Cultural barriers are perceived or real impediments to successfully navigating through a job search process or even doing a good job at your place of employment. They typically stem from the cultural value differences between the jobseeker/employee and those in the selection process/the chain of command. These barriers manifest as unspoken signals that a jobseeker or an employee has to intercept and overcome to conquer.

Cultural norms are real. They vary from country and culture. However, if you are conducting your search within the US, the cultures of other countries are less of a concern, although you cannot ignore them. While in the US, you are bound by the cultural norms practiced here.

First-generation immigrants can be most challenged by the cultural norms and this applies to those on both sides of the process. If you are an immigrant, you do not need to surrender your roots or identity, to integrate into the culture here. You will be better accepted, however, if you show that you are well adjusted to the norms of this society. One way to achieve this is to make sure that your own lifestyle is not too steeped into your past.

Many immigrants often socialize frequently–sometimes exclusively–with those from their own country or region, speaking their native tongue in their normal daily exchange, even at a place of business. Many speak only their own native language at home; and even watch indigenous movies. As a result, they are unaware of the gross cultural norms of this society, let alone the finer points of social etiquette. Often, they are unable to even follow colloquial English in a conversation. If you feel yourself at a disadvantage because of some of the points listed here, make serious attempts to change your habits and to try to create ones that allow you to integrate the cultural norms of this country.

The following list summarizes cross-sexual and cross-cultural barriers that can be overcome with some awareness. If you are culturally raised to treat an employer as a provider or a master, then be mindful of the following areas. These considerations apply, even if you were raised here, with the cultural norms of this country, and the interviewer holds other norms:

1. Do not hesitate to ask questions during an interview when the time is right. Do not wait till the end of the interview–you may not have time. Do not confuse being respectful with being deferential or solicitous. The latter is a matter of your attitude adopted towards someone of superior status. This also applies in your everyday work situations.
2. Always maintain eye contact with the person interviewing you or talking to you. Some cultures believe that looking directly at superiors is a sign of disrespect. In the US, not looking at someone, while talking to them is considered a sign of disrespect. If you avoid eye contact, you may come across as evasive, non-committal, or less than truthful. Do not stare; instead, use a five-to seven-second eye contact with the person, and then look away at something else, as writing notes or making a gesture. Smiling is a great aid when you are confused about how long to look at someone.
3. During an interview ethos (“I am like you”) is critical to connect with the interviewer–we can analogize ethos with personal chemistry. An easy way to strike ethos is to find as much about the decision maker, before the interview, as possible. Dressing in colors that the person favors can be a good ethos builder. Of course, for the interview, you may want to dress a bit more formally, and make a good impression. It is all right to dress a notch above the person who will see you–the main decision maker–and dress for that person. Other signs to watch are: speed with which this person talks, their gestures, and mannerisms. Of course, you do not want to mimic this person–that can be fatal–you want to make this person feel comfortable in the responses you provide. Observing the way in which speaking language and tone are used can also quickly overcome cultural barriers and even personal barriers, especially if you are able to mirror that usage.
4. If something is important to the interviewer, you might see that displayed in their office or on their desk. Take it all in, and do not make any disparaging comments, even inadvertently, about any symbols that this person may hold in high regard. Once, a candidate made a humorous comment about a particular image of a goddess that the hiring manager was displaying in her office, just as he finished an otherwise winning interview session. Her husband, who was of East Indian descent, had given her that image as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. This candidate never heard from the hiring manager again, despite a “great” interview!
5. Do not suggest any religious, spiritual, or personal preferences unless the discussion comes from the interviewer. Even if the interviewer brings it up, dodge the issue and move on by cleverly switching topics. Such discussions can be minefields and are dangerous grounds. They are illegal, but do not go there on those grounds.
6. Do not wear any cultural or religious symbols during an interview. Some cultures display elaborate body decorations on their hands, and other parts of their bodies as an omen of good luck. Avoid such superstitious practices. Do not wear ethnic clothing for an interview, no matter how elaborate. You are signaling that you have not integrated in this culture, and may come across as making a statement.
7. If you are invited to go out for a meal with the interviewer, make sure that you practice good etiquette and manners in restaurants. This is not a cultural matter, just social. Do not go out to eat but to ace the interview. Read a book on proper table manners, if in doubt. If your religious convictions make you avoid certain foods, mention that before you head out to a restaurant. Do not impose your restaurant choice on your host.
8. The overriding criterion is value. As long as you are able to clearly articulate your value and show that you are not just an applicant (of many), but also a must-hire candidate, the chances of cultural barriers getting in the way are minimal. Showing compelling value deflects any focus on minor cultural gaps that may be perceived by the interviewer(s). It may also result in minor infractions becoming a non-issue.
9. At times, the hiring manager could also be a first-generation immigrant, with yet-to-be aligned cultural norms. If they exhibit behaviors that are unacceptable to your sensibilities then you have to decide if you want to work for such a person. In such a case, you have to wonder how the company accepted such behavior to begin with, and you have to assess, if you want to be working for such an individual and the company.
10. During an interview or while working do not make any comments or jokes that refer to a particular ethnic group or culture. You’ll never know how your manager or interviewer feels about that particular group that you just made fun of. This may be a strike against you.
11. Do not confuse behaviors stemming from cultural upbringing, from those that are simply rude, boorish, and antisocial!

Do not be intimidated by cultural or ethic barriers that exist between people. There barriers are just layers below which most operate as regular human beings. As long as you treat everyone with respect and focus on your value proposition, navigating through a tough interview or doing a good job at your place of work should not be a problem.

During a job interview our focus is mostly on what is asked and how we verbally respond to those queries. Ironically, only 10% or less of what we communicate is verbal; the rest is body language and the tone. With 90% riding on the invisible, the unknown, and the unmanaged, it is no wonder that we are often surprised at the outcome of an otherwise “good” interview.

Some pointers below:

1. Dress code: Always dress up and not down; you should feel special but relaxed. Wear something that you know works for you; do not wear something brand-new to an interview.
2. The Handshake: Relaxed firm, not clammy; smile. Ask to be seated; take charge.
3. Seating erect and confidant, 10-15° forward/alert. Men/Women knees together. Do not cross legs.
4. Practice some easy icebreakers: Observe the office or comment on the lobby.
5. Legs relaxed, but no spreading or bopping up and down of a leg. Even though your legs or feet may be hidden from the interviewer’s view, if you are nervously moving them or bopping them it will be apparent to the person sitting across.
6. Breathing with the others, deep and quiet. Smile often. Know your own nervous habits. Shut them down.
7. Look at the interviewers (in a group interview) without looking through them or staring at just ONE person; this can mean you are ignoring the others.
8. Engage in a dialog early; do not surrender to an interrogation. Ask to clarify as needed.
9. Always remember: the one who’s talking is doing the selling; make them talk. Also, the one who is asking the questions is in charge of the interview. Get into the habit of asking questions early and not just at the end.
10. Speak deliberately, articulate well, and watch the body language response of others.
11. Call on the body language that you notice. Flicking off imagined lint signals disagreement as does fingers on nose or scratching face. When you see these signals immediately back peddle and bring the interview on track. If you ignore these signals you may derail your interview.
12. Avoid steepling fingers upright (arrogance). Interviewer doing this portends difficulty. If you see interviewer leaning back, looking away from you and then steepling (a typical sequence) you are in increasing difficulty over what you might have said. Back peddle early if you detect this sequence as the interviewer starts leaning back! (Note: Steepling is when you bring your two hands with extended fingers together as a steeple, pointing upwards.)
13. Take manual notes (avoid gadgets) and maintain eye contact, smile, nod, agree.
14. Do not use but; try using and instead.
15. Do not engage in an argument, even when you know that the interviewer is WRONG!
16. Be prepared to take on invidious or sarcastic comments: respond kindly, with a smile!
17. Stay in charge of the interview: always!
18. Ask not what the job can do for you; state what you can do to/for the job!
19. Don’t betray anxiety or desperation by jumping ahead, instead stay calm and deliberate!
20. Drop seeds for easy follow-ups later on. Mention articles you’ve read that support your discussion. Mention articles by name and publication. When you go away from the interview now you have an excuse to send these articles and reconnect with that person to follow-up.
21. Don’t Lie, ever, or misrepresent. This is disempowering! Don’t volunteer adverse information; we all have it. Don’t say anything negative about your past or present, including your managers, colleagues, and employers.
22. Throughout the interview observe interviewer’s facial expressions. Expressions on a face are a good indicator of inside emotions. If you observe a reaction to what you said on the interviewer’s face, quickly recognize it and regroup. A typical emotion is displayed on a face in less than a second and can last for up to two or three seconds.
23. Focus on your value and not on your shortcomings.
24. Show enthusiasm, excitement, and positive energy. Attitude is more important than intelligence!
25. As you depart, thank the interviewer, shake hands and create accountability for the next steps: Stay in charge!
26. Never ask how the interview went. You should know that!

There is no mystery to reading the body language. Once you know the signals you can confidently call on the interviewer and regroup to bring your interview on track. For example, if you see the interviewer furrowing their brow after you made some statement, you may want to say, “Let me clarify what I just said” and then back peddle to see if you can recover your position. If you see a puzzled face, feel comfortable to say, “Looks like what I just said has puzzled you, let me clarify.” Body language is no mystery once you master these typical signals and go on to ace your interview.

Good luck!

So, getting a call for an interview is a big deal! No one is hired without going through an interview process, which can vary from something that you would see on Seinfeld, to one that can be quite prolonged and grueling! So, what are some of the strategies that give you a better chance at making your case for being hired at the end of the process? Well, the answer depends on how well you are able to master the interviewing process and how well you make your case. Sometimes, making your case after the interview is what gets you the job and not during!

This article focuses on not the everyday recommendations that abound on this topic (research the employer, get your facts right, etc), but on how to manage the interview process once you have done all the work prior to appearing for the interview. The following suggestions may help develop a better outcome if you follow them:

Your Attitude and Appearance:

Before you enter the interview space how you appear and how you carry yourself are important in making the first impression. Having a fresh-looking wardrobe that is appropriate for the interview is critical, but more important, how confidently you present yourself during the first few moments can set the tone for how the interview moves from then on. The final touch on your appearance is not just the straightening of your hair, but a confident smile on your face and an assuring manner. You do not want to overwhelm the interviewer, either, in such situations. Remember, the interviewer is often as nervous about the interview as you are about it. A pleasant smile can override the feeling of fear and anxiety; the two mortal enemies of a good interview.

Taking Control

After entering the room where the interview is taking place, you do not know how the interview is going to be conducted. Ideally, there is a dialog between the two and a good exchange takes place that gets both the information that is required to assess the mutual fit.

Sometimes you run into a poor interviewer or someone who may be nervous and you end up listening to them for the entire duration of the interview, without getting a chance to present your case or even to explore a fit by asking key questions you brought to the event. Unfortunately, with such people it is often too late before you discover that you have lost control over the process.

One way to avoid this situation is to set the ground rules before the interview begins. This may appear presumptuous or even arrogant to some, but it works! The best way to bring this up is to start by asking how much time is scheduled for the interview as you settle down after the initial handshake. This is a good time to say that you have some questions to ask about the job and about the company to explore your fit for the job and that you need some of that time to achieve that objective. You may also want to state that you prefer to ask these questions throughout the exchange rather than at the end. “Will this work for you?” is how you take control of the interview.

If this fails and the interviewer goes on with their logorrheic binge, then one way to get back on track is to detect this early and to stop the interviewer at an appropriate time early and to explore if making a physical break in the surrounding will give you the chance to recover from this situation. “Can we go and take a look at the QA Test area, please? I am curious to see how the work is organized and carried out.” If they take you up on it then you get another chance to ask questions about what you are observing during the tour and use that opportunity to getting back on track.

From your side, one way to manager your time is to mentally envision a “traffic light analogy.” If you start speaking, imagine as if the “Green” light is on for about 60 seconds. The “Orange” light goes on for 15 seconds after that and the “Red” light comes on at 90 seconds. You must stop on Red! Now the interviewer talks!

Another strategy that works is not to assume what is described in the job posting as what is expected of you once you are selected for that job. The best way to explore this is to say (about one third of the way into the interview), I have read the job description and I understand what the job entails in broad terms, but could you please tell me the three most important parameters that will make the incumbent a clear winner? Listening to the response to this question is important, and taking notes of the key items mentioned in that response will give you a way to position yourself as the candidate for the job.

Following up:

Once the interview is over, the best next step to make up for any deficiencies that surfaced during the interview is to send a great thank-you note. The main purpose of this note is not to just thank the interviewer, but, more importantly, is to provide a stronger answer to questions where you could have done better. A short paragraph that starts with, As I was driving back from the interview I realized that another way to address the customer issue is to sit down with the customer face-to-face and to explore what it would take to get their business back, etc. Showing first-hand experience having done this goes a long way in making your recovery answer credible. It also shows that you are willing to go the extra mile to make things right.

In most cases making a cut in an interview has more to do with Chemistry, Competency, and Compatibility (the Three Cs) than anything else. Some of the Competency is already vetted through how you presented your resume and the cover letter. So, focusing on the two other Cs can help shift the tipping point in your favor.

Good luck!

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