Last updated on Jun 20, 2024

Here's how you can navigate an interview question when you're unsure of the answer.

Facing an interview can be daunting, especially when a question leaves you stumped. But don't worry, it happens to the best, and there are strategies you can employ to navigate these tricky situations with confidence. Whether you're an aspiring industrial designer or a seasoned professional, understanding how to handle uncertainty during an interview can make a significant difference. Let's explore some effective techniques to help you maintain poise and impress your interviewers, even when the answer isn't at your fingertips.

1 Stay Calm

When you're hit with a tough question, your first reaction might be to panic. However, it's crucial to stay calm and not let your nerves get the better of you. Take a deep breath and give yourself a moment to collect your thoughts. Remember, it's perfectly acceptable to take a brief pause before responding. This pause not only helps you think but also shows your interviewers that you're composed and thoughtful. If necessary, you can even acknowledge the complexity of the question, which can buy you some time and show that you're engaging seriously with the topic at hand.

Add your perspective

Dr.Sudarsan Ray( Sensharma)

Mental Health professional
It's always better to admit if you do not know the answer .You actually can get a fresh question from the interviewer.Interviewers in general appreciate an honest response rather than a wild guess .
Like
Report contribution

2 Clarify Doubts

If a question is unclear or you're unsure what's being asked, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Politely inquire if you've understood the question correctly or if the interviewer can provide more context. This shows that you're attentive and committed to providing the most accurate answer possible. Clarifying doubts can also redirect the conversation to an area where you might be more knowledgeable, giving you the chance to showcase your strengths.

Add your perspective

Swarna Karmakar

Content writer & marketer with long experience, mental health enthusiast, learned in HRM
Generalised questions are the hardest to deal with. For example, "How do you treat your juniors?" In WHAT situation, please? But of course, the interviewer can be intentionally vague and unhelpful, sometimes even misleading. Watch out for the ambiguous language and verbal traps. Sometimes it's nothing more than a stress test.
Like
Report contribution

3 Be Honest

Honesty is always the best policy in an interview. If you don't know the answer, it's better to admit it rather than trying to bluff your way through. You can express your current knowledge on the topic and then demonstrate your willingness to learn or discover the answer. This approach can actually work in your favor, as it highlights your integrity and eagerness for professional development. Interviewers appreciate candidates who are honest about their limitations but show a proactive attitude toward overcoming them.

Add your perspective

4 Share Experience

When faced with a difficult question, try to relate it to your past experiences. Share a relevant story or project that demonstrates your problem-solving skills or your ability to adapt to new challenges. This not only helps you steer the conversation to familiar territory but also gives the interviewers insight into your practical experience. It's a strategic way to divert from the fact that you might not have a direct answer and instead showcase how you've handled similar situations in the past.

Add your perspective

Dr.Sudarsan Ray( Sensharma)

Mental Health professional
You may share experience but do not go overboard here and highlight true and sensitive personal facts All experiences may not be favourably interpreted.
Like
Report contribution

5 Suggest Alternatives

If you're unsure of a specific answer, consider offering alternative solutions or approaches. This demonstrates your creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are highly valued in industrial design. By discussing different possibilities, you can engage in a dialogue with the interviewer, turning a potential weakness into an opportunity for an in-depth discussion about design methodologies or innovative thinking.

Add your perspective

6 Learn and Move On

Regardless of how well you handle a tough question, always use it as a learning opportunity. Reflect on why you found the question challenging and take steps to expand your knowledge in that area for future interviews. Moreover, don't dwell on the moment; gracefully move on to the next question and continue to present your skills and enthusiasm for the role. Showing resilience and a forward-thinking mindset can leave a lasting positive impression on your interviewers.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Here's how you can navigate an interview question when you're unsure of the answer.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Calm

2 Clarify Doubts

3 Be Honest

4 Share Experience

5 Suggest Alternatives

6 Learn and Move On

7 Here’s what else to consider

Industrial Design

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Industrial Design

More relevant reading

Here's how you can navigate an interview question when you're unsure of the answer.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Calm

2 Clarify Doubts

3 Be Honest

4 Share Experience

5 Suggest Alternatives

6 Learn and Move On

7 Here’s what else to consider

Industrial Design

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills