What should you do if you don't know the answer to an interview question? (2024)

I work with scientists, and have the perspective of many years of debriefing candidates and hiring managers after interviews… When you are “stumped” by a question - first - admit it! KEY is to offer a hypothesis about what you would do based on the experience you currently have to resolve the situation. Recognizing the limitations of your experience and being willing to venture a possible solution demonstrates creative problem solving character traits that every company values. Then follow up with humility- by asking - how your thought process aligns. This sets up a scientific conversation …. Beyond a typical interview… and might just get you the position because the hiring manager has gained an understanding of your thought process.

Keep it simple. if you don't know the answer say honestly acknowledge that you don't know. Ask the answer from interviewer itself. At least you will get know something because of this interaction. Learning begins when you acknowledge that you don't know something but you want to understand what it is. Further if it is perspective related opinion then you can still express whether it is right or wrong it doesn't matter. it shows the confidence.

When confronted with an interview question I can't immediately answer, I stay calm and ask for clarification if needed. If I don't know the answer, I admit it honestly and offer my thought process on how I would approach finding a solution. I also express my eagerness to learn. If possible, I redirect the conversation to my strengths and may follow up with additional information after the interview to demonstrate my commitment to self-improvement.

Apart from asking for clarification, you can admit you do not know. It is not wrong to do that. Nobody is perfect and the interviewer knows that. What is inadequate is to pretend answering something you are not qualified to. Showing vulnerability is a virtue not a loss.

Según mi experiencia, te puedo asegurar que es mucho más importante pedir una aclaración que escuchar una respuesta direccionada a otra pregunta.Ya que es muy probable que el reclutador crea que no tienes el conocimiento y estas tratando de irte por la tangente contestando otra cosa o desviando la pregunta, la manera más sincera es mirar a los ojos al reclutador, y en un tono muy amigable indicarle que pueda volver a formular la pregunta.

Translated

If you're faced with an interview question you don't know the answer to, it's important to handle it professionally and honestly. Here are some recommendations:1. Pause and Think: Take a moment to consider the question. A brief pause shows that you are thoughtful and considering your answer carefully. 2. Clarify: If the question is unclear, ask for clarification rather than guessing what is being asked.3. Be Honest, But Tactful: If you don't know the answer, it's better to admit it than to fabricate a response. However, relate it to your willingness and ability to find the answer or solve similar problems.4. Bridge to a Related Topic: If the specific answer is unknown, pivoting to a related area .

Walk through how you would analyze the situation and attempt to find a solution. Use examples of similar problems you’ve solved successfully in the past. Explain how you would learn the answer if this was your real job responsibility.Thank the interviewer for the learning opportunity. Show that you appreciate being challenged and are excited to expand your skills.

I agree, When faced with a tough interview question, it’s okay to explain how you’re thinking. Start by saying the question is challenging. Then, share your plan step by step. Mention any relevant experience or knowledge you have. If you’re unsure about some parts, be honest. Explaining your thought process shows problem-solving skills and adaptability. It helps the interviewer see how you think and handle tricky situations, which can be as important as getting the answer right. Being open about your thinking can make a positive impression during an interview.

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Focus on transferable skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and being a fast learner. For instance, if asked about your experience with software you haven't used, talk about a different program you have worked with that required learning a new system quickly.If you genuinely can't come up with any relevant experiences, it’s okay to admit you don’t have direct experience with the specific thing they asked about. But quickly pivot to your ability to learn new skills quickly, ask thoughtful questions, and leverage the experience you do have.The key is to stay calm, tap into related experiences you do have, and emphasize your broader strengths and potential even if you can’t address that specific question.

If you find yourself in a situation where you don't know the answer to an interview question, don't panic. Instead, leverage your previous work or project experiences to your advantage. Even if the question pertains to a specific tool or technique you haven't used before, if you have a related example from your past, share it. For instance, if you're asked about a particular tool but have never used it, explain how you effectively utilized a similar or comparable tool in the past, detailing the results you achieved. This approach demonstrates your adaptability, resourcefulness, and your ability to apply transferable skills, which can make a positive impression on your potential employer.

Digamos que durante uma entrevista, você me pergunte sobre um software específico que não está em meu conjunto de dados. Em vez de tentar inventar uma resposta, eu poderia responder algo como: “Peço desculpas, não tenho informações específicas sobre esse software. No entanto, com base em minha experiência com tecnologia similar, eu consideraria consultar documentações, buscar treinamentos relevantes ou consultar colegas especializados na área para obter uma compreensão mais aprofundada e fornecer uma resposta mais informada no futuro.”

Translated

Just own it, what you don't know is more important than what you do. I say, I am not sure but I can tell you that I'll know after this call because I don't like not knowing things.

This is great advice.If you don't know the answer, be honest about that.Tell the interviewer that you will research the question and get back to them with an answer.After the interview, research the question and make sure to answer it in your thank-you email.

Be honest. It's perfectly acceptable to admit you don't know the answer. Interviewers don't expect you to be all-knowing.If applicable, explain how you would research the issue or consult experts to get the information you need on the job. Demonstrate resourcefulness.Discuss related experience you do have and how it has equipped you with skills to problem-solve and learn quickly. Draw connections.Thank the interviewer for the learning opportunity this question presented. Maintain a positive attitude.

Don't allow the interview to take the form of an interrogation - ask them questions too, make it interesting! You will get a better understanding of the business and create a more memorable impression.