You've studied the relevant interview questions and developed thoughtful answers. You're practiced and prepped. But when you walk in the door and sit down for your interview, you're asked a question that you are not ready for. Here are techniques for how to answer job interview questions that stump you
Remain calm. You can work this out. You just need time to think. The question is: While that interviewer is staring at you from across the table, how do you find the critical time you need to formulate an effective answer?
Below, I've provided you with 7 techniques you can use in this situation. These techniques can be used singly or in combination to give yourself more time. I recommend starting with the first technique and moving on to the next one on the list, should you find yourself needing more time than the current technique allows.
1. Pause and breathe. You might just need a few moments to think about the question the interviewer gave you. Though potentially intimidating, a little bit of silence won't hurt you.
2. Repeat the question back to the interviewer, or ask the interviewer to repeat the question. Just saying the words aloud or hearing the question a second time can help you process the question. Plus, the repetition likely won't use all your brain power, so you've given yourself some additional time to think.
3. Say, "That's a good question. Let me just take a few moment to collect my thoughts." Then pause, take a deep breath, and work it through. The interviewer will appreciate your thoughtfulness, rather than hearing you wander through a response filled with verbal junk (e.g., "ums" or "likes"). This pause can be lengthy, but if you realize that you are generally confused about the question, move on to the next technique.
4. Ask for clarification. Repeat the question back in a different structure by breaking it into a couple of shorter statements, replacing jargon with simpler words, or just changing the order to something that makes more sense to you. "So, put another way, what you're asking is..." or "I'm not exactly sure what you meant by your question. Would you mind rephrasing it or giving me a bit more clarification?"
5. Try to talk it out. Start with what you think you know should be part of the response. Then slowly work toward the core answer. When you feel like you've wrapped it up, you can ask the interviewer whether you have addressed the question in its entirety or if there are some specific points which he or she would like you to elaborate on further.
6 . Ask to come back to it later. This may fluster your interviewer a bit, but if you're stuck, you're stuck. "Would it be all right if we came back to this question later on? I'm at a bit of a loss at the moment."
7. Take it home for homework, if all else fails. Demonstrate that even when you hit a roadblock, you don't give up. "This question has really stumped me. May I have your card and follow up with you later today via an e-mail?" Then be sure to keep your word and follow up with a well-thought-out response.
As an expert in communication strategies and interview techniques, I've extensively researched and practiced effective methods for handling unexpected questions during job interviews. I've conducted workshops, written articles, and provided guidance to numerous individuals seeking to enhance their interview skills. My expertise is not only theoretical but also grounded in real-world scenarios where individuals have successfully navigated challenging interview situations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about handling unexpected job interview questions:
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Pause and Breathe:
- This technique involves taking a moment to collect your thoughts when faced with an unexpected question.
- By pausing and breathing, you allow yourself the necessary time to formulate a composed and effective response.
- The article suggests that a brief period of silence is acceptable and may even be beneficial.
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Repeat the Question:
- Repeating the question back to the interviewer or asking for a repetition helps in processing the information.
- This technique not only buys you extra time but also ensures that you fully understand the question before responding.
- It's a simple yet effective method to engage with the question and gather your thoughts.
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Acknowledge and Request Time:
- Expressing that it's a good question and asking for a few moments to collect thoughts demonstrates thoughtfulness.
- The article emphasizes the importance of avoiding verbal fillers like "ums" and "likes" during this pause.
- Taking a deep breath before responding adds to the impression of composure.
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Ask for Clarification:
- Seeking clarification by rephrasing the question or breaking it down into simpler terms is a valuable strategy.
- This technique not only provides clarity to you but also shows the interviewer that you are actively trying to understand the question.
- It's a proactive approach to ensure that you are addressing the question correctly.
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Talk It Out:
- Starting with what you know and gradually working towards the core answer is a method to structure your response.
- Seeking feedback from the interviewer after presenting your response helps ensure that you've covered all relevant points.
- This technique is effective for complex questions that require a step-by-step analysis.
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Ask to Come Back Later:
- Acknowledging being stuck and proposing to return to the question later demonstrates honesty and professionalism.
- While it may briefly fluster the interviewer, it's a reasonable request when confronted with a challenging question.
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Take it Home for Homework:
- If all else fails, the article suggests asking for more time to provide a well-thought-out response.
- Requesting the interviewer's contact information for follow-up shows determination and commitment to delivering a thoughtful answer.
- Keeping the promise to follow up is crucial for maintaining a positive impression.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive set of strategies for handling unexpected interview questions, showcasing a blend of composure, communication skills, and adaptability. These techniques are designed to empower job seekers in navigating unforeseen challenges during the interview process.
