When navigating interviews with people from diverse cultures, start by researching cultural norms and communication styles to show respect and understanding. Use clear, simple language and avoid idioms or slang that might not translate well. Pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone, as these can vary widely across cultures. Practice active listening—confirm understanding by paraphrasing and asking clarifying questions. Be patient and open-minded, allowing for differences in communication pace and style. Building rapport through cultural sensitivity fosters mutual respect and ensures a more effective, meaningful exchange during the interview process.

When navigating interviews with diverse cultures in international organisations, it's essential to adapt your communication style to bridge any potential gaps. Research cultural norms and understand that many candidates might be using English as a second language. For instance, I’ve found that slowing my pace and incorporating regular pauses greatly improves clarity and mutual understanding. It can be as simple as making this small adaptation to make a significant difference. And sometimes it can be more complex. The aim must always be to foster an inclusive environment where every participant feels valued and understood, ensuring that the interview process effectively highlights the best candidate for the role.

Share the agenda upfront or at the beginning of the interview so they are not left in the dark. Ask then if they have any questions about it and if they had different expectations in terms of what will be discussed. If you want to take it a step further, you could roughly tell them a number of questions you will have in a call and thus approx. time they should spend answering a question. This helps very expressive people to structure answers better, whereas introverts can know how much in dept they should go.

As a recruiter, I've found that adapting my communication style is crucial for effective cross-cultural interviews. I've learned to be mindful of nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, personal space, and gestures, as they can vary significantly across cultures. For example, in some cultures, direct eye contact is considered respectful, while in others, it may be seen as challenging or aggressive. Additionally, I've become more aware of cultural differences in communication styles. Some cultures value directness and assertiveness, while others prefer a more indirect and nuanced approach. To accommodate these differences, I've learned to ask open-ended questions and avoid making assumptions based on my own cultural background.