Q. Tell me about your cultural awareness

In this age of globalisation, cultural awareness is an overarching skill and a necessity. Demonstrating your flexibility, open-mindedness and your cultural awareness will always be important. During your time at university you are exposed to new experiences, including a range of different cultures and languages. These enriching learning experiences can be used in your working life. They develop you as a person and make you more employable; in the UK and in the wider world. Have you ever stopped to think about how culturally aware you are? Probably not. Few of us take the time to reflect on our skill sets or consider the gaps in them. 

Why is the interviewer asking you the question?

Global companies will want to see that you are open to new ideas and cultures. Can you communicate with people from different nations and avoid any ambiguity? Can you build relationships that take account of different cultural expectations and needs? Do you always try to understand and value different perspectives whilst looking for the common ground? Will you be able to research new markets and cultures and have the sensitivity to check in with contacts when necessary to get clarification and iron out problems?

How can you demonstrate your cultural awareness?

Languages can be a great asset, but they are only one piece of a complex jigsaw. Networking at university with students from different nationalities can help to give you a better understanding of what is important in their countries. Researching specific markets and countries will give you a chance to identify trends in the global market whilst appreciating what each nation has to offer. You can also begin to understand the cultural values which sometimes lead to such confusion. 

Checking for clarification is vital and this is the hidden communication skill that is essential in a global marketplace. You’ve probably mixed with people from different cultures, faiths and even picked up the odd words of another language. Perhaps you are the person who has had the confidence to come to another country to learn another language, travel, study abroad or to build new networks. Start thinking about some examples. Reflect on how you have made the best of the multi-cultural environment at university. Don’t think that you won’t need to worry about this if you are not aspiring to work for an international company. All recruiters want a broad range of skills to equip them to succeed in the global village.

Cultural awareness is about being open to embracing the diversity of life. It is about a willingness to learn and to seek new experiences and ultimately new friends. It is being open to what life and your career brings you. As you learn to understand more about the world, you’ll find there is less certainty. Your cultural awareness will equip you to deal with the situations you and your employer faces. So what do you think you’ve learnt and how will you articulate it? What about talking about flexibility, resilience, accepting ambiguity (understanding there is no one right way) and interpersonal skills.