How to ask an interviewer's name
Sometimes, I have faced an interview where the panel does not introduce themselves. The panel could consist of one or more than one interviewer.
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers? If not, when should a candidate ask? At the end or at the beginning? What should the correct format be, without offending the panel?
interviewing name
asked Dec 17 '18 at 17:28
WonderWomanWonderWoman
1,5721720
add a comment |
Sometimes, I have faced an interview where the panel does not introduce themselves. The panel could consist of one or more than one interviewer.
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers? If not, when should a candidate ask? At the end or at the beginning? What should the correct format be, without offending the panel?
interviewing name
asked Dec 17 '18 at 17:28
WonderWomanWonderWoman
1,5721720
add a comment |
Sometimes, I have faced an interview where the panel does not introduce themselves. The panel could consist of one or more than one interviewer.
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers? If not, when should a candidate ask? At the end or at the beginning? What should the correct format be, without offending the panel?
interviewing name
asked Dec 17 '18 at 17:28
WonderWomanWonderWoman
1,5721720
Sometimes, I have faced an interview where the panel does not introduce themselves. The panel could consist of one or more than one interviewer.
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers? If not, when should a candidate ask? At the end or at the beginning? What should the correct format be, without offending the panel?
interviewing name
interviewing name
asked Dec 17 '18 at 17:28
WonderWomanWonderWoman
1,5721720
asked Dec 17 '18 at 17:28
WonderWomanWonderWoman
1,5721720
asked Dec 17 '18 at 17:28
WonderWomanWonderWoman
1,5721720
asked Dec 17 '18 at 17:28
WonderWomanWonderWoman
1,5721720
asked Dec 17 '18 at 17:28
WonderWomanWonderWoman
1,5721720
1,5721720
add a comment |
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
No, it is not rude to ask. Typically introductions are done at the beginning of the interview out of courtesy.
At the end or at the beginning?
I would suggest neither, and take a more go with the flow approach. As the interview progresses, and you are asked a question, I would say this before answering to those who did not introduce themselves:
"Sorry I did not catch your name..."
Usually the interviewer will then provide their name, and you can then proceed in using it.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:31
Mister PositiveMister Positive
60.2k31198240
7
"I would suggest neither" Why? My experience is it's one of the first things that comes up anyway.
– Mast
Dec 17 '18 at 19:31
@Mast As I said in my answer, I would suggest a more go with the flow style when introductions aren't properly made. In my experience this is much less disruptive to the flow of the interview.
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 19:36
I have an unusual name, and I'm really bad at remembering people's names. So personally, if an interviewee asked me for my name even multiple times, I wouldn't care. No need to be subtle about it, either: "I'm sorry, I forget, what was your name again?" Interviews are stressful, tiring, and involve constant context switching. I know that, and I would consider it extremely reasonable for someone to forget my name multiple times in the course of 60 minutes. Mine is probably the fifth name they've tried to remember today, under tough conditions.
– yshavit
Dec 17 '18 at 21:43
3
@MisterPositive It is so simple and I keep wondering why I complicate such things.
– WonderWoman
Dec 18 '18 at 9:52
When someone tells you their name, if it's not awkward, repeat it back to them. It will often help you to remember it. Similarly, write the names down. You'll probably want to refer back to them later.
– Roger Lipscombe
Dec 18 '18 at 11:30
add a comment |
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
- It is not rude at all. Social norms here, but don't ask them 6 times during the interview. That's just obnoxious.
If not, when should a candidate ask?
- Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. I then make mental pictures of their faces and associate those with their names. Also, jot down their first name and what color shirt/tie/hair etc. they are wearing on the paper you should have brought with you. That also makes you look prepared.
At the end or at the beginning?
- Beginning. If you can remember them (all). But nothing wrong with asking at the end. Remember, these interviewers know that position you are in, and they understand if you can't memorize everyone's names the first try.
What should the correct format be, without offending the panel?
- Don't worry about offending the panel. If you don't recall someone's name, simply ask "What was your name again sir/mam?"
One caveat to my answer: A job where remembering names is regarded as important, such as a sales position, the hiring employees could regard your lack of name memory and label you a poor candidate for the position.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:49
RichardRichard
1275
2
Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. -- Based on what? Also, what if they don't introduce themselves? Usually someone leads the interview process and on occasion they don't all get the intro...
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 17:52
1
@MisterPositive Good point. If they don't introduce themselves, make sure that when you eventually hand them your business card/resume, shake their hand and kindly ask for their contact information.
– Richard
Dec 18 '18 at 15:51
add a comment |
protected by Mister Positive Dec 19 '18 at 14:13
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
No, it is not rude to ask. Typically introductions are done at the beginning of the interview out of courtesy.
At the end or at the beginning?
I would suggest neither, and take a more go with the flow approach. As the interview progresses, and you are asked a question, I would say this before answering to those who did not introduce themselves:
"Sorry I did not catch your name..."
Usually the interviewer will then provide their name, and you can then proceed in using it.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:31
Mister PositiveMister Positive
60.2k31198240
7
"I would suggest neither" Why? My experience is it's one of the first things that comes up anyway.
– Mast
Dec 17 '18 at 19:31
@Mast As I said in my answer, I would suggest a more go with the flow style when introductions aren't properly made. In my experience this is much less disruptive to the flow of the interview.
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 19:36
I have an unusual name, and I'm really bad at remembering people's names. So personally, if an interviewee asked me for my name even multiple times, I wouldn't care. No need to be subtle about it, either: "I'm sorry, I forget, what was your name again?" Interviews are stressful, tiring, and involve constant context switching. I know that, and I would consider it extremely reasonable for someone to forget my name multiple times in the course of 60 minutes. Mine is probably the fifth name they've tried to remember today, under tough conditions.
– yshavit
Dec 17 '18 at 21:43
3
@MisterPositive It is so simple and I keep wondering why I complicate such things.
– WonderWoman
Dec 18 '18 at 9:52
When someone tells you their name, if it's not awkward, repeat it back to them. It will often help you to remember it. Similarly, write the names down. You'll probably want to refer back to them later.
– Roger Lipscombe
Dec 18 '18 at 11:30
add a comment |
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
No, it is not rude to ask. Typically introductions are done at the beginning of the interview out of courtesy.
At the end or at the beginning?
I would suggest neither, and take a more go with the flow approach. As the interview progresses, and you are asked a question, I would say this before answering to those who did not introduce themselves:
"Sorry I did not catch your name..."
Usually the interviewer will then provide their name, and you can then proceed in using it.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:31
Mister PositiveMister Positive
60.2k31198240
7
"I would suggest neither" Why? My experience is it's one of the first things that comes up anyway.
– Mast
Dec 17 '18 at 19:31
@Mast As I said in my answer, I would suggest a more go with the flow style when introductions aren't properly made. In my experience this is much less disruptive to the flow of the interview.
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 19:36
I have an unusual name, and I'm really bad at remembering people's names. So personally, if an interviewee asked me for my name even multiple times, I wouldn't care. No need to be subtle about it, either: "I'm sorry, I forget, what was your name again?" Interviews are stressful, tiring, and involve constant context switching. I know that, and I would consider it extremely reasonable for someone to forget my name multiple times in the course of 60 minutes. Mine is probably the fifth name they've tried to remember today, under tough conditions.
– yshavit
Dec 17 '18 at 21:43
3
@MisterPositive It is so simple and I keep wondering why I complicate such things.
– WonderWoman
Dec 18 '18 at 9:52
When someone tells you their name, if it's not awkward, repeat it back to them. It will often help you to remember it. Similarly, write the names down. You'll probably want to refer back to them later.
– Roger Lipscombe
Dec 18 '18 at 11:30
add a comment |
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
No, it is not rude to ask. Typically introductions are done at the beginning of the interview out of courtesy.
At the end or at the beginning?
I would suggest neither, and take a more go with the flow approach. As the interview progresses, and you are asked a question, I would say this before answering to those who did not introduce themselves:
"Sorry I did not catch your name..."
Usually the interviewer will then provide their name, and you can then proceed in using it.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:31
Mister PositiveMister Positive
60.2k31198240
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
No, it is not rude to ask. Typically introductions are done at the beginning of the interview out of courtesy.
At the end or at the beginning?
I would suggest neither, and take a more go with the flow approach. As the interview progresses, and you are asked a question, I would say this before answering to those who did not introduce themselves:
"Sorry I did not catch your name..."
Usually the interviewer will then provide their name, and you can then proceed in using it.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:31
Mister PositiveMister Positive
60.2k31198240
edited Dec 17 '18 at 17:42
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:31
Mister PositiveMister Positive
60.2k31198240
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:31
Mister PositiveMister Positive
60.2k31198240
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:31
Mister PositiveMister Positive
60.2k31198240
60.2k31198240
7
"I would suggest neither" Why? My experience is it's one of the first things that comes up anyway.
– Mast
Dec 17 '18 at 19:31
@Mast As I said in my answer, I would suggest a more go with the flow style when introductions aren't properly made. In my experience this is much less disruptive to the flow of the interview.
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 19:36
I have an unusual name, and I'm really bad at remembering people's names. So personally, if an interviewee asked me for my name even multiple times, I wouldn't care. No need to be subtle about it, either: "I'm sorry, I forget, what was your name again?" Interviews are stressful, tiring, and involve constant context switching. I know that, and I would consider it extremely reasonable for someone to forget my name multiple times in the course of 60 minutes. Mine is probably the fifth name they've tried to remember today, under tough conditions.
– yshavit
Dec 17 '18 at 21:43
3
@MisterPositive It is so simple and I keep wondering why I complicate such things.
– WonderWoman
Dec 18 '18 at 9:52
When someone tells you their name, if it's not awkward, repeat it back to them. It will often help you to remember it. Similarly, write the names down. You'll probably want to refer back to them later.
– Roger Lipscombe
Dec 18 '18 at 11:30
add a comment |
7
"I would suggest neither" Why? My experience is it's one of the first things that comes up anyway.
– Mast
Dec 17 '18 at 19:31
@Mast As I said in my answer, I would suggest a more go with the flow style when introductions aren't properly made. In my experience this is much less disruptive to the flow of the interview.
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 19:36
I have an unusual name, and I'm really bad at remembering people's names. So personally, if an interviewee asked me for my name even multiple times, I wouldn't care. No need to be subtle about it, either: "I'm sorry, I forget, what was your name again?" Interviews are stressful, tiring, and involve constant context switching. I know that, and I would consider it extremely reasonable for someone to forget my name multiple times in the course of 60 minutes. Mine is probably the fifth name they've tried to remember today, under tough conditions.
– yshavit
Dec 17 '18 at 21:43
3
@MisterPositive It is so simple and I keep wondering why I complicate such things.
– WonderWoman
Dec 18 '18 at 9:52
When someone tells you their name, if it's not awkward, repeat it back to them. It will often help you to remember it. Similarly, write the names down. You'll probably want to refer back to them later.
– Roger Lipscombe
Dec 18 '18 at 11:30
7
7
"I would suggest neither" Why? My experience is it's one of the first things that comes up anyway.
– Mast
Dec 17 '18 at 19:31
"I would suggest neither" Why? My experience is it's one of the first things that comes up anyway.
– Mast
Dec 17 '18 at 19:31
@Mast As I said in my answer, I would suggest a more go with the flow style when introductions aren't properly made. In my experience this is much less disruptive to the flow of the interview.
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 19:36
@Mast As I said in my answer, I would suggest a more go with the flow style when introductions aren't properly made. In my experience this is much less disruptive to the flow of the interview.
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 19:36
I have an unusual name, and I'm really bad at remembering people's names. So personally, if an interviewee asked me for my name even multiple times, I wouldn't care. No need to be subtle about it, either: "I'm sorry, I forget, what was your name again?" Interviews are stressful, tiring, and involve constant context switching. I know that, and I would consider it extremely reasonable for someone to forget my name multiple times in the course of 60 minutes. Mine is probably the fifth name they've tried to remember today, under tough conditions.
– yshavit
Dec 17 '18 at 21:43
I have an unusual name, and I'm really bad at remembering people's names. So personally, if an interviewee asked me for my name even multiple times, I wouldn't care. No need to be subtle about it, either: "I'm sorry, I forget, what was your name again?" Interviews are stressful, tiring, and involve constant context switching. I know that, and I would consider it extremely reasonable for someone to forget my name multiple times in the course of 60 minutes. Mine is probably the fifth name they've tried to remember today, under tough conditions.
– yshavit
Dec 17 '18 at 21:43
3
3
@MisterPositive It is so simple and I keep wondering why I complicate such things.
– WonderWoman
Dec 18 '18 at 9:52
@MisterPositive It is so simple and I keep wondering why I complicate such things.
– WonderWoman
Dec 18 '18 at 9:52
When someone tells you their name, if it's not awkward, repeat it back to them. It will often help you to remember it. Similarly, write the names down. You'll probably want to refer back to them later.
– Roger Lipscombe
Dec 18 '18 at 11:30
When someone tells you their name, if it's not awkward, repeat it back to them. It will often help you to remember it. Similarly, write the names down. You'll probably want to refer back to them later.
– Roger Lipscombe
Dec 18 '18 at 11:30
add a comment |
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
- It is not rude at all. Social norms here, but don't ask them 6 times during the interview. That's just obnoxious.
If not, when should a candidate ask?
- Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. I then make mental pictures of their faces and associate those with their names. Also, jot down their first name and what color shirt/tie/hair etc. they are wearing on the paper you should have brought with you. That also makes you look prepared.
At the end or at the beginning?
- Beginning. If you can remember them (all). But nothing wrong with asking at the end. Remember, these interviewers know that position you are in, and they understand if you can't memorize everyone's names the first try.
What should the correct format be, without offending the panel?
- Don't worry about offending the panel. If you don't recall someone's name, simply ask "What was your name again sir/mam?"
One caveat to my answer: A job where remembering names is regarded as important, such as a sales position, the hiring employees could regard your lack of name memory and label you a poor candidate for the position.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:49
RichardRichard
1275
2
Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. -- Based on what? Also, what if they don't introduce themselves? Usually someone leads the interview process and on occasion they don't all get the intro...
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 17:52
1
@MisterPositive Good point. If they don't introduce themselves, make sure that when you eventually hand them your business card/resume, shake their hand and kindly ask for their contact information.
– Richard
Dec 18 '18 at 15:51
add a comment |
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
- It is not rude at all. Social norms here, but don't ask them 6 times during the interview. That's just obnoxious.
If not, when should a candidate ask?
- Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. I then make mental pictures of their faces and associate those with their names. Also, jot down their first name and what color shirt/tie/hair etc. they are wearing on the paper you should have brought with you. That also makes you look prepared.
At the end or at the beginning?
- Beginning. If you can remember them (all). But nothing wrong with asking at the end. Remember, these interviewers know that position you are in, and they understand if you can't memorize everyone's names the first try.
What should the correct format be, without offending the panel?
- Don't worry about offending the panel. If you don't recall someone's name, simply ask "What was your name again sir/mam?"
One caveat to my answer: A job where remembering names is regarded as important, such as a sales position, the hiring employees could regard your lack of name memory and label you a poor candidate for the position.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:49
RichardRichard
1275
2
Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. -- Based on what? Also, what if they don't introduce themselves? Usually someone leads the interview process and on occasion they don't all get the intro...
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 17:52
1
@MisterPositive Good point. If they don't introduce themselves, make sure that when you eventually hand them your business card/resume, shake their hand and kindly ask for their contact information.
– Richard
Dec 18 '18 at 15:51
add a comment |
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
- It is not rude at all. Social norms here, but don't ask them 6 times during the interview. That's just obnoxious.
If not, when should a candidate ask?
- Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. I then make mental pictures of their faces and associate those with their names. Also, jot down their first name and what color shirt/tie/hair etc. they are wearing on the paper you should have brought with you. That also makes you look prepared.
At the end or at the beginning?
- Beginning. If you can remember them (all). But nothing wrong with asking at the end. Remember, these interviewers know that position you are in, and they understand if you can't memorize everyone's names the first try.
What should the correct format be, without offending the panel?
- Don't worry about offending the panel. If you don't recall someone's name, simply ask "What was your name again sir/mam?"
One caveat to my answer: A job where remembering names is regarded as important, such as a sales position, the hiring employees could regard your lack of name memory and label you a poor candidate for the position.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:49
RichardRichard
1275
Is it rude to ask the name of the interviewers?
- It is not rude at all. Social norms here, but don't ask them 6 times during the interview. That's just obnoxious.
If not, when should a candidate ask?
- Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. I then make mental pictures of their faces and associate those with their names. Also, jot down their first name and what color shirt/tie/hair etc. they are wearing on the paper you should have brought with you. That also makes you look prepared.
At the end or at the beginning?
- Beginning. If you can remember them (all). But nothing wrong with asking at the end. Remember, these interviewers know that position you are in, and they understand if you can't memorize everyone's names the first try.
What should the correct format be, without offending the panel?
- Don't worry about offending the panel. If you don't recall someone's name, simply ask "What was your name again sir/mam?"
One caveat to my answer: A job where remembering names is regarded as important, such as a sales position, the hiring employees could regard your lack of name memory and label you a poor candidate for the position.
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:49
RichardRichard
1275
edited Dec 19 '18 at 21:28
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:49
RichardRichard
1275
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:49
RichardRichard
1275
answered Dec 17 '18 at 17:49
RichardRichard
1275
1275
2
Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. -- Based on what? Also, what if they don't introduce themselves? Usually someone leads the interview process and on occasion they don't all get the intro...
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 17:52
1
@MisterPositive Good point. If they don't introduce themselves, make sure that when you eventually hand them your business card/resume, shake their hand and kindly ask for their contact information.
– Richard
Dec 18 '18 at 15:51
add a comment |
2
Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. -- Based on what? Also, what if they don't introduce themselves? Usually someone leads the interview process and on occasion they don't all get the intro...
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 17:52
1
@MisterPositive Good point. If they don't introduce themselves, make sure that when you eventually hand them your business card/resume, shake their hand and kindly ask for their contact information.
– Richard
Dec 18 '18 at 15:51
2
2
Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. -- Based on what? Also, what if they don't introduce themselves? Usually someone leads the interview process and on occasion they don't all get the intro...
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 17:52
Alright, asking at the beginning right when they introduce themselves is the best. -- Based on what? Also, what if they don't introduce themselves? Usually someone leads the interview process and on occasion they don't all get the intro...
– Mister Positive
Dec 17 '18 at 17:52
1
1
@MisterPositive Good point. If they don't introduce themselves, make sure that when you eventually hand them your business card/resume, shake their hand and kindly ask for their contact information.
– Richard
Dec 18 '18 at 15:51
@MisterPositive Good point. If they don't introduce themselves, make sure that when you eventually hand them your business card/resume, shake their hand and kindly ask for their contact information.
– Richard
Dec 18 '18 at 15:51
add a comment |
protected by Mister Positive Dec 19 '18 at 14:13
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
