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Here's how you can navigate not knowing the answer to an interview question.

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Facing an interview question that stumps you can be daunting. It's a situation many encounter, but few anticipate. The key to navigating this scenario lies in your problem-solving skills—a blend of critical thinking, creativity, and composure. Although you might not have the answer immediately, your response to this challenge can still impress your potential employers. Let's explore strategies to handle such moments with grace and confidence, ensuring you leave a positive impression regardless of the gaps in your knowledge.

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Zakiul Abrar

Doctor of Psychiatry | Psychotherapist | CBT | Certified Life Coach | Crisis Intervention & Suicide Hotline Trainer

1 Stay Calm

When confronted with a tough question, maintaining your composure is crucial. Take a deep breath and allow yourself a moment to think. It's perfectly acceptable to let the interviewer know that you need a brief pause to consider your response. This demonstrates your ability to handle pressure with grace. Remember, how you react to not knowing can be as telling as the answer itself. Employers are often looking for candidates who remain poised in the face of uncertainty and can think on their feet.

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Ekaterina Zhukovskaia
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Use Related Knowledge Draw parallels to similar experiences or knowledge. Explain how skills or concepts you do know can apply to the question at hand, demonstrating your ability to adapt and think critically. Ask Clarifying Questions Sometimes, a question might seem tough because it's vague or broad. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification. This not only buys you time but also shows that you are thorough and seek to understand the problem fully before addressing it.

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Felix Veroya, PIE, MEng-IE, AAE, MBB, CSM, DHum, EMBA

GenT List Honouree for championing #lifelonglearning | PH Top 30 Leaders on LinkedIn | Top ?? Filipinos on LinkedIn | Industrial Engineer | Lean Six Sigma MBB | Design Sprint Master | Lifelong Learner | UN SDG Advocate
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In my experience of getting tough questions, I try to ask the interviewer for the context of the question. From there, I will try to relate it to my experience.

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2 Be Honest

Honesty goes a long way in an interview setting. If you don't know the answer, it's better to admit it than to provide a response that is incorrect or misleading. You can express your eagerness to learn or your interest in finding out more about the topic. This honesty shows integrity and a willingness to acknowledge your limits, which are valuable traits in any employee. It also opens up the opportunity to demonstrate how you approach new challenges and commit to continuous learning.

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Zakiul Abrar

Doctor of Psychiatry | Psychotherapist | CBT | Certified Life Coach | Crisis Intervention & Suicide Hotline Trainer
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It's not an exam, and what you do in response to not knowing an answer is also part of the interview. Admit that you don't know, because being aware of your own limitations is an excellent quality in itself.

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3 Ask Questions

In instances where the answer eludes you, flipping the script can be a strategic move. Politely ask the interviewer for more information or clarification on the question. This not only buys you time to think but also shows your engagement and interest in understanding the problem fully. By asking questions, you're not just stalling; you're actively demonstrating your problem-solving process and how you approach complex issues by seeking out more information.

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Ekaterina Zhukovskaia
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Relate to Past Experiences Connect the question to something similar you’ve tackled before. Discuss how you approached that situation and what you learned from it, highlighting your adaptability and resourcefulness.

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4 Relate Experience

Drawing on relevant experience can help bridge the gap when you're unsure of an answer. Share a similar situation you've encountered and how you navigated it. This approach allows you to showcase your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Even if the experiences aren't directly related, the underlying skills you used to overcome past challenges can be just as valuable to potential employers as specific technical knowledge.

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Felix Veroya, PIE, MEng-IE, AAE, MBB, CSM, DHum, EMBA

GenT List Honouree for championing #lifelonglearning | PH Top 30 Leaders on LinkedIn | Top ?? Filipinos on LinkedIn | Industrial Engineer | Lean Six Sigma MBB | Design Sprint Master | Lifelong Learner | UN SDG Advocate
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If uncertain with the question, try to use context clues. I have been using this during my talks and during my interviews. Understanding the question through context clues and using an analogy that will best fit your understanding will definitely help you out.

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5 Suggest Alternatives

If you're unable to provide a direct answer, consider offering alternative solutions or approaches to the problem. This shows that you're resourceful and creative in your problem-solving. It's a way of demonstrating your ability to think outside the box and offer valuable insights, even when faced with unfamiliar challenges. Employers appreciate candidates who can contribute new perspectives and are not deterred by their initial lack of knowledge.

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6 Follow Up

After the interview, take the initiative to research the question and follow up with the interviewer. Send a brief message thanking them for the opportunity to interview and include your findings on the topic in question. This shows your commitment to self-improvement and your proactiveness in filling knowledge gaps. It also keeps you in the interviewer's mind as someone who is diligent and genuinely interested in the role.

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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?

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Here's how you can navigate not knowing the answer to an interview question.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Calm

2 Be Honest

3 Ask Questions

4 Relate Experience

5 Suggest Alternatives

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

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Here's how you can navigate not knowing the answer to an interview question.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Calm

2 Be Honest

3 Ask Questions

4 Relate Experience

5 Suggest Alternatives

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

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感谢您的反馈

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