Let's go back to the moment of the interview when the HR manager asks a question and you realize that you don't know the answer to it. Scary, isn't it? And if you've already read somewhere that "I don't know" are Words That Cannot Be Named, it becomes even scarier.

It is possible that the interviewer may ask you a question for which you have not prepared or for which you do not have an answer. However, this situation can be used to your advantage. You can show your critical thinking and ability to solve urgent problems.

It would be appropriate to thank the question and ask for a moment to think in order to give a more extended and informative answer.

What if I really don't know?

But at the same time, never answer a “I don't know” question, even if you really don't know the answer to the question. This will instantly cause the audience to distrust you. In addition, this phrase cannot be used in such constructions as "spaceships develop speeds, I don't know, up to several thousand kilometers per hour." It is better to remove this phrase altogether and the sentence will not lose its meaning. In addition, you will get rid of the word-parasite.

On the other hand, never make up an answer or fabricate facts to appear smart. Such answers to questions will sooner or later be revealed and adversely play on your reputation. The speaker's most useful response to such questions may begin in the same way. For example, like this: “In order for me to give a complete answer, I need additionally ...”, “In order to most correctly answer your question, let me ..”. If the onslaught continues, then subsequent questions from the audience can be answered with “Do you want me to give incorrect information or do you still want to receive correct data?”

What to do, what to say so that the interview does not turn into a disaster at this moment, https://layboard.in/ knows.

No panic

Even a child knows that panic is wrong behavior in any situation. It is especially inappropriate at such an important "event" as an interview. Perhaps this fear tells you that you do not know the answer to the question, and without much anxiety, under calm circumstances, you would easily cope with it.

Don't let panic overtake you, take a deep breath and continue the conversation with Eichar.

Listen to the questions

Before you decide that you don't know the answer to this or that question, listen to it to the end. This rule applies not only at an interview, but also during any other conversation.

Don't give up early, let the HR manager decide. Perhaps his question consists of several parts, and you still know the answer to at least one of them.

Ask for an answer

Not only the employer can ask during the interview, the seeker also has this right. A clarifying question will help you understand why the brain says "I don't know". It is possible that the HR manager simply used terminology unfamiliar to you.

And your questions show the interlocutor that you somehow understand the topic.

Drink water

In other words, take a break. A glass of water on the table can be your salvation both from panic and from an insidious question. The seconds it takes you to lift a glass and take a sip can be decisive for your memory. During this time, the brain will find a way out of the situation, and maybe even come up with the right answer.

Therefore, do not refuse water at the interview, but rather take it with you.

Speak what you know

A difficult question appears in your conversation with an employer when the employer wants to find out how knowledgeable you are in a particular topic. Therefore, even if you do not find the exact answer to the question, telling about what you really know is a way out.

How to say "I don't know" and increase your credibility

Everyone has situations when you don’t know the answer to a question, but you don’t want to look like a fool. We offer you 8 life hacks to avoid such situations.

Saying "I don't know" shouldn't be a stumbling block. Remember! Just because someone has formulated a question does not mean that there should be a ready answer to it. This phrase does not make you stupid or ignorant. On the contrary, such an answer may even increase your credibility.

However, many speakers fear that a question will be raised from the audience to which they will not have an answer. For many, the sentence “I don’t know” seems like an obstacle, but in vain.

You may be confused and tempted to come up with an answer, but don't. It's best to be honest and know a few ways to say "I don't know" with grace and style, while adding a pinch of humor (if possible).

Try saying one of these phrases when the next moment comes when you don't want to be a fool.

1. "I would like to know this"

This clever phrase allows you to explain later why you want to know this unknowable thing. If the question is forward-thinking (such as "When can we solve climate change?"), you can share the question with the person asking you.

2. "If I knew it"

This variation, which sounds like a lament/complaint, allows you to talk about what might be, or what your work/life/research would look like with that missing piece.

3. "If I knew this, I would be a billionaire"

This suggests that the answer is generally unknowable, not just unknown to you. Use this phrase when it is impossible to answer a question.

4. "Who knows?"

This is a philosophical answer. You can use it in many ways, depending on the message you want to convey.

5. "This is just one of the many things we don't know about N"

This is a great option for researchers or academics presenting a complex scientific or technical topic. Use this phrase to start a discussion on a topic with many unknown facts and explain why this particular unknown matters to your work.

6. "I don't know and here's why"

Just do not say this phrase in a defensive tone. Should more research be done? Is there any proof? Use this answer to start your explanation.

7. "Wouldn't it be nice to know about it?"

This answer is great for a question that is hard to get an answer for. This allows you to agree with the questioner and spend a minute thinking out loud about what would happen if you had an answer.

8. "I don't know, but maybe someone here is in the know."

It's a brilliant way to appear generous, honest, and humble. As Gloria Steinem says, questions are an opportunity to find solutions. Ask the audience a question, then listen to the responses. Rest assured, several people will respond. This phrase is a compliment for listeners, and viewers will love it even if there is no answer.