Here's how you can navigate a question you're unsure of during an interview.

1 Stay Calm

When an unexpected question arises, maintaining your composure is key. Your reaction to uncertainty can be as telling as your technical knowledge. Take a deep breath and give yourself a moment to collect your thoughts. It’s perfectly acceptable to pause before responding—it shows that you’re considering the question thoughtfully rather than rushing to fill the silence with a potentially incorrect answer. Employers will appreciate your poise and your ability to remain calm under pressure, which is a valuable trait in any engineering environment.

2 Clarify Doubts

If a question is unclear or contains technical jargon that's unfamiliar, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. It's important to fully understand what's being asked before attempting to formulate a response. This could involve asking the interviewer to rephrase the question or to provide more context. By seeking to clarify, you demonstrate effective communication skills and a desire to provide the most accurate answer possible. This approach is much preferred over making assumptions that could lead to misunderstandings or incorrect answers.

3 Reason Out Loud

When you're unsure of an answer, think out loud. This allows the interviewer to follow your thought process and assess how you approach problem-solving. Start by breaking down the question into smaller, more manageable parts and relate it to what you know. By verbalizing your reasoning, you show that you can tackle complex problems methodically—a crucial skill in mechanical engineering. Even if you don't arrive at the correct answer, your logical process can still make a strong impression.

4 Relate Experience

Drawing parallels from your past experiences can be a useful strategy when facing a tough question. Reflect on similar challenges you've encountered and how you overcame them. This not only helps you find a potential answer but also provides the interviewer with concrete examples of your problem-solving abilities in action. Sharing relevant stories from your career can turn an uncertain moment into an opportunity to showcase your expertise and resilience.

5 Suggest Follow-Up

If you've exhausted your options and still can't provide an answer, it's acceptable to suggest a follow-up after the interview. Express your willingness to research the topic further and provide a comprehensive answer at a later time. This shows initiative and a commitment to continuous learning—traits that are highly valued in the field of mechanical engineering. It also keeps the door open for further communication with the employer, demonstrating your interest in the position and company.

6 Offer Alternatives

When you're at a loss for an answer, you can pivot by offering alternative knowledge or related insights that may be valuable to the interviewer. While it's not a direct answer to the question, it shows your breadth of knowledge and eagerness to contribute meaningfully to the conversation. This tactic can also steer the discussion toward areas where you are more confident, allowing you to regain control and leave a positive impression.

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?