Using “basically” in an interview

Question

Can I use word basically in an interview?

For example

I basically belong to X but I am working at Y from last 10 years.

Or can I use

I belong to X and I am working at Y from last 10 years.

Answer 1

Good question. It looks like you've picked up on the fact that "basically" has become a sort of generic synonym for many more specific terms and constructions—on the one hand, "formally", "officially", "technically", "according to the organization chart", even "really", and on the other, "simply", "in short", "fundamentally", "at bottom", "in the most general terms", and so forth.

It's probably OK to use "basically" this loosely in an oral interview, but in writing—in your resumé, for instance—it's better to describe your situation with greater precision:

I am formally employed as a Senior Developer in the X division, but for the last ten years I have worked with the cross-divisional Y team.

Answer 2

The problem, and it’s a small one, with basically, essentially, and to a certain extent actually is that they are hedge words. They can convey a little undertone, one or more of:

• I need a minute to think so I am adding a filler word (this can be taken by some people as a sign of lying)
• I am going to tell you something other than what I wrote on my resume and then say that there's really no difference
• I am going to wildly oversimplify something to make myself look better (I basically ran the entire operation and my boss just played solitaire all day)
• I don't think you can understand the real situation so I’m going to tell you the simplified version (this is the part some people think is patronizing)

None of these are very nice. If I were to tell you to avoid it though, it would be mild advice. If I thought it was a verbal tic of yours, being added to every sentence whether it was needed or not, I would suggest backing off on it a bit. In your example you want to explain that there is a “it looks like this but in reality it’s more that” situation and basically wouldn't be wrong there. It wouldn’t be my first choice; I would probably avoid adjectives (especially ones that might be misinterpreted) and say “I worked for X and was assigned to Y” in that case.

Answer 3

It’s better to say the second sentence as using the word basically can sometimes seem patronising/rude.

It isn’t the end of the world if you use the word basically but try to avoid it.

Answer 4

I personally see nothing wrong with basically and disagree that it sounds patronising/rude.

I would, however, say

I basically belong to X but I have been working at Y for the last 10 years.