A friend recently asked if I could help him prepare for an interview. The recruiter was Bulgarian, based in England, and he wondered whether there was anything he should know.
It was a good question. After years of living here, I sometimes forget that I carry two sets of cultural expectations. What feels perfectly normal to me might land differently with someone who grew up in Bulgaria.
Here’s what I told him.
Go easy on the self-deprecating humour. The British love it — “I’m hopeless in interviews” said with a grin is charming in many settings. But a Bulgarian interviewer may simply take you at your word. Save the wit for after you’ve got the job.
Get to the point. British conversation often builds gently before arriving at its destination. Bulgarians tend to value directness. Answer the question first, then add your supporting detail. A clear, well-structured response will serve you far better than a long preamble that eventually circles back round.
Don’t be thrown by head movements. Traditionally, Bulgarians nod for “no” and shake their head for “yes” — the reverse of what most Europeans expect. Modern Bulgaria is more mixed on this, especially among younger people, but if something seems unclear, just ask rather than assuming agreement or disagreement.
Follow their lead on personal space. Bulgarians can be slightly more tactile than the British — an arm touch during conversation usually signals warmth, nothing more. That said, someone working in England may have adopted British habits entirely. Simply mirror what the other person does.
Know your subject and say so clearly. There’s a deep respect for knowledge in Bulgarian culture. If you know the answer, give it with confidence. Avoid talking around the issue or filling silences with vague generalities. It’s fine to say you don’t know something — but if you do know, own it.
Looking back, I realised the advice I gave wasn’t really about interviews at all. It was about curiosity.
British diplomacy can soften a difficult conversation. Bulgarian directness can cut through ambiguity and save everyone time. Neither is better — they’re just different tools.
Perhaps the best interview advice, whatever the nationality of your interviewer, is simply this: be yourself — but remember that “yourself” is always being interpreted through someone else’s cultural lens.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com M on Unsplash
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