How to Say You Do Not Understand in a Resume Email Reply
When you receive a resume email reply that contains confusing instructions, unclear feedback, or a request you do not fully understand, the most professional response is to politely and directly state that you need clarification. Saying “I do not understand” in a resume email reply is not a sign of weakness; it shows that you are careful, attentive, and committed to getting the details right. This guide will give you the exact phrases, tone adjustments, and example replies you need to handle this situation confidently.
Quick Answer: What to Say When You Do Not Understand
If you need to say you do not understand in a resume email reply, use one of these direct but polite phrases:
- “I want to make sure I understand correctly. Could you please clarify [specific point]?”
- “I am not entirely clear on [point]. Would you mind explaining it in a different way?”
- “Thank you for your reply. I have a question about [point] to ensure I follow your instructions.”
- “I appreciate your feedback. Could you elaborate on [specific part] so I can respond appropriately?”
These phrases work in formal and semi-formal resume email contexts. Avoid saying “I don’t get it” or “This is confusing” in a professional email.
Understanding the Context: Resume Email Replies
Resume email replies are typically formal or semi-formal. You are communicating with a recruiter, hiring manager, or HR representative. The tone should be respectful, clear, and solution-oriented. When you do not understand something, your goal is to get the information you need without sounding frustrated, defensive, or incompetent.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
| Situation | Formal Phrase | Semi-Formal Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Unclear instruction in an email | “I would appreciate it if you could clarify the next steps regarding the document submission.” | “Could you clarify what you mean by ‘revised format’? I want to make sure I send the right version.” |
| Unfamiliar term or acronym | “I am not familiar with the term ‘ATS compliance.’ Could you please explain how it applies to my resume?” | “What does ‘ATS compliance’ mean in this context? I want to adjust my resume correctly.” |
| Conflicting information | “I noticed a difference between the instructions in your email and the job posting. Could you confirm which one I should follow?” | “I see two different deadlines. Which one should I use?” |
Natural Examples for Resume Email Replies
Here are complete email examples that show how to say you do not understand in a resume email reply. Each example includes a brief tone note.
Example 1: Unclear Feedback on Resume
Context: A recruiter replied saying your resume needs “more quantifiable achievements” but did not give examples.
Your reply:
Dear Ms. Chen,
Thank you for your feedback on my resume. I want to make sure I revise it correctly. When you mention “more quantifiable achievements,” could you please give me an example of what you are looking for? For instance, should I focus on sales numbers, project timelines, or team sizes?
I appreciate your guidance.
Best regards,
Alex Rivera
Tone note: Polite, specific, and shows willingness to improve. The question is direct but framed as a request for help.
Example 2: Confusing Next Steps
Context: The recruiter said “Please complete the pre-screening form and return it by Friday.” But the email attachment is a different document.
Your reply:
Dear Mr. Patel,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I want to confirm the next step. The attachment in your email is titled “Skills Assessment,” not “Pre-Screening Form.” Should I complete the Skills Assessment instead, or is the Pre-Screening Form available elsewhere?
Please let me know so I can submit the correct document by Friday.
Sincerely,
Jordan Kim
Tone note: Points out the discrepancy without accusing. Offers a solution and confirms the deadline.
Example 3: Unfamiliar Request
Context: The hiring manager asks you to “provide a portfolio of your UX work in a deck format.” You are not sure what “deck format” means.
Your reply:
Dear Ms. Okafor,
Thank you for the opportunity to share my work. I want to make sure I submit it in the format you prefer. Could you clarify what you mean by “deck format”? Should I use PowerPoint, Google Slides, or a PDF with slides?
I am happy to prepare it in whichever format works best for your review process.
Best,
Sam Lee
Tone note: Shows flexibility and eagerness to comply. The question is framed as a preference check.
Common Mistakes When Saying You Do Not Understand
Even experienced professionals make these errors. Avoid them to maintain a positive impression.
Mistake 1: Being Vague
Bad: “I don’t understand your email.”
Better: “I am not sure about the deadline mentioned in your email. Could you confirm the date?”
Why: Vague statements force the reader to guess what you need. Specific questions get faster, clearer answers.
Mistake 2: Sounding Frustrated or Accusatory
Bad: “Your instructions are confusing. Can you rewrite them?”
Better: “I want to make sure I follow your instructions correctly. Could you clarify the part about the file format?”
Why: Blaming the other person damages rapport. Take responsibility for understanding.
Mistake 3: Apologizing Too Much
Bad: “I am so sorry to bother you again. I know you are busy. I feel stupid asking this, but…”
Better: “Thank you for your time. I have one quick question to confirm my understanding.”
Why: Excessive apologies make you seem unsure of yourself. A simple thank you is more professional.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Question
Bad: Not replying at all because you are unsure.
Better: Sending a brief reply like “I received your email and will review it. I may have a follow-up question.”
Why: Silence can be interpreted as disinterest or carelessness. Acknowledging receipt buys you time.
Better Alternatives for Common Phrases
| Avoid This | Use This Instead | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| “I don’t understand.” | “I want to make sure I understand correctly.” | When you need confirmation on a specific point. |
| “This is confusing.” | “Could you explain this part in a different way?” | When the wording is unclear or technical. |
| “What do you mean?” | “Could you elaborate on what you mean by [term]?” | When a term or phrase is unfamiliar. |
| “I’m lost.” | “I am not following the instruction about [point].” | When you need step-by-step clarification. |
| “Can you repeat that?” | “Could you restate the requirement for [item]?” | When you missed a detail or need it rephrased. |
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Read each scenario and choose the best reply. Answers are below.
Question 1
A recruiter writes: “Please submit your resume in PDF format with a cover letter.” You are not sure if the cover letter should be a separate file or combined.
A) “I don’t get it. Do you want one file or two?”
B) “Thank you. Should the cover letter be a separate PDF or included in the same file as my resume?”
C) “Your instructions are unclear. Please clarify.”
Answer: B. It is polite, specific, and offers two clear options for the recruiter to choose from.
Question 2
The hiring manager says: “We need a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to write for a B2B audience.” You have written samples but none specifically for B2B.
A) “I don’t have B2B samples. Is that okay?”
B) “Could you tell me what aspects of B2B writing you are most interested in? I can select a sample that highlights those skills.”
C) “I don’t understand what B2B means.”
Answer: B. It shows you are willing to adapt and asks for specific criteria rather than admitting ignorance.
Question 3
An email says: “Please complete the attached form and return it by EOD.” You are unsure if EOD means end of day today or end of day tomorrow.
A) “What does EOD mean?”
B) “Thank you. Could you confirm if EOD refers to today or tomorrow? I want to meet the deadline.”
C) “I don’t know what EOD stands for.”
Answer: B. It acknowledges the instruction and asks for a specific clarification without sounding uninformed.
Question 4
The recruiter says: “We would like you to complete a skills assessment before the interview.” You have not received the assessment link.
A) “I didn’t get the link. Can you send it again?”
B) “Thank you for letting me know. Could you please send the link to the skills assessment? I am ready to complete it.”
C) “I don’t understand what assessment you mean.”
Answer: B. It is proactive and assumes the link was simply missed, not that the recruiter forgot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it unprofessional to say I do not understand in a resume email reply?
No. It is professional to ask for clarification when you need it. The key is how you phrase it. Use polite, specific language and frame it as a desire to get things right. Recruiters prefer a candidate who asks questions over one who makes mistakes because they did not understand.
2. Should I apologize when I ask for clarification?
You do not need to apologize for asking a question. A simple “Thank you for your time” or “I appreciate your help” is sufficient. Over-apologizing can make you seem less confident. Save apologies for actual mistakes, not for seeking understanding.
3. What if I still do not understand after the recruiter explains it again?
If the second explanation is still unclear, say something like: “Thank you for explaining. I think I am almost there. Could you give me a brief example of what you mean?” This shows you are trying and only need a small nudge. Avoid saying “I still don’t get it.”
4. Can I use these phrases in a phone call or video interview?
Yes. Many of these phrases work well in spoken conversation. For example, “I want to make sure I understand correctly” is natural in a call. In a video interview, you can also say, “Could you repeat that part about the timeline? I want to write it down correctly.” The same principles of politeness and specificity apply.
Final Tips for Resume Email Replies
When you need to say you do not understand in a resume email reply, remember these three points:
- Be specific. Name the exact part you need clarified. This saves time for both you and the recruiter.
- Be polite. Use phrases like “Could you please,” “I would appreciate,” and “Thank you.”
- Be proactive. Show that you are ready to act once you have the information. For example, “Once I have this clarification, I will submit the document right away.”
For more help with resume email replies, explore our Resume Email Reply Starters for opening lines, or visit our Resume Email Reply Polite Requests section for other polite phrasing. If you have questions about this guide, see our FAQ or contact us.
