Overcoming Cultural Barriers
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.