Here's how you can navigate a technical interview question without knowing the answer.

Take a deep breath and think aloud. This shows your problem-solving process. Ask clarifying questions to understand the problem better. Break down the problem into smaller parts and tackle each one. Staying calm helps you focus and demonstrate your analytical skills effectively

Firstly, I can recommend attending an interview only when you are prepared for the role you are interviewing for. Being prepared will make you more confident. Confidence is crucial because it prevents panic. If you are not in a panic, you can calmly acknowledge any lack of knowledge or quickly ask the interviewer to rephrase a question, if necessary. From my personal experience, once I asked for a question to be reframed, I was able to connect to my concept and provide an immediate answer. Confidence is key, and it's also helpful to work on your own projects to build confidence relevant to the role you are pursuing.

Facing the unknown is inevitable, especially in high-pressure situations. The first thing to reconcile is that it’s okay not to know something. Interviews are not closed-book exams requiring memorization. Admitting that you need a moment to step back and evaluate your answer is often respected. It's better to think before speaking than to chase your words. Use tools you're comfortable with—take notes, ask if you can Google, or draw if needed. Find your way to express your rationale and thought process to break down the question and introduce known elements into an unknown subject space. It's not always about what you know but how you go about understanding it.

Encountering unfamiliar questions in interviews is an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and honesty. Stay composed and acknowledge the challenge to the interviewer, showing self-awareness and integrity. It's advantageous to admit when you don't have an answer but express a willingness to learn and grow. This approach highlights your readiness to tackle new challenges and aligns with the problem-solving mindset valued in software development. Embracing such moments with grace can positively influence your candidacy and professional reputation.

The way your interviewer expresses themselves or communicates may not always align with your communication style, and the interview may not even be in your first language. Asking for a question or statement to be rephrased is completely normal and actually encouraged. It allows you to view multiple sides of the same problem space. Seeking clarification is far better than assuming you understood and then talking about something incorrectly. Think of refinement sessions in the scrum lifecycle—asking for restatements and clarifications helps narrow down and understand what is being asked. The interview process is similar, aiming for clear understanding before proceeding.

In both software development and interviews, the act of seeking clarification demonstrates proactive problem-solving abilities. Your dedication to comprehending the inquiry or issue at hand is evidenced by your request for additional information. This method not only assists in the development of a deliberate response but also demonstrates your capacity to effectively assemble requirements. Employers place a high value on candidates who prioritize precision and clarity, as this results in more strategic and accurate solutions. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask clarifying questions in order to improve your problem-solving skills and ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding.

When you don't know how to answer the question directly I would start with what you do know and work your way down. Breaking the problem down into smaller pieces. Its ok not to know everything but its good to show that you can adapt in those situations.

Adopting a logical approach can be beneficial when confronted with a difficult query. Deconstruct the issue into smaller components and explain your reasoning to the interviewer. This illustrates your capacity to solve problems and offers insight into your analytical abilities. Demonstrating a methodical approach highlights your capacity to think critically under duress and navigate complexity, even if the solution is not immediately apparent. Employers value candidates who can approach problems methodically, which instills confidence in their capacity to effectively manage obstacles.

I love doing this! If you can't solve the problem directly its good to explain how you would solve it if you had the knowledge to do so. This is also good to do if you don't have time to finish a question.

When entering the software development or IT domain, it's important to not only focus on practical skills but also to ensure that fundamental (theoretical) concepts are well understood. This is crucial to avoid being caught off guard during interviews. My recommendation for those new to the field is to adjust their approach to learning. For those who have already made this mistake, it's important to be able to articulate your skills in a practical manner during interviews.

During a past interview, I was asked a question that I knew I had encountered before, but I couldn't recall it at that moment. Politely, I asked the interviewer if I could demonstrate a similar project I had worked on that utilized the same technology and techniques. The interviewer agreed, and after showcasing my project, they were impressed. This allowed me to quickly grasp the main concept and provide a clear explanation, demonstrating my understanding. This experience highlighted the value of offering practical examples.

To get my first job, I went through a dozen interviews, many with embarrassing moments. One key takeaway was to talk through problems. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay. Explain your thought process. Interviewers want to see how you approach solving problems, not just if you know the answer offhand.

Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. Here's the thing: technical skills are important, but so is how you approach a challenge. Be honest (admitting you're not sure is way better than making stuff up!), then show your problem-solving skills. Ask clarifying questions, think out loud about possible solutions, and maybe even suggest similar problems you've tackled. This will help distinguish you from all other candidates. Company want people invested from the start, and if you show that you care about the problem and will go above and beyond to resolve it. It will increase your chance of landing a role.