What can I say instead of I don't know in an interview?
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.”
- Take your time. ...
- Think aloud. ...
- Admit you're unsure. ...
- Use flexible thinking. ...
- Repeat the question. ...
- Ask follow-up questions. ...
- Offer to come back to the question later. ...
- Acknowledge the question's value.
Is it okay to say I don't know in an interview? Yes, it is okay to say I don't know in an interview. However, you shouldn't leave it at that. Explain how you'd go about approaching the problem or finding the answer, or offer to find the answer and send it to them after the interview.
Address it in your thank you email after the interview. Just say you want to clarify something you said in the interview. If you caught it while answering the question or later in the interview, address it there.
Go ahead and tell them about some of your hobbies or the things that you love doing during your free time. It will help you respond quickly and will not involve much of thinking for explanation. And you won't run out of the things you love doing.
- When it's Not Your Area of Expertise:
- “I'm Not Sure I'm the Best Person to Answer That”
- When Someone Asks an Unrelated Question:
- “Here's What I Can Tell You”
- When You Should Know (But Don't):
- “That's Exactly What I'm Seeking to Answer”
If someone says "I don't know you," it may be because they do not recognize you or do not have any prior knowledge of you. Here are some potential responses you could give: "That's okay, my name is [your name]. Nice to meet you!" This response is a friendly and non-threatening way to introduce yourself to the person.
You may change your mind after learning more
The interview process provides an opportunity to understand better the role and what it would entail on a day-to-day basis. By attending, you may find that the position or company is better than how it seemed in the job description.
- Check any new information you've learned about the role. ...
- Ask about the organisation's culture. ...
- Clarify any reservations the employer may have about you. ...
- Ask about the next steps in the application process.
- I'm sorry, but I'd prefer not to say.
- I'm sorry, but I don't want to share that information.
- I don't mean to be rude, but I don't want to answer that question.
- No offense, but I'd rather not say.
- Let's just say it cost more than my old one. ...
- All I will say is that both sides are happy with the result.
What to do if you bomb an interview?
- Be Honest. It's important to let the hiring manager know you're aware that the interview was not representative of your ability to perform in the role. ...
- Share Concrete Examples of Your Work. ...
- Request Another Conversation. ...
- Close Out Graciously—No Matter What Happens.
could you elaborate? The best way to approach a question you don't know is by responding with more questions. Ask for clarification or more information. Even if you don't give them the correct answer is may show your ability to break down larger problems.
If you want to keep the same basic form, it's politer to say "I don't believe I know you..." However this leaves a slight bit of doubt, so that he could conceivably come back and say "oh yes, we met, remember?" If you really want to be clear that you don't know the person, use something like the first three above.
It is acceptable to say, “I don't know” because it communicates more than the words themselves to the active listener. It can be a powerful cry for help.
People use the phrase “I don't know” a lot because it is a polite way to indicate that they do not have an answer to a question. It can also be used to avoid giving an answer that may be wrong or to avoid getting into an argument. People may use the phrase “I don't know” a lot for a variety of reasons.
Formal ways :
I'll double check that and let you know. I'll find out and let you know. I'm probably not the best person to ask for that information. That's a really good question.
- "Here's what I know, and here's what I don't know."
- "I'm not the best person to answer that. I recommend talking to…"
- "My information suggests…, but CJ will have better insight."
Dunno is sometimes used in spoken and written English to represent an informal way of saying 'don't know'.
It's okay to share with the interviewer that you are nervous.
While it may be tempting to present yourself with a few exaggerations here and there, it's important to consider the consequences and risks in doing so. In my work as a career coach and educator, I never encourage my clients or students to lie during the application process.
When should you not go to an interview?
If possible, the best option when you're sick is to reschedule your interview. This will allow you to interview when you are healthy and able to make the best impression. Call your interviewer as soon as possible to let them know.
In fact, interviewers expect you to ask questions—it signals that you're invested and serious about the job. In this article, we discuss why it's important to ask your interviewer questions, how many questions you should prepare, the types of questions to ask and the types of questions to avoid.
Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.
“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”
Change the subject—it's always a good option. Answer, “I don't want to talk about that. Thanks.” Yes, that's polite. Keep in mind that humor goes a long way toward defusing awkward situations.