Five Simple Tips for Handling the Situation When You Don’t Know an Answer During an Interview

While this can be a nerve-wracking situation you must handle it professionally.   First and foremost, take a deep breath and remain composed. Panicking or becoming flustered will only make the situation more difficult. Remember, there are interview questions which can be ambiguous or require further clarification. So don’t hesitate to ask for more information or context – further clarification - if you're unsure what’s actually being asked. This shows the interviewer you are thoughtful and interested in understanding the question fully – not panicked and unable to function professionally.

If you're asked a question and genuinely don't know the answer, it's better to admit it rather than trying to bluff your way through. Offer the following:

1) Be honest - acknowledge the question and respond:

'While I don't have the exact answer off the top of my head, I'm more than willing to give it my best shot or discuss how I would approach finding the solution.'

"Focus on being honest when you answer" says a recent Indeed post -"rather than pretending to know the answer or trying to make one up" Also - "Appear confident when responding".

Top interviewers generally accept this as an honest response and are willing to engage with you. Fast Company tells us "If you don't know the answer to a question in an interview, it's best to be honest. Otherwise, the interviewer can see that you're making something up and they can call your bluff".

2) Offer alternatives -

Try to redirect the conversation to related topics – topics on which you feel more confident. For example -"While I'm not entirely sure about that, I can speak in more detail about [state a related topic) or I can share a similar situation I encountered."

In offering an alternative, you may strike on a response the interviewer likes, start up a conversation and positively go from there.

3) Ask for clarification:

There are times when interview questions can be ambiguous or require further clarification. Don't hesitate to ask for more info or context if you're unsure  what the interviewer is actually asking about. This shows you are engaged, thoughtful and interested in understanding the question fully.

4) Demonstrate your problem-solving skills:

By talking through your thought process and how you would approach finding a solution you show off your critical thinking skills and ability to tackle challenges – and still leave a positive impression.

5) Follow up:

Unable to provide a satisfactory answer during the interview? Consider letting them know you will follow up after the interview. Send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and provide a more thorough response to the question you struggled with. This shows not only are you a person of your word, but you actually thought more carefully about the question and have come up with a solid response.

Remember, it's okay not to have all the answers. Interviewers understand that no candidate is perfect, and they're often more interested in how you handle challenging situations and your willingness to learn and grow.

Plus - employers are generally looking for candidates who bring energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude to the workplace. Demonstrating ability to stay professional and focused – even when you don’t know the answer to a question - along with a can-do attitude - can leave a lasting impression on hiring managers and up your ability to get the job.

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