Interviews can be stressful, especially when you encounter questions that you don't know the answer to. How can you handle these situations without losing your confidence and credibility? In this article, we'll share some strategies for answering interview questions you don't know the answer to, based on the skill of technological innovation.
One of the first steps to answering a difficult question is to define the problem clearly. This shows that you have analytical skills and can break down complex issues into manageable parts. You can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer and provide context, goals, actions, and outcomes. For example, if you are asked how you would improve a product or service, you can start by describing the current situation, the task or objective, the action you would take, and the expected result.
Take a moment to analyze and understand the question carefully. Break it down into smaller components to identify the key issues.
Another strategy is to explain your approach or process for finding the answer, rather than focusing on the answer itself. This shows that you have a logical and systematic way of thinking and solving problems. You can use the IDEAL method (Identify, Define, Explore, Act, Learn) to guide your answer and demonstrate your creativity, research, experimentation, implementation, and evaluation skills. For example, if you are asked how you would test a new feature or idea, you can explain how you would identify the problem, define the criteria, explore the options, act on the best one, and learn from the feedback.
Even if you don't have a concrete answer, demonstrate your problem-solving skills by explaining how to approach the problem. Showcase your analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Sometimes, you may not have enough information or experience to answer a question confidently. In that case, it's better to admit your limitations than to pretend you know something you don't. This shows that you have honesty and integrity and that you are willing to learn and improve. You can use the RAP method (Recognize, Acknowledge, Pivot) to handle this situation gracefully and positively. For example, if you are asked about a technology or tool that you are not familiar with, you can recognize your knowledge gap, acknowledge its importance, and pivot to a related topic that you can talk about.
Be honest about not knowing the answer. Admitting your limitations is better than providing incorrect or misleading information. Interviewers appreciate honesty.
Certainly, one may not be aware of some information or knowledge asked in an interview. In this case one should be honest to accept the inability to answer and reason for the same. This way one can gain the credibility with the interviewer.
Another way to deal with a tough question is to ask clarifying questions that can help you understand the question better, narrow down the scope, or reveal some hints or expectations. This shows that you have communication and listening skills and that you are curious and engaged. You can use the TED method (Tell, Explain, Describe) to ask open-ended questions that can elicit more details, examples, or scenarios. For example, if you are asked how you would handle a conflict or challenge, you can ask the interviewer to tell you more about the situation, explain what they are looking for, or describe what success would look like.
Seek clarification on any parts of the question that are unclear to you. This shows your willingness to understand and provides you with more information that might help you formulate a better response. Seek clarification on any parts of the question that are unclear to you. This shows your willingness to understand and provides you with more information that might help you formulate a better response.
Finally, one of the best strategies to answer any question is to relate it to your experience and achievements. This shows that you have relevant and transferable skills and that you can provide evidence and results. You can use the CAR method (Challenge, Action, Result) to showcase your skills and impact in a concise and compelling way. For example, if you are asked how you would innovate or collaborate, you can describe a challenge you faced, the action you took, and the result you achieved in a previous project or role.
Draw parallels between the question and your past experiences. Even if the question is outside your expertise, highlight any transferable skills or knowledge that may be relevant.
Accept upfront that you don't know the answer to the question. However tell them that you will look it up using Open AI's ChatGPT and/or Google Bard.