognize it they’ll be turned-off; if they don’t they’ll take out a book and read.
• Use brief anecdotes to communicate your value and strengths; keep each under 90 seconds and invite interviewer questions. (People will remember your anecdotal stories more than a litany of duties and responsibilities).
• Don’t rush. Stop and wait to see if there are questions after your response.
• Choose your words carefully. Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is like the difference between lightening and lightening bug.”

I would also suggest,

• "Informational interviews" with knowledgeable and/or influential people with the specific intention of gaining job information. Informational interviews are also great low-risk practice grounds for developing your communication sense.
• Seek “referrals” which results in less stressful interviews for all parties. When you are referred you enter the interview “pre-sold” to some degree and thus less burdened.
• Target "spot opportunities" that are resultant of new activities in the business community: Plant openings; new business developments, diversification or product introductions; mergers, acquisitions, divestitures; IPO’s, LBO’s, etc. These can result in other networking opportunities or leads to jobs that you can get to before of the crowd; and too, result in a more comfortable meeting.

Communication ‘skills’ and communication ‘sense' are not one in the same. Good communication skills is the foundation, underpinnings, for developing communication sense, just like knowing the functions of the pieces on the Chess board is ultimately necessary for developing strategy. Pieces don’t win the match, strategy does.