How to Say You Do Not Understand in a Resume Email Message

When you are writing a resume email message, you may need to admit that you do not understand something. This could be a job requirement, a request from a recruiter, or a step in the application process. The direct answer is to use polite, professional phrases that show you are willing to learn, not that you are confused or incompetent. This guide explains how to express a lack of understanding clearly and respectfully in a resume email, with examples and tone notes for different situations.

Quick Answer: The Best Phrases for Saying You Do Not Understand

If you need to say you do not understand in a resume email, use one of these phrases. They are polite and professional, and they keep the focus on solving the problem.

• “Could you please clarify what you mean by [specific point]?” – Use this when you need more detail on a specific part of the message.
• “I am not entirely sure I understand the request. Could you explain it in a different way?” – Use this when the whole message is unclear.
• “Would it be possible to provide an example of [the requirement]?” – Use this when you need a concrete example to understand.
• “I want to make sure I understand correctly. Do you mean [your interpretation]?” – Use this to check your understanding without directly saying you are lost.

These phrases work in most formal email contexts. They show you are engaged and want to get things right, which is a positive quality in a job applicant.

Understanding the Context: Formal vs. Informal Tone

In resume email messages, the tone is usually formal or semi-formal. You are writing to a recruiter, hiring manager, or HR representative. Saying “I don’t get it” or “What do you mean?” is too casual and can sound rude or careless. Instead, you need to use language that shows respect and a desire to improve your understanding.

Here is a comparison of informal and formal phrases for the same situation:

Notice that the formal versions use polite requests, indirect language, and a focus on getting the right answer. This keeps the relationship professional and shows you are proactive.

Natural Examples for Resume Email Messages

Here are realistic examples of how to say you do not understand in a resume email. Each example is based on a common situation.

Example 1: Unclear Job Requirement

Situation: A recruiter asks you to submit a “portfolio of recent work,” but you are not sure what counts as recent.

Your email reply:

“Thank you for your response. I want to make sure I submit the correct materials. Could you please clarify what you mean by ‘recent work’? For example, should I include projects from the last year, or is a longer timeframe acceptable?”

Tone note: This is polite and specific. You show you are paying attention to the request and want to follow it exactly.

Example 2: Confusing Interview Instructions

Situation: The hiring manager says the interview will be a “casual conversation,” but you are unsure if that means no preparation is needed.

Your email reply:

“Thank you for the invitation. I am not entirely sure what to expect from a ‘casual conversation’ format. Would it be possible to provide a brief outline of the topics we will discuss? I want to be well-prepared.”

Tone note: This is honest without being negative. You admit confusion but frame it as a desire to prepare well.

Example 3: Unclear Next Steps

Situation: The recruiter says to “complete the next step in the portal,” but you cannot find the portal link.

Your email reply:

“I received your message about the next step. I am having trouble locating the portal link you mentioned. Could you please send it again or tell me where to find it on the website?”

Tone note: This is direct but polite. You state the problem clearly and ask for a specific solution.

Example 4: Technical Term You Do Not Know

Situation: The job description mentions a software tool you have never used, and you want to know if training is provided.

Your email reply:

“I noticed the job description mentions experience with [tool name]. I am not familiar with this tool. Could you tell me if training is available for new hires, or if proficiency is expected before starting?”

Tone note: This is honest and shows you are willing to learn. It is better than pretending to understand and then failing later.

Common Mistakes When Saying You Do Not Understand

English learners often make mistakes when trying to express confusion. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using “I don’t understand” without a follow-up

Wrong: “I don’t understand.”
Why it is a problem: This is too blunt. It does not tell the reader what you need, and it can sound like you are giving up.
Better alternative: “I do not understand the requirement for [specific part]. Could you please explain it in more detail?”

Mistake 2: Apologizing too much

Wrong: “I am so sorry, but I am really confused. I feel stupid asking this, but…”
Why it is a problem: Over-apologizing makes you seem insecure and unprofessional. It also wastes words.
Better alternative: “I want to make sure I understand correctly. Could you clarify [specific point]?”

Mistake 3: Blaming the other person

Wrong: “Your email was not clear. You did not explain this well.”
Why it is a problem: This sounds accusatory and rude. It damages the relationship.
Better alternative: “I want to confirm my understanding of your request. Do you mean [your interpretation]?”

Mistake 4: Using vague language

Wrong: “I am confused about something.”
Why it is a problem: The reader does not know what “something” is. They have to guess or ask more questions.
Better alternative: “I am unsure about the deadline for the second task. Could you confirm the date?”

Better Alternatives for Common Situations

Here are specific phrases for different levels of confusion. Choose the one that fits your situation best.

When you need a definition

Use: “Could you please define [term]? I want to make sure I understand it correctly.”
When to use it: When the recruiter uses a word or acronym you do not know.

When you need an example

Use: “Would it be possible to provide an example of [the requirement]? That would help me understand what you are looking for.”
When to use it: When the instruction is abstract or general.

When you need confirmation

Use: “Just to confirm, do you mean [your understanding]? I want to be sure I am on the right track.”
When to use it: When you think you understand but are not 100% sure.

When you need a rephrasing

Use: “I am having trouble following this point. Could you explain it in a different way?”
When to use it: When the original explanation is complex or poorly written.

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding with these four questions. Each question presents a situation, and you need to choose the best response. Answers are below.

Question 1

A recruiter writes: “Please send your CV in PDF format.” You are not sure what CV means. What do you write?

A) “What is a CV?”
B) “Could you please confirm if you mean my resume?”
C) “I don’t know what that is.”

Answer: B. This is polite and checks your understanding without sounding ignorant.

Question 2

The hiring manager says: “We need a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to synthesize information.” You are unsure what “synthesize” means in this context. What do you write?

A) “I am not sure what you mean by synthesize. Could you provide an example?”
B) “That is confusing.”
C) “I will send something.”

Answer: A. This is direct but polite, and it asks for a specific solution.

Question 3

You receive an email with three different deadlines. You are not sure which one applies to you. What do you write?

A) “Which deadline is for me?”
B) “I am confused about the deadlines. Could you clarify which one applies to my application?”
C) “I don’t get it.”

Answer: B. This is clear and polite, and it specifies what you need.

Question 4

The recruiter says: “We will contact you for the next stage.” You are not sure if that means you passed the first stage. What do you write?

A) “Does that mean I passed?”
B) “I want to confirm my understanding. Does this mean I have moved to the next stage of the process?”
C) “I don’t understand.”

Answer: B. This is a professional way to check your understanding without assuming anything.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it okay to say “I don’t understand” in a resume email?

It is better to use a more polite and specific phrase. “I don’t understand” can sound too blunt. Instead, say something like “I am not sure I understand. Could you clarify?” This shows you are engaged and want to get it right.

2. Should I apologize for not understanding?

No. Over-apologizing can make you seem less confident. A simple “I want to make sure I understand correctly” is enough. You do not need to say “sorry” for asking a question.

3. How can I avoid sounding rude when I ask for clarification?

Use polite request phrases like “Could you please…” or “Would it be possible to…”. Also, be specific about what you do not understand. This shows you have read the message carefully and are not just being lazy.

4. What if I still do not understand after the recruiter explains again?

It is okay to ask one more time, but try to rephrase your question based on what they said. For example: “Thank you for the explanation. I am still a bit unclear about [specific part]. Could you provide one more example?” This shows you are trying hard to understand.

Final Tips for Resume Email Messages

When you need to say you do not understand in a resume email, remember these key points:

• Be specific: Tell the reader exactly what part you do not understand.
• Be polite: Use “please,” “could,” and “would” to keep the tone respectful.
• Be proactive: Show that you want to solve the problem, not just complain about it.
• Be honest: It is better to ask for clarification than to guess and make a mistake.

For more help with writing professional emails, you can visit our Resume Email Message Starters page for opening phrases, or our Resume Email Message Polite Requests page for more polite language options. If you have specific questions, check our FAQ page or read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides.