Here's how you can navigate answering unfamiliar technical questions in an interview.

2 Be Honest

Honesty is always the best policy in an interview setting. If you don't know the answer, it's perfectly acceptable to admit it. Trying to bluff your way through can backfire if the interviewer digs deeper. Instead, acknowledge the gap in your knowledge and express your eagerness to understand and learn about the topic. This transparency can build trust and show that you are honest about your capabilities and continuous professional development.

3 Use Analogies

To convey your understanding of a concept, even if it's not in your wheelhouse, consider using analogies related to familiar topics. Analogies can bridge the gap between what you know and what you're being asked, providing a foundation for your answer. For instance, if asked about a complex networking protocol you're not familiar with, you might compare it to a more familiar protocol and discuss the similarities and differences. This can showcase your analytical skills and your ability to relate new information to existing knowledge.

4 Ask Questions

If a question is unclear or you need more information, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Inquiring about specifics can sometimes reveal that you know more than you think about the subject. Moreover, asking questions can turn the interview into a two-way conversation and demonstrate your critical thinking skills. It's a chance to engage with the interviewer and show your interest in the topic, which is a positive trait in any potential employee.

5 Relate Experience

Try to relate the question to your previous experiences or projects. Even if you haven't dealt with the exact technology or scenario, similar situations may have provided you with transferable skills or insights. Discuss how you approached those challenges and the outcomes. This can illustrate your problem-solving abilities and how you can apply your experience to new and unfamiliar situations, a key aspect of network administration.

6 Offer to Learn

Finally, if you encounter a question that stumps you, express your willingness to learn and improve in that area. Offer a plan for how you would go about acquiring the necessary knowledge or skill after the interview. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to growth and your value as a self-motivated learner. Employers often look for candidates who are open to new challenges and have a growth mindset, which is essential in the ever-evolving field of network administration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?