In an interview, even someone who'd normally behave with intellectual humility would not admit to not knowing for economic rather than ego reasons.

I'm not shy to ask questions or to admit how much I don't know. This is happening a lot lately since I've returned to part-time work as a SAS programmer for Statistics Canada after being away for 2 1/2 years. Why pretend to know something when it will soon become painfully obvious, not to mention humiliating, that I don't. Not only will I lose "face", I'll also lose the trust of the ones asking the questions.

I'm not a particularly quick thinker and if my street-smarts were measured in an IQ test, I'd definitely NOT be the brightest bulb in the box!

I'm very self-aware. I know my strengths and weaknesses. When I take personality tests, I'm never surprised at the results. They confirm what I already know and either like or dislike about myself. I know who I am, who I used to be, and who I want to become.

I'm what you'd call "selectively curious". Those things beyond my control to influence or beyond my ability to understand hold no interest for me. On the other hand, I have quite a few books on my Amazon wish list and my "For Later" shelf in my local library account. I have several courses bookmarked in Great Courses Plus and Lynda.com since I enjoy studying a wide variety of topics.

I like to keep things simple. If I have a clear enough understanding of something complex, I can break it down and write about the components and how they fit together. If I don't understand the concepts and the topic doesn't interest me, I'll leave it alone.

I guess my intelligence is average and I'm fine with that. What's important is that I use what I have and don't waste it.