- Prepare applicants for the interview by telling them the process
before they arrive.
- Watch for preconceived notions regarding the ideal person for the
job.
- Be aware of what biases are operating as you evaluate interviewees
and their responses. Suspend those that are not clearly job related.
For example, be aware of attitudes you have regarding accents, communication
styles, tone and volume of speech and degree of formality.
- When interviewing someone who has an accent, be honest. If you have
not understood, ask them to repeat in a way that accepts responsibility
for not hearing rather than placing the blame on their speech.
- Clarify your understanding by re-stating what you have heard. Don't
rely on your perceptions of what is being said.
- When interviewing, be aware that maintained eye contact, while important
in the United States culture, is not a universal value. If someone
is avoiding eye contact, make an effort to identify why.
- In cultures which are group oriented, bragging or taking credit
for successes may not be perceived as appropriate. Asking interview
questions which allow the applicant to discuss their achievements
in group context will elicit more pertinent information.
If you have questions or concerns on cross-cultural interviewing, please
contact the Office for Equal Opportunity.
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