5 Tips For What To Do When You Don’t Know How To Answer An Interview Question (With Examples)

5 Tips for Responding When You Don’t Know How to Answer an Interview Question (With Examples)

In today’s competitive job market, it’s common to encounter interview questions that leave you momentarily stumped. When faced with such a question, it’s crucial to remain composed and thoughtful. This article provides practical tips for navigating those tricky moments when you don’t know how to respond during an interview.

Key Takeaways:

Redirect the conversation to a topic you are confident in if faced with an unfamiliar question.
Be honest about not knowing an answer instead of fabricating a response.
Asking the interviewer to rephrase the question or provide clarification can aid in formulating your answer.

What to do when you don't know how to answer an interview question.

In This Article

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5 Tips for Responding When You Don’t Know How to Answer an Interview Question
What Not to Do When You Don’t Know How to Answer an Interview Question
FAQs on Answering Interview Questions You Don’t Know
Final Thoughts
References
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5 Tips for Responding When You Don’t Know How to Answer an Interview Question

When confronted with a challenging interview question, your first step is to pause, breathe, and take your time crafting a response. Here’s a more detailed guide on how to handle situations when you don’t have an immediate answer.

Stay Calm and Don’t Panic

Interviewers often ask tough questions to gauge your ability to handle pressure. How you respond to an unexpected question is often more important than having the right answer. Maintain a calm demeanor and take a deep breath; this will demonstrate your confidence and ability to manage stress.
For example, you might say:
- “That’s an interesting question; may I take a moment to think it over?”
- “That’s a thoughtful question. I’d like to consider it further and provide a comprehensive answer.”
Take Your Time to Formulate an Answer

If you encounter a challenging question, resist the urge to rush your response. Acknowledge the question and buy yourself some time to think by rephrasing it or asking for clarification.
For example:
- “That’s a good question; let me take a moment to consider it.”
- “I’d appreciate the chance to give a thoughtful response; may we revisit this later in the interview?”
This approach not only allows you to think but also demonstrates your desire to provide a well-considered answer.
Think Out Loud

Sometimes, interviewers ask difficult questions to understand how you approach problem-solving. After considering the question, share your thought process with the interviewer. This technique keeps the dialogue flowing and showcases your analytical skills.
Redirect the Conversation to a Familiar Topic

If you’re stumped by a question, feel free to acknowledge your lack of experience and pivot to a related topic where you feel more confident. This not only keeps the conversation going but also allows you to highlight your strengths.

For example:

“While I don’t have extensive experience with social media marketing, I have significant expertise in copywriting and I’m well-versed in current SEO practices.”
Follow Up After the Interview

If you encounter a technical question that you can’t answer on the spot, consider offering to follow up with an answer in your post-interview email.

“That’s a great question, and while I don’t have an answer at this moment, I’d love to research it and provide you with a response after our meeting.”

Exhibiting curiosity and a willingness to learn can leave a positive impression, even if you don’t have the answer during the interview.

What Not to Do When You Don’t Know How to Answer an Interview Question

Avoid fabricating answers or displaying visible discomfort during the interview. Here are more specific actions to steer clear of:

Don’t Lie. While it may be tempting to improvise an answer, doing so can lead to bigger problems down the road if you are hired. Honesty is crucial.
Embrace Silence. A brief pause can be beneficial. It allows you to gather your thoughts and demonstrates that you are thoughtful in your responses.
Avoid Appearing Uncomfortable. Fidgeting or breaking eye contact can undermine your professionalism. Maintain a calm and confident demeanor.
Don’t Admit Ignorance Without Context. While honesty is important, simply saying “I don’t know” may not convey the best impression. Instead, discuss how you would find the answer.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Clarification. If a question is unclear, don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to clarify or rephrase it to ensure you understand what they’re looking for.

FAQs on Answering Interview Questions You Don’t Know

How do you respond when you don’t know the answer to an interview question?

Respond by asking for clarification or explaining how you would find out the answer. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills.
Is it okay to say ‘I don’t know’ in an interview?

Yes, but always follow it up with an explanation of how you would approach finding the answer.
How do you say ‘I don’t know’ professionally?

Try saying, “That’s a great question, but I don’t have the answer right now. May I look it up and get back to you?”
What are different ways to express ‘I don’t know’?

Instead of saying “I don’t know,” consider alternatives like “Can you clarify that question?” or “I’d like to take a moment to think about that.”
What should I say if I don’t know the answer in an interview?

Utilize the thinking-out-loud technique to explore your thought process, or be honest about your knowledge gaps while indicating your willingness to learn.

Final Thoughts

Not knowing how to answer a tough interview question can feel daunting, but it’s not a dealbreaker for your job prospects. By preparing for common questions and practicing the strategies outlined above, you can respond effectively and confidently, even in challenging situations. Remember, interviewers value how you approach challenges and problem-solving, so stay calm and focused, and the right answers will come.

References

ICMA – 25 Tricky Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
We Are Teachers – 8 Phrases to Teach Students Instead of ‘I Don’t Know’

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Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

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