Why can't I answer interview questions?

Ask for clarifying information
If you're unsure how to answer a job interview question, it may be because you don't have adequate context or aren't clear on what the hiring manager is asking. If this situation occurs, ask questions to get clarification. An excellent way to do this is by rephrasing the question.


What to do when you don t know the answer to interview questions?

5 Tips for What to Do When You Don't Know How to Answer an Interview Question
  • Take a Deep Breath and Don't Panic. ...
  • Take Your Time Coming Up With an Answer. ...
  • Think Out Loud. ...
  • Redirect the Conversation to a Topic You're Confident With. ...
  • Answer the Question When You Follow Up With the Interviewer.


What do you respond with if you can't think of an answer during an interview?

“That's an interesting question. So that I understand exactly what you're looking for, do you mind unpacking the question a little more?” This is a tried and true “fail-safe” response when you don't quite know how to answer a question.


Why do I keep failing at interviews?

This may be they just don't have 'enough' skills, knowledge of experience for the role in question. Or it could be that they don't have the 'right' skills, knowledge and experience for that job. The lesson here is for applicants to do their research on the role and develop their skills and knowledge if necessary.

How do you respond if you're unsure of the answer?

Follow these steps to learn how to handle a question when you don't know the answer:
  • Stay calm. Interviewers may sometimes ask a difficult question to assess your response, rather than to test your knowledge. ...
  • Ask clarifying questions. ...
  • Share what you do know. ...
  • Be honest. ...
  • Express your desire to learn.


“WHAT TO SAY when you cannot ANSWER an INTERVIEW QUESTION!”



What do I say instead of I don't know the answer to?

Informal ways (when talking to friends, colleagues, people we know): I'm not sure. I have no idea/I haven't a clue/ I haven't got the faintest idea/ I haven't got the foggiest idea (These expressions are the most common, and are used when you have no information and you cannot guess the answer to a question)

What do you say to avoid answering questions?

10 English Phrases to Avoid Answering a Question
  • #1 – No comment.
  • #2 – I'm not at liberty to say.
  • #3 – Wait and see.
  • #4 – Let me get back to you.
  • #5 – I'm sorry, that's confidential.
  • #6 – (Sorry) That's personal.
  • #7 – I'd rather not talk about it.
  • #8 – Mind your own business.


Is it OK to tell interviewer you are nervous?

It's okay to share with the interviewer that you are nervous. You might think it's one of the weaknesses that interviewers try to avoid when hiring, but it's a lot more normal for a person to be nervous at interviews than you might think. Saying it out loud can actually help.


Is it OK to mess up in an interview?

However, messing up a job interview doesn't have to make you feel insecure. Be humbled by the experience. Recognise that you're human and it's okay to make mistakes. What's important is that you accept that you will be clumsy from time to time, yet you still keep pushing forward to get to where you want to be.

Is it normal to struggle in interviews?

The good news is that interview anxiety is completely normal and can actually be a positive sign. Imagine an elite athlete or professional musician — do you think they get butterflies before an important performance? You bet.

What are three things you should not say at an interview?

You'll make sure that your awesome abilities and accomplishments—not a totally avoidable faux pas—will be what your interviewer remembers.
  • “So, Tell Me What You Do Around Here” ...
  • “Ugh, My Last Company…” ...
  • “I Didn't Get Along With My Boss” ...
  • 4. “ ...
  • “I'll Do Whatever” ...
  • “I Know I Don't Have Much Experience, But...”


What are the interview mistakes you should ignored?

Here is the ultimate list of interview mistakes to avoid:
  • Failing to prepare. Approach a job interview the way you would a test. ...
  • Failing to research your interviewer. ...
  • Wearing the wrong outfit. ...
  • Not being punctual. ...
  • Using your cellphone. ...
  • Asking questions with obvious answers. ...
  • Badmouthing past employers. ...
  • Getting too personal.


How do you avoid saying I don't know in an interview?

Know when to say “I don't know.”

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.”

How do you know you didn't do well in an interview?

6 Signs of a Bad Interview that Mean You Didn't Land the Job
  1. The interviewer seemed uninterested in you. ...
  2. The interview was suddenly cut short. ...
  3. There was absolutely zero chemistry. ...
  4. That killer question stumped you. ...
  5. The interviewer didn't tell you about the role. ...
  6. You failed to ask any questions.


What are 5 things you should never do interview?

15 Things You Should NOT Do at an Interview
  • Not Doing Your Research. ...
  • Turning Up Late. ...
  • Dressing Inappropriately. ...
  • Fidgeting With Unnecessary Props. ...
  • Poor Body Language. ...
  • Unclear Answering and Rambling. ...
  • Speaking Negatively About Your Current Employer. ...
  • Not Asking Questions.


Can you fail an interview and still get the job?

The Takeaway

If you're lucky, they may just look past whatever snafu happened during the interview—big or small—and give you the job anyway. Of course, this is mainly likely to happen despite a less-than-ideal interview, you have relevant experience and the desired qualifications for the job.

What is the most common mistake in an interview?

Top 5 job interview mistakes
  • Being unprepared.
  • Dressing inappropriately.
  • Talking too much or not enough.
  • Criticising previous employers or colleagues.
  • Failing to ask questions.
  • How to succeed at interview.


How do you identify red flags in an interview?

Here are 10 red flags to watch out for.
  1. Constant rescheduling and disorganization. ...
  2. Disrespecting others. ...
  3. Values conflict. ...
  4. Lack of clarity or consistency in answers to your questions. ...
  5. Bait and switch. ...
  6. Inappropriate questions or comments. ...
  7. Lack of connection. ...
  8. Resistance to change (even if they say they want change)


Why do I shake during interview?

A shaking voice can be caused by irregular breathing. Taking deeper breaths will slow your breathing down to a normal rhythm. Try this exercise: Breathe in by expanding your belly. Your chest and shoulders should not raise when doing this.

How do I beat anxiety in an interview?

  1. Do your research. A lot of the anxiety surrounding interviews is based on not knowing what to expect. ...
  2. Practice makes perfect. ...
  3. Know the way. ...
  4. Know who you're meeting. ...
  5. Sort your outfit. ...
  6. Rationalise your fears. ...
  7. Inject some perspective. ...
  8. Embrace positive self-talk.


How do you politely not answer questions?

Useful Expressions to Handle Uncomfortable Questions
  1. I'd rather not say.
  2. I'd prefer not to talk about that.
  3. I'd rather not get into [this topic] at this event.
  4. I'd prefer not to discuss this right now.
  5. I'm sorry, that's private.
  6. That's a little too personal.
  7. That topic is too difficult to discuss at this moment.


Can you decline to answer questions?

If you're being detained, it must either be a stop and search or an arrest. If it's not, you can simply decline to answer questions and walk away.

Can you refuse to answer questions?

You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.


What is a smart way to say I dont know?

Here are ten smart ways to say "I don't know."

When you should know… "I'm not sure, but I'll find out and let you know." "I'll look into it and get back to you with what I find." “That's a good question and I want to give you an accurate response. Let me get back to you by end-of-day.”

How do you say I can't without saying I can t?

25 Alternatives To 'I Don't Know' & 'I Can't'
  1. I need help with …
  2. Before I can respond, I need …
  3. I'm nervous about being wrong.
  4. I can't …, but I can …
  5. If I knew how to …, I could answer. (Or, 'If I could …, I could …)
  6. I don't know now, but I will soon because …
  7. After talking to …, I think …
  8. Let me find out.