When you don’t know how to answer a question during an interview, the silence can seem unbearable. You might even wish the floor would open up and swallow you whole. Not to worry, though — keep these tips in mind the next time you’re not able to answer.
Calm down.
First of all, the most important thing to do is stay calm. If you start freaking out, your body will begin reacting physiologically. Your heart may start racing. Once you start a stress response, you won’t be thinking clearly, and you may throw out answers without thinking. Take deep breaths, and tell yourself that it’s OK to not know the answer to the question. You’ll just have to work through it; there’s nothing you can do to change things, but you need to stay calm to find the right answer.
Don’t say, “I don’t know,” off the bat.
Don’t tell the interviewer you don’t know the answer without mulling it over. Then again, be careful not to make stuff up, because your interviewer can see right through that.
I recall responding to an interview question like this and it made the whole process awkward. The interview couldn’t believe that I didn’t have an answer yet my CV said otherwise. Take time to always think through possible answers.
Ask questions.
Maybe it’s the question you don’t understand. Ask your interviewer to clarify what she said. Go deeper into the question to see if you can get more details that will help you figure it out
Tell your interviewer what you do know.
If you do have some knowledge of the question, then take the time to tell your interviewer what you do know of the situation. Saying everything out loud can start you on the process of figuring out the problem.
Think Out Loud
Sometimes interviewers ask tough questions to get an idea of how you work through problems. After you’ve taken some time to think through the question, explain your thought process to the interviewer and go from there.
For instance, if you’re asked about any processes you have to complete projects, but you don’t have an actual process, think through how you would approach the project and the steps that you would take to complete it.
It’s not the end
Even though it may seem like a total nightmare, not being able to come up with an answer on the spot for a tough interview question isn’t a death sentence for your job prospects.
Preparation is the ultimate solution.
Are nerves and anxiety ruining your chances of passing interviews? Worry no more!
Book a one on one Interview coaching session that will help you practice and overcome your fears!
https://jobcenterkenya.com/dont-freeze-5-tips-on-answering-interview-qs/
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