How to Say You Do Not Understand in a Job Interview Message
When you are in a job interview, whether by email, chat, or video message, you will sometimes need to say that you do not understand a question or instruction. The direct answer is this: you should use polite, clear phrases that show you are engaged and willing to learn, not confused or unprepared. For example, you can say, “I want to make sure I understand correctly. Could you please clarify what you mean by [specific term]?” This article gives you the exact words, tone guidance, and practice you need to handle this situation professionally.
Quick Answer: What to Say When You Do Not Understand
If you need a fast, safe phrase, use one of these:
- “I am not sure I fully understand. Could you please explain that part again?”
- “To confirm, do you mean [your understanding]? I want to be sure I am following correctly.”
- “Thank you for the question. I want to give a thoughtful answer. Could you rephrase it for me?”
These work in email, chat, and video interviews. They show respect and a desire to communicate well.
Why It Is Important to Say You Do Not Understand
Many job seekers worry that admitting confusion will make them look weak. In reality, pretending to understand often leads to wrong answers, awkward silences, or mistakes later. Employers value honesty and clear communication. When you ask for clarification, you show that you are careful, attentive, and focused on getting the details right. This is especially important in written messages, where tone can be misunderstood.
Formal vs. Informal Language in Job Interview Messages
The level of formality depends on the channel and the company culture. Here is a quick guide:
| Situation | Formal Example | Informal Example |
|---|---|---|
| Email to a hiring manager | “I apologize, but I did not fully grasp the question regarding project deadlines. Could you kindly provide additional context?” | “Sorry, I missed that part. Can you tell me more about the deadline?” |
| Chat message during a video interview | “I want to ensure I respond accurately. Would you mind clarifying the second part of your question?” | “I didn’t get that. Can you say it again?” |
| Follow-up email after an interview | “During our conversation, I was unclear about the team structure. Could you please elaborate?” | “I was a bit confused about the team. Can you explain it?” |
When in doubt, choose the more formal option. You can always adjust if the interviewer uses casual language first.
Natural Examples for Different Situations
Example 1: In an Email Before the Interview
Context: The interviewer sent a question about your experience with a specific software you have never used.
Your message: “Thank you for your email. I want to be honest: I am not familiar with the term ‘agile sprint planning’ as used in your question. Could you please explain what you mean by that? I want to give you a relevant answer.”
Example 2: During a Video Interview (Chat or Verbal)
Context: The interviewer asks a long, complex question about data analysis.
Your response: “I want to make sure I answer your question well. Could you break it down into smaller parts? For example, are you asking about the tools I use or the steps I follow?”
Example 3: In a Follow-Up Message
Context: You realize after the interview that you misunderstood a key point.
Your message: “Thank you again for the interview. I have been thinking about your question regarding budget management. I want to clarify my answer. When you asked about ‘forecasting,’ did you mean short-term or long-term projections? I would like to provide a more accurate response.”
Common Mistakes When Saying You Do Not Understand
Here are the most frequent errors English learners make, and how to avoid them:
- Mistake 1: Saying “I don’t understand” too bluntly. This can sound rude or frustrated. Instead, use a softer phrase like “I am not entirely clear on that point.”
- Mistake 2: Staying silent or guessing. This leads to wrong answers. It is better to ask than to assume.
- Mistake 3: Apologizing too much. Saying “I am so sorry, I am so stupid” hurts your confidence. A simple “I apologize for the confusion” is enough.
- Mistake 4: Using vague language. Saying “I don’t get it” does not help the interviewer know what to clarify. Be specific: “I am unsure about the timeline you mentioned.”
Better Alternatives to Common Phrases
Replace weak or unclear phrases with these stronger options:
| Weak Phrase | Better Alternative | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| “I don’t understand.” | “I want to make sure I understand correctly.” | When you need a polite, general clarification. |
| “What?” | “Could you please repeat that?” | When you missed a specific word or sentence. |
| “I’m confused.” | “I am not following that part. Could you explain it differently?” | When the question is complex or unclear. |
| “Sorry, I didn’t get that.” | “Thank you for your patience. Could you rephrase the question?” | When you need the interviewer to use different words. |
Mini Practice Section
Test yourself with these four situations. Write your own response, then check the suggested answer.
Question 1: The interviewer asks, “How do you handle stakeholder pushback?” You do not know what “pushback” means in this context. What do you write in a chat message?
Suggested answer: “Thank you for the question. I want to be precise. Could you explain what you mean by ‘pushback’? Do you mean when stakeholders disagree with a plan?”
Question 2: In an email, the interviewer writes: “Describe a time you used a waterfall methodology.” You have never heard of this term. What do you reply?
Suggested answer: “I appreciate the question. I am not familiar with the term ‘waterfall methodology’ as it applies here. Could you please give me a short example? That would help me give a better answer.”
Question 3: During a video call, the interviewer speaks quickly and asks a long question about “ROI calculations.” You only caught the first part. What do you say?
Suggested answer: “I want to give you a complete answer. Could you please repeat the part about ROI calculations? I want to make sure I address everything.”
Question 4: After the interview, you realize you misunderstood the question about “team leadership.” You want to clarify in a follow-up email. What do you write?
Suggested answer: “Thank you for the conversation earlier. I have been reflecting on your question about team leadership. When you asked about ‘leading a team,’ were you referring to managing direct reports or coordinating cross-functional projects? I want to clarify my answer.”
FAQ: Common Questions About Saying You Do Not Understand
1. Is it okay to say “I don’t understand” in a job interview?
Yes, but it is better to use a polite, complete sentence. Instead of just “I don’t understand,” say “I want to make sure I understand. Could you please clarify?” This shows you are engaged, not just confused.
2. What if I do not understand the interviewer’s accent?
You can say, “I am sorry, I did not catch that. Could you please repeat it a bit more slowly?” This is honest and respectful. Most interviewers will be happy to help.
3. Should I ask for clarification in writing or during the interview?
If you are in a live interview, ask immediately. If you are in an email exchange, it is fine to ask in your reply. Do not wait until after the interview to clarify a point you needed to answer.
4. How many times can I ask for clarification without looking bad?
It is acceptable to ask two or three times during an interview if the questions are genuinely unclear. If you need more help, try rephrasing the question yourself: “Let me see if I understand. You are asking about X, correct?” This shows you are trying.
Final Tips for Job Interview Messages
When you write a message saying you do not understand, remember these three points:
- Be specific. Tell the interviewer exactly which part is unclear.
- Be polite. Use “please,” “thank you,” and “could you.”
- Be proactive. Show that you want to understand, not just avoid the question.
For more help with starting your messages, visit our Job Interview Message Starters section. If you need to make polite requests, check Job Interview Message Polite Requests. For practice with replies, see Job Interview Message Practice Replies. You can also read our FAQ for common questions or review our Editorial Policy to learn how we create content.
