Understanding What Your Interviewer Wants

There is nothing more difficult in a job interview than not understanding what information the interviewer is requesting. This can be embarrassing for both parties but also tends to cause confusion and incorrect information being exchanged. While the interviewer should strive to make the questions as clear and concise as possible, there is also a responsibility on the part of the person being interviewed to ask for clarification or further explanation before providing an answer. It is far better to ask for clarification to make sure you are answering the questions rather than to assume you know what the interviewer wants and provide an incorrect or inaccurate answer.

There are barriers to communication in the interview process that should be examined before getting to the interview. There may be communication issues due to:

• Differences in language
• Differences in culture
• Differences in work experience
• Lack of understanding of terminology and jargon
• Incomplete or inaccurate information

As the person being interviewed you will have to address these issues if and when they arise in the interview. Most interventions or strategies are best handled by the direct and honest approach.

You may not have the same first or second language as the interviewer. Make sure that you discuss what is your first language and what are the other languages that you speak. Most workplaces will indicate prior to the interview what language the interview will occur in. If you have any questions or concerns ask prior to the interview date.

Differences in culture

Cultural differences are not necessarily defined as differences in ethnicity or race; rather they are differences in life experiences. A person who grew up in a large city like New York or Paris will have a far different cultural experience than someone who grew up in a very small town or in the country. Different cultures interpret comments, body language and gestures differently than other cultures. Try to be aware of the culture of the workplace that you are interviewing for so you can be aware of these issues.

Differences in work experience

Your interviewer may not be aware of the responsibilities and tasks you may have had in previous jobs. Provide enough information that the interviewer gets a good idea as to your job description. Try to avoid very short answers that don't provide any additional information than what is on your resume. For example, if your past employment was in sales, detail what you sold, any recognition or promotions you achieved, and information about your responsibilities over and above sales.

Lack of understanding of terminology and jargon

Often the language of the workplace is very technical and job specific. There may be a lot of "shorthand" language such as initials or shortened versions of common terms. If you are not sure what the interviewer is talking about politely ask for clarification. Another way to respond to that is to ask the interviewer if your definition is correct. This is especially important if you think you are correct, but are not sure. A bit of clarification is much more professional than a long answer about the wrong topic.

Incomplete or inaccurate information

Occasionally the interviewer will have incomplete or inaccurate information about your resume or yourself. Correcting this information in a positive and helpful manner will clarify the questions and help the interview ask questions that are relevant to your work experience.

It is important to be aware of the questions that the interviewer is asking. Don't be afraid to reword the question to ensure that you are answering what the interview is seeking information on. Asking for clarification is a skill that is used daily in the workplace and will help you give the information that is required at the interview.

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