query on interview

Question

In my 6 years of WE in IT, I have 3.5 years in servicing clients from a non-english speaking geography.

Although I have travelled to that geography for only 2 weeks, I do have substantial WE in dealing with those people.


The issue Is I havent learnt the native language of that geography.

and If a question is asked in interview why havent you learnt that language ? How should I defend It?
Can I just say that english is the international standard or must I say I have made a mistake and couple of weeks down the line I plan to take up lnaguage classes?

agsfaltex · Answer

I really don't think its an issue. You can say for the most part the company you were involved with conducted business in English - but you also picked up a working knowledge of the local langauge to ensure proper communication with the right people.

You don't even have to mention the latter half if you're not comfortable with it.

braindancer · Answer

Absolutely don't admit it as a mistake. For your specific working process, studying their language was by far less productive than improving your professional skills, so you just concentrated on providing the best service. That's it, no need to make excuses.

jayy178 · Answer

sorry to be ignorant, but what does WE stand for?

Nsentra · Answer

work experience. I believe

aaudetat · Answer

There's definitely no shame in not knowing that language (and this from a language snob). Your job didn't require it. But IF it comes up, this is a great time to point out that you'd love to learn it. This desire shows a dedication to your work, intellectual curiousity, and a desire to engage the world at large. But don't feel like you need to bring this up. It's really not an issue. (IMO, of course.)

Now, the director of the NGO I interned with in college is a different story. He'd spent TWELVE YEARS working in Russia, without learning Russian at all. Totally inexcusable. It impeded his work and showed what a hoser he really was. Americans - I swear!

venky1979 · Answer

Thanks for the inputs 
feel lot more comfortable

venky1979 · Answer

Do-Mari-Ga-To (means thank you in the local language of that geography) for the responses :-D

braindancer · Answer

LOL. You're even more "not guilty" given that the "geography" is Japan

Japanese is so much NOT peanuts to learn.

venky1979 · Answer

Agrreed 6000+ Kanjis how can any body remember?

My favourite word is Do-Mari-Ga-To (Thank you) Which in India literally means "I am gonna give you two solid punches"

venky1979 · Answer

WE is Work Ex
Actually a lot of people out here in this forum use this acronym

query on interview

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