How to Ask for Clarification in a Job Interview

Sometimes you do not catch a question, or you catch it and still cannot tell what is being asked. Both happen, and you can ask about either. This guide gives you simple ways to do it.

The phrases below are illustrative. Change them to sound like you.

First, work out what the problem is

The right request depends on the problem. Ask yourself one question: "Did I not hear it, or did I not understand it?"

Not hearing. The words were lost to a poor connection, background noise, speed or an accent. Ask for a repeat.

• "Could you repeat that, please?"
• "The audio dropped on the last part. Could you say it again?"
• "Could you speak a little more slowly, please?"

Not understanding. You heard the words, but the meaning is unclear. Ask for an explanation or a different wording.

• "Could you rephrase that, please?"
• "What do you mean by [term] in this context?"
• "Are you asking about [option A] or [option B]?"

Is it unclear wording or a gap in your knowledge?

Check which one you face.

Unclear wording. The question could mean two things, or has several parts. Ask which one the interviewer wants.

• "Do you want an example from a recent role, or from any point in my career?"
• "That has a few parts. May I take them in order?"

A knowledge gap. You understand the question but do not know the answer or the term. Do not use repeated clarification requests to hide a knowledge gap. Say what you do and do not know, then explain how you would approach it.

• "I have not used that tool. I would start by [your real approach]."

Only describe an approach you would genuinely take.

Say what you think you heard

If a question is still unclear, state your understanding and ask the interviewer to confirm it.

• "So you are asking how I would handle this today, rather than how I handled it before. Is that right?"

This gives the interviewer a specific interpretation to confirm or correct.

Live interviews and recorded interviews

Live interviews, in person, by phone or by video. Ask in the moment. On a call, a short delay can make people talk over each other. Leave a brief gap before you speak.

Recorded interviews. There may be no one to ask. Each platform works differently, so read the instructions before you begin and check whether you can replay a question. If you cannot ask, say your assumption at the start of your answer.

• "I will take this to mean [your interpretation]."

If the instructions are unclear, ask the recruiter beforehand.

If you need extra support

You may want a different way to receive questions. Examples include captions, a written copy of the question, or a slower pace. Ask the recruiter before the interview, if you can, so the employer has time to respond. What an employer can arrange varies.

You may also be interviewing in a language that is not your first. Asking for a different wording is a reasonable request in that situation.

How often can you ask?

There is no set number. Ask when you need to. If you are still unsure after one request, use the restating approach above rather than repeating the same request.

Keep it short

• Say what part you need help with.
• Use one calm sentence.
• Answer once you understand.
• Avoid blaming the interviewer. Try "Could you rephrase that?" rather than "That question is confusing."

Practise the wording

Saying a phrase aloud feels different from reading it. Choose two or three phrases from this guide and practise them out loud. Then try them with a friend who asks you an unfamiliar question.

This guide is published by Muqabala. You can visit our interview practice page for your next practice session. Use any tool that suits you, and check how it handles your data first.