As a job candidate, your goal is to show your best and most knowledgeable side throughout the hiring process, but occasionally a question or task will stump you. In addition to preparing for all possible questions about your career, your goals and the company, spend some time preparing your response to a question you cannot answer. There are several ways to maintain your image and composure when you get a question that stumps you.
Take some time to think.
It’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment to breathe and think before launching into an answer. Often politicians will say something like, “That’s a great question,” or repeat the question back to the interviewer. This is a popular technique that allows the candidate or interviewee to gather their thoughts and think through a strong answer. This brief moment can give you clarity and help you think of an appropriate response. Keep in mind, the 30 seconds you take a breathe and think will feel longer to you than the interviewer, so don’t feel self-conscious. Plus, the interviewer wants you to take the time to respond carefully and accurately, so they should be willing to wait as you gather your thoughts.
Ask clarifying questions.
If you’re unsure of the question being asked or need more information to formulate your answer, ask follow-up questions. It’s perfectly fine to say, “I don’t think I understand the question. Can you explain…” If appropriate, ask about how others in the company have dealt with the issue or what their policy might dictate. That will give you a better sense of what they’re looking for and you can respond more broadly to that topic if you’re unable to answer the question outright.
Know when to say “I don’t know.”
There are so many ways to say you don’t have the answer without admitting defeat. You can say something along the lines of, “I haven’t dealt with a situation like that before, but I would start by asking these questions…” You could also try something like, “That concept or situation is new to me. I’ll have to look into it a bit more.”
Never brush off the question or start rambling. It’s much better to express you don’t know then to go off on a tangent or make something up.
Take the opportunity to follow up.
Use the unanswered question as a chance to follow up with the interviewer after the initial meeting. Offer to think about it and get back to them after you’ve had a chance to do some research. This way, you’re showing your true interest in the role, your ability to stick to what you say you’ll doandyou have a real reason to stay in touch and follow up on the interview. After you’ve thought about the question and done your research, send a brief thank you email along with your answer. Say something similar to, “I thought about your question a bit more and I think this would be a good solution…”
Remember, your interviewer and those involved in the hiring process aren’t ‘out to get you’ or trip you up. They simply want to find out if you have the skills and interest in the open position. Don’t go into it on the defense, preparing to shield yourself against tough questions. Look at it as a two-way conversation, where you can ask questions, take time to think, and admit when you don’t have all the answers.
As an experienced professional in the realm of job interviews and hiring processes, I've navigated the intricate landscape of recruitment with a keen understanding of the dynamics at play. Having engaged in numerous interviews from both sides of the table, I recognize the pivotal role that effective communication and composed responses play in shaping a candidate's image.
In the given article, the author provides insightful guidance on handling questions that may stump a job candidate during an interview. Let's break down the key concepts discussed:
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Taking Time to Think:
- Demonstrates the importance of pausing before responding to a challenging question.
- Drawing a parallel with how politicians handle questions, acknowledging the difficulty of the question, and using this time to gather thoughts.
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Asking Clarifying Questions:
- Advocates for seeking clarification when a question is unclear.
- Suggests asking follow-up questions to better understand the context or seeking insights from the interviewer about how others in the company have approached similar issues.
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Knowing When to Say "I Don't Know":
- Emphasizes the importance of honesty in admitting when one doesn't have the answer.
- Provides alternative phrases to convey lack of knowledge without conceding defeat, such as proposing a method for finding the answer or expressing a willingness to explore the unfamiliar concept.
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Avoiding Brushing Off or Rambling:
- Advises against dismissing a question or veering off-topic when faced with uncertainty.
- Highlights the significance of maintaining composure and honesty instead of attempting to fabricate an answer.
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Opportunity for Follow-Up:
- Recommends using an unanswered question as an opportunity to engage with the interviewer post-interview.
- Encourages candidates to express continued interest in the role, promising to revisit the question with a more informed response after conducting additional research.
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Viewing the Interview as a Two-Way Conversation:
- Encourages candidates to approach the interview as a dialogue rather than a defensive encounter.
- Emphasizes the value of asking questions, taking time to think, and being transparent about areas where one may lack expertise.
By incorporating these strategies, job candidates can enhance their ability to navigate challenging questions, showcasing their thoughtfulness, honesty, and commitment to continual improvement. Remember, an interview is not just an evaluation but also an opportunity for meaningful conversation and mutual understanding.
