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What if I do not understand an interview question?

Oct 19, 2026
Short answer

Ask the interviewer to repeat or explain it before answering. You can use a prepared clarification phrase and then check that you have understood the question. If a word is unfamiliar, ask about that word directly. A guessed answer may miss the point the interviewer wanted you to address.

Ask the interviewer to repeat or explain it before answering. You can use a prepared clarification phrase and then check that you have understood the question. If a word is unfamiliar, ask about that word directly. A guessed answer may miss the point the interviewer wanted you to address.

If you do not understand, try Could you rephrase that? or Could you explain what you mean by that? A clarification request gives the interviewer a chance to make the question clearer; you do not need to guess its meaning.

English Job Interview Questions and Answers: A Speaking Practice Guide →

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