Can I write my interview notes in English while interviewing in a different language?

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• I would highly advise you to do whatever fits for you, especially given that most interviews are still conducted virtually and as such, the interviewers would not even see your notes.
• Still, I would highly advise you to prepare in the language in which you will be interviewed. I have seen more than once that candidates did not know basic vocabulary in the local language in the case study interview because they prepared exclusively in English.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hello,

The first thought that popped in my head was - is the interview virtual or in-person?

If it is in-person, the interviewer might be interested in seeing your notes or having a quick glance while you're writing them down. You could also use your notes to sign post while you talk through your structure. In this case, it might be helpful to use the same language as you speak (unless it is a common practice to write and english and speak in a different language).

If the interview is virtual (and assuming that you will not need to share your notes on screen), then it doesnt really matter what you write down, as long as you are able to translate it in real time without affecting your performance!

Hope this offers some perspective!

Best,

Rushabh

Hi there,

it should not matter much. The notes are essentially for you. What matters more is what you tell the interviewer and how you talk about the problem. You need to be able to read your own notes and have them in a structured way so that you can find things easily.

And even if you were to write your notes in the language of the interview, who is to say that the interviewer would be able to “decipher” your handwriting anyway? What if you used stenography? 

So there really is not a case to be made as to why you should be punished for scribbling in whatever language you want. As long as you are not expected to give a presentation with flip chart slides of course - then the language matters.

Do whatever works best for you to deliver your most effective case performance.

Good luck

Hi there,

Q: Is it allowed/advisable to write your structure/notes in English, as a guide for myself, while I do the case in the second language?

If you don’t think you will be confused by the different language there is no problem with that.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

You can do whatever helps you case best!

As long as this is the fastest and most effective way for you to case and minimizes mistakes, go for it!

But…make sure you test this out multiple times by practicing this in the other language.

Do whatever works for you. Interviewers don't care about your notes.