Younger people may be expected to show deference to older people. Expect indirect questions regarding competency, experience. Citing accomplishments and skills might be considered boastful, self-serving, or too individualistic. Jobs may be assigned by government or family. Questioning one's role in a company may be seen as disloyal.
Companies sometimes assign work and expect individuals to accept what is available.
Interviewer may not expect immediate competence and instead be looking for a long-term employee. Researching an organization in advance may show too much initiative and independence. Asking an employer during an interview where they are in the interview process and when you can expect to hear back from them may be seen as too forward. Inquiring about the status of an application after the interview may be seen as rude. Schedule a mock interview with a career center counselor to receive feedback on interview skills for traditional and telephone style interviews.