How to Answer: How would you communicate with someone who has a different cultural background than you?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a NASA job interview.
13. How would you communicate with someone who has a different cultural background than you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
NASA communicates and collaborates with people all over the globe. They expect their employees to understand how critical it is to share information in an open and comfortable setting. Cultural differences exist between its employees, but NASA has developed its own culture to ensure any gaps are overcome in favor of respect, inclusion, and collaboration. Your interviewer wants to know that your values in this area align with the diverse and inclusive culture NASA has worked so hard to develop over the years.
Written by Karrie Day on November 5th, 2023
How to Answer
Show that you are a team player by demonstrating how you have gone above and beyond to support other team members who are different from you. Being perceptive and sensitive to others is critical, especially with an employer like NASA which has taken great strides in becoming a diverse and inclusive organization. Explain that you are accustomed to working in diverse environments and that you can quickly adapt to any situation in which you are placed.
Written by Samantha Brown on December 16th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with people from all backgrounds and personalities throughout my entire career and I really value this type of work environment. Whenever I join a new team, I make a point to get to know each person and find ways we can connect. I recently helped one of our new hires feel welcomed by taking them to lunch and letting them know that I am available if they have any questions. I wanted to help make the transition of moving from India and working at a new place as smooth as possible for them."
Written by Karrie Day on November 5th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I have had the opportunity to work with people with a wide array of backgrounds. I have also traveled internationally for work over a dozen times. My go-to approach for communication in situations like these is to make sure I approach them with the utmost respect and kindness. I find that any communication snags are widely overlooked when the people you work with can tell you have only the best intentions.
Additionally, I ask them if they would be open to sharing some of their traditions and culture with me. I find that usually leads to them asking me to do the same. I always make it a point to be an excellent host to anyone I work with who is new to my culture. I would look to use the same strategies here at NASA if given the opportunity to learn about new cultures or extend hospitality."
Written by Karrie Day on November 5th, 2023
Business Analyst Example
"If time permits, the first thing I do when working with someone who is from a culture I am not familiar with is research their culture. I find this helps me to anticipate common communication challenges and learn social cues that indicate communication issues exist.
I also check in often during meetings to ensure we are all on the same page. I paraphrase and use metaphors frequently to make sure everyone is tracking as we go. I also make it a point to ask them to stop and ask questions at any time. I feel these strategies would help me bridge any communication gaps due to cultural differences here at NASA."
Written by Karrie Day on November 5th, 2023
Project Manager Example
"As a project manager, I find myself in a position to facilitate meetings often. I like to use basic facilitation tools to help bridge gaps in communication. For example, someone may come from a culture in which it is considered rude to ask questions during a meeting. They may be accustomed to holding all questions until the end. However, as a team we can leverage ground rules such as 'there are no dumb questions' and 'please ask questions at any time during the meeting.' Rules like these help ensure everyone follows their manners and we establish a culture that is shared by all during the meeting.
Outside of meetings, I approach others with respect and courtesy. I extend them the same kindness I show all humans. That strategy has worked well for me during my time as a project manager."
Written by Samantha Brown on December 16th, 2023
Software Engineer Example
"I have had the opportunity to work with amazing people from all kinds of cultures during my time as a software engineer. In my experience, technology is a common bridge that we can all lean on from a communication perspective.
In addition to discussing technology, I make it a point to ask questions about their lives and families as appropriate. I also love to try foods from all over the world. I find that the people I work with open up and communicate more easily after I explain that I love food, and I am interested to learn about their favorite local dishes."
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2023