Content creator Lizandra González (@lizandra__glez), a Cuban residing in Dubai, recently shared a vulnerable moment that struck a chord with many Cuban expatriates.
In a reel posted on Instagram, she recounted her experience of attending a job interview where the room was filled with candidates who spoke fluent English. Faced with this, she chose to leave before even speaking, thereby forfeiting her chance at the position.
The video, captured immediately after she exited the venue, reveals her genuine disappointment. "In Cuba, interviews are typically scheduled individually. I understand it's different elsewhere," she noted. The real surprise came from seeing around 20 people confidently conversing in English.
"Everyone was speaking English fluently, which made me feel insecure as I had only memorized three paragraphs," Lizandra admitted candidly.
In that moment, she quickly calculated her odds, concluding, "What are the chances they'll choose me? About 6%. So, I just left, took a taxi, and accepted it as a wasted trip and money spent."
In the comments, Lizandra clarified that it wasn't solely the language barrier that held her back: "What truly intimidated me was the sheer number of applicants for just one vacancy." The pressure of competition, combined with her limited language skills, proved overwhelming.
This led to a wave of empathetic responses. "Only those who've been in that situation understand how it feels," one follower commented. Another shared, "I almost left an interview in tears, although it ended well and I got the job." Some took a firmer stance: "I would have told you to stay and give it a shot."
Typically, Lizandra's profile features optimistic videos about life in Dubai, offering practical advice for those considering a move there. This time, however, she highlighted the other side: the genuine insecurity that comes with entering a competitive job market without strong language skills.
In a follow-up video, Lizandra showcased her current workplace: a restaurant in the Dubai Mall where she works as a hostess.
She provided a nuanced view of her earlier experience: "You don't need advanced English for customer service. Practicing basic phrases daily is enough to start here."
The language barrier is a significant hurdle for Cuban migrants seeking employment, whether in Dubai, France, or the United States.
This episode leaves a lingering question that divides Lizandra's followers: If you were in that room, surrounded by fluent competitors, would you stay and try, or walk away before attempting?
Overcoming Language Barriers in Job Interviews
How can language barriers affect job interviews?
Language barriers can lead to feelings of insecurity and intimidation, potentially causing candidates to doubt their chances and even withdraw from the process prematurely.
What strategies can help overcome language barriers in interviews?
Practicing basic phrases, gaining confidence through smaller interactions, and focusing on non-verbal communication skills can help candidates navigate language challenges during interviews.
Is perfect English necessary for customer service roles in Dubai?
No, advanced English is not a requirement. Basic communication skills and daily practice are often sufficient for customer service positions.