How to Handle Interview Questions You Don't Know the Answer To

Admitting You Don't Know

• 💡 Interviewers do not expect perfect answers to every question.
• 🎯 Honesty and transparency are key attributes hiring managers seek.
• 🔑 The adage "hire for attitude, train for skill" highlights the value of traits like honesty over specific technical skills.
• 🚀 Admitting you don't know shows integrity, which is more teachable than skills.

The Pitfalls of Making Up Answers

• ⚠️ Making up answers, or "playing the game," can lead to getting the job but struggling to keep it.
• 🧩 The "Horseman's Wager" illustrates that fabricating skills can result in being unable to perform the job duties, leading to eventual failure.
• 🎭 Constantly bluffing your way through work creates a stressful and unsustainable professional life.

Avoiding Evasive Responses

• 💬 "Proricating" or speaking evasively is not an outright lie but uses words to avoid a clear answer.
• 🗣️ This tactic, exemplified by politicians and characters in shows like "Yes Minister," snows the interviewer with jargon and clichés.
• 🚫 It's frustrating for the interviewer and ultimately unhelpful, as it doesn't demonstrate capability.
• ✅ It's far better to be truthful and say, "I'm sorry, I don't have experience with that."

Leveraging Similar Experiences

• 🧩 If you don't have a direct answer, ask if a similar experience would count.
• 🎯 This allows you to demonstrate relevant skills without fabricating information.
• 🤝 For example, if asked about unpopular policy decisions, you could offer an experience with enforcing customer refund policies.
• ❓ Always ask first if the similar experience is relevant to avoid wasting interview time.

Maintaining Interview Momentum

• 🧠 Don't let one unanswerable question derail the rest of your interview.
• 📈 Most candidates have one question they can't answer; it's rarely an instant fail.
• 🌟 Focus on providing strong answers for the remaining questions, treating each as a fresh opportunity.
• 🧘 Practice letting go of a difficult question to maintain focus and composure.

The Importance of Practice

• 🛠️ Practice answering a wide range of relevant interview questions out loud.
• 🎭 This helps you become comfortable with admitting you don't know and moving on.
• ✅ Video recording yourself or practicing with a friend can reduce stress and improve performance.
• 🌱 Be honest about your experience and get the job based on your true merits.