4 Strategies for Responding to a Job Interview Question (When You're Unsure of the Answer)

4 Strategies for Responding to a Job Interview Question (When You're Unsure of the Answer)

 

 

Strategy No.1

When you’re stuck in a job interview is to give yourself time. To buy time is like hitting pause on a question so you can think. Here’s how: Start with a quick break. It’s like hitting pause to gather your thoughts. Then, use a phrase like: • That’s a great question. Let me think about it. I would say that…

• Wow, that’s a good question. I need a moment to think.

• That’s a tough question. Let me gather my thoughts.

• That’s a question I really need to think about. Can I come back to it later?

• Let me remember. I recall when…

 

Strategy No.2

It is to understand the question better. Ask the interviewer to explain it. Here’s how:

• I didn’t quite get that. Can you explain what you mean?

• Sorry, I’m not sure what you meant. Could you repeat that?

• Just to be clear, you’re asking __________? These questions give you time and make sure you know what they’re asking.

 

Strategy No.3

It is to think out loud. The job interview is a chance for them to see how you think under pressure. If they ask about a process you’re not sure about, just imagine what you’d do and talk it through.

Use words like first, second, then, after that, and finally to help explain your thoughts.

 

Strategy No.4

It is focus on what you do know. Instead of saying 'I don’t know', focus on what you do know. For example, if they ask about a software you don’t know, talk about ones you do and how you’ll learn the new one.

And finally, strategy number 5 is to follow up. After the interview, send a thank-you email. You can also use it to answer a question you weren’t sure about.

For example, you could say, “After thinking more, here’s what I’d say about _______.”