How to Gracefully Handle Unknown Answers During a Job Interview

Regardless of circumstances, job interviews can be stressful. Even after researching the company , rehearsing responses to frequently asked questions , and rehearsing aloud It's typical to feel anxious about the questions the interviewer might ask you.

If someone asks you something and you're unsure of the answer, should you acknowledge your lack of knowledge or try to venture a probable response?

As per Holly Lee, a veteran career coach from Holly Lee Associates and a previous recruitment head at Amazon, Meta, and Google, there’s no reason to worry. Rather, view this as a chance to discuss your strengths. do know.

Keep the conversation flowing

If you're unsure of the answer during an interview, honesty is key. Trying to fabricate information might lead the interviewer to spot your deception, which could undermine your credibility. In such cases, Lee recommends responding with a statement like: "I haven't had that particular experience. Could I discuss something related instead?"

This method ensures you don’t entirely dismiss the interviewer’s query, allowing you to highlight pertinent experiences or soft skills instead, as Lee points out. He further explains that this technique maintains an open discussion and fosters a more seamless exchange, preventing the interviewer from struggling to come up with another question.

Matt Opramolla, an experienced recruiter who has worked for big companies such as Google and Indeed.com, agrees with this view. He states, "The last thing you want is to allow your nervousness to lead you into aimless babble during the interview." do He states, "They can tell that from a mile away." Rather than doing that, opt for honesty paired with diplomacy. You might respond with phrases such as "That’s new to me," or "I haven’t come across that particular concept yet."

Starting from there, seek clarification before moving forward. After the interviewer provides more details, utilize this fresh data to address their initial query. This demonstrates your capability to adjust and swiftly incorporate new knowledge. According to Opramolla, interviewers appreciate this trait greatly.

Another successful approach, as mentioned by Opramolla, involves turning the tables. "For instance, I had a client who was unsure of an answer and queried the interviewer about what their "His experience was with that idea," he comments, pointing out that the approach proved successful.

He was finally offered the position due to how well he interacted with the interviewer and maintained the flow of conversation even after an interruption. Since this was a sales job, that was crucial," explains Opramolla, noting that interviewers often seize opportunities to speak about themselves.

Opramolla suggests that whatever you do, refrain from simply stating "I don't know" and leaving it at that. Although this might seem truthful, interviewers could interpret it as a lack of effort and see it as closing off further discussion. Additionally, you risk coming across as uninterested in exploring the subject matter more deeply.

Bring examples and tales along.

To simplify things, Lee recommends considering various examples and anecdotes from your past experiences that you could discuss during an interview.

During a job interview, you'll probably hear comparable questions from various interviewers. They could ask, " Tell me about yourself ,” or “ Explain a difficult circumstance you have faced. Lee suggests that having narratives and instances ready can significantly help in addressing these queries.

When faced with an uncommon question during an interview where you might not be sure about the answer, attempt to link the query back to personal experiences instead. While getting ready for the interview, think about which parts of your background could add value to the position you're seeking. Highlighting these experiences allows you to draw the interviewer into conversation, as suggested by Lee.

If you're still feeling stuck

Lee suggests that if you feel uncertain during an interview and aren't sure how to respond, don't be afraid to ask the interviewer for some time to collect your thoughts. You might say politely, "Could I have a moment?" Alternatively, you could ask the interviewer to repeat their question.

Opramolla recommends a similar strategy. You might respond to the interviewer by saying, "That's an excellent question. Could you allow me a bit of time to collect my thoughts so I can address this as effectively as possible?"

Start by taking no more than 60 seconds to reflect internally or jot down your thoughts on paper. "These brief pauses can significantly enhance the quality and comprehensiveness of your final response," according to Opramolla.

Lee suggests that another approach could be politely excusing yourself for a short time, maybe with something like, "Excuse me, I'll just clear my throat quickly," which allows you a moment to gather your thoughts before responding thoughtfully.

However, keep in mind that an interview isn't just about delivering correct or incorrect responses, she notes. Rather, it frequently hinges on a candidate’s level of confidence and their ability to perform effectively when faced with stress.