What to Do if You Don’t Know the Answer to an Interview Question

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, and sometimes, you might face a question that completely stumps you. This can happen to anyone, even the most prepared candidates. But not knowing an answer doesn’t mean you’ve failed the interview, it’s how you handle the situation that matters most.

Employers aren’t just looking for the right answer; they’re assessing how you think under pressure, how you problem-solve, and how you communicate when faced with uncertainty. The way you respond can demonstrate confidence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, all valuable traits in any workplace.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical strategies to handle tricky interview questions with ease, stay composed, and leave a positive impression.

Stay Calm and Composed

The first and most important step when you don’t know how to answer an interview question is to stay calm. Feeling flustered is natural, but how you manage that moment can make a big difference in how the interviewer perceives you.

Why Staying Composed Matters

Interviewers don’t expect candidates to know everything. They’re assessing how you handle uncertainty and whether you can think on your feet. If you panic or rush an answer, it may suggest difficulty managing pressure. Staying calm, on the other hand, shows confidence, professionalism, and problem-solving ability.

How to Stay Composed

Pause Before Responding – Take a moment to gather your thoughts instead of rushing into an answer. A short pause shows thoughtfulness rather than hesitation.

Control Your Body Language – Maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and take a deep breath. These small actions help you project confidence, even if you’re unsure.

Use a Neutral Placeholder – If you need an extra moment, use a phrase like:

“That’s a great question. Let me take a second to think about it.”
“I want to give you a thoughtful answer. Let me consider this for a moment.”

Taking a brief pause not only buys you time but also allows you to structure your response more clearly. The key is to avoid panicking – a confident and measured approach can turn an uncertain moment into an opportunity to showcase your professionalism.

Ask for Clarification

If you’re unsure how to answer a question, asking for clarification can help you gain more context and buy extra time to think. It also shows that you’re engaged, thoughtful, and eager to understand the role’s requirements.

Why This Works

Interviewers sometimes phrase questions in a way that leaves room for interpretation. Seeking clarification can help you reframe the question in a way that aligns with your knowledge and experience. This also demonstrates strong communication skills and a proactive approach.

How to Ask for Clarification

If a question feels too broad or confusing, try responses like:

“Could you clarify what aspect of this you’d like me to focus on?”
“Are you looking for an example from my previous role or a general approach?”
“Just to make sure I understand correctly, are you asking about [specific topic]?”

By prompting the interviewer to elaborate, you may find that you actually do know how to answer, you just needed a little more direction. Plus, taking this approach helps shift the focus from what you don’t know to how well you communicate and think critically.

Be Honest, but Strategic

If you genuinely don’t know the answer, it’s better to be honest than to make something up. However, instead of simply saying, “I don’t know,” use the opportunity to show your willingness to learn and problem-solve.

Why This Works

Interviewers value honesty and adaptability. They want to see how you handle uncertainty and whether you can think on your feet. A thoughtful, strategic response can turn a difficult moment into a chance to showcase your approach to challenges.

How to Respond Honestly and Strategically

Acknowledge the Gap, Then Pivot – Instead of admitting you don’t know and stopping there, follow up with a solution or related knowledge.

“I haven’t encountered that specific situation before, but here’s how I would approach it…”
“I don’t have direct experience with that, but I’ve handled similar challenges by…”

Show Willingness to Learn – Emphasise your ability to adapt and grow.

“That’s something I’d love to learn more about. I’d take this approach…”
“I’d research best practices and seek advice from experienced colleagues to find the right solution.”

Use a Related Example – If you don’t have experience in the exact area they’re asking about, draw from similar situations.

“While I haven’t worked with that specific software, I’ve used a similar one and picked it up quickly.”

By acknowledging the gap but shifting the focus to your problem-solving skills, you turn a potential weakness into a strength, showing employers that you can adapt, learn, and think critically under pressure.

Use a Follow-Up Strategy

If you can’t answer a question in the moment, a strong follow-up approach can show your initiative and commitment to learning. Instead of leaving the question unanswered, offer to research the topic and follow up later.

Why This Works

Employers appreciate candidates who take responsibility for their own growth. A follow-up response shows that you care about finding the right answer and that you’re proactive in improving your skills.

How to Use a Follow-Up Strategy

Express Interest in Learning – Acknowledge the gap in your knowledge while showing a willingness to improve.

“That’s an interesting question, and I’d love to learn more about it. I’d be happy to research this and get back to you with a detailed response.”

Offer a Follow-Up Plan – Let the interviewer know how you’ll find the answer and when you’ll provide it.

“I’d like to take some time to research this further. Can I follow up with you via email later today?”

Deliver on Your Promise – If you say you’ll follow up, make sure to do it. Send a concise, well-thought-out response demonstrating that you took the time to find a solution.

Using this approach shows that you’re not afraid to admit when you don’t know something, but you also take initiative to learn.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to handle difficult interview questions is to prepare in advance. While you can’t predict every question, practising common interview topics can help you feel more confident and develop strong responses.

Why This Works

Preparation reduces anxiety and helps you refine your communication skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to think on your feet. The more you practise, the easier it becomes to structure clear, confident answers.

How to Prepare Effectively

Conduct Mock Interviews – Practise with a friend, family member, or employment consultant to simulate real interview conditions.

Review Common Questions – Look at frequently asked interview questions and think about how you would answer them.

Use the STAR Method – When discussing past experiences, structure your responses using:

Situation – Describe the context.
Task – Explain your responsibility.
Action – Detail what you did.
Result – Share the outcome.

How TURSA Can Help

At TURSA, we offer interview coaching, job preparation, and personalised support to help you build confidence and improve your job prospects. Our team can guide you through practical interview strategies, ensuring you feel ready to tackle even the toughest questions.

By practising ahead of time, you’ll feel more prepared, more confident, and better equipped to handle unexpected interview challenges.

Contact us today to book an appointment with an experienced employment consultant. Visit your nearest TURSA office or explore our online resources to get started.