Graphic by Caileen Kehayas Holden
"I dunno," is probably the least impressive answer to any interview question.
However, you can't be expected to know every answer to every question, right? When we set out to interview for a job, lead a team, or talk to a client, we want to present the most confident, authoritative version of ourselves. Of course, we know the answer! Of course, we already thought of that!
But what happens when you're really stumped by a question—whether in an interview setting or an important all-team meeting? What can we do instead of getting lost in a sea of "umms" and "well, uhs"?
Here's a hint. The answer is not to fake knowledge or get lost in a storm of panic babbling.
Today, we're exploring how to take a beat and avoid answering a question with "I don't know." While we're not faking answers, some answers deliver a better sense of confidence and authority.
Why "I Don't Know" is a Bad Answer
Here's the thing about declaring, "I don't know." It shuts the conversation down.
Of course, it's completely acceptable to be unclear on the correct answer, but how you approach communicating this moment is what makes the difference. "I don't know" is basically a three-word equivalent to a one-word answer like "yes" or "no"—it's definitive yet wholly unsatisfying.
In this article, we will discuss scenarios in which you struggle to answer a question. Instead of playing question hot potato, we'll find better solutions to "I don't know." Instead of shutting the conversation down, these alternatives open it up. They introduce new perspectives and show your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills on the spot.
In her LinkedIn article, "It Is Okay To Say, 'I Don't Know' in an Interview," Rudrani Dasgupta explains her method for tackling questions that she definitely doesn't know the answer to. Here's her three-step method:
- Step 1: I thank them for their interesting question.
- Step 2: I politely (and calmly) ask them for a few seconds to think about the answer.
- Step 3: Inform them that you do not know/cannot remember the answer.
So, yes, you can say, "I don't know," but show your work and look toward a solution when you're particularly stumped. Try to keep the flow going—and don't pretend to know the answers when you don't. Let's dive in!
"That's a Really Great Question!"
I'll be honest here: this is absolutely a way to buy a little time. It also compliments the person who asked the question—and that's never a bad move.
I can get caught up in answering interview questions like I'm in the rapid-fire section of Family Feud. Don't be like me. Take time to breathe and think about the question. The silence is not as long or awkward as you think.
Especially in an interview setting, not knowing the answer to a question can make you panic. Once you're lost in panic mode, there's no telling what sort of babbling you get lost in.
While I wish I could tell you to leave it there, you probably are still on the hook for answering the question. So, let's see how to proceed...
"Could You Give More Information?"
You could also ask a question like, "Could you rephrase the question?"
If you're uncertain about the question, politely ask for clarification to ensure you understand what the interviewer is asking.
Sometimes, you can't access an answer because the question was phrased poorly. Communication is important, especially in a job interview and in decision-making processes. Give yourself to achieve clarity by asking for more information, rephrasing, or for more context so that you can thoughtfully provide an answer.
If you still don't know the answer to the question, you can admit that you don't know the exact answer, but I'd also recommend trying one of the next four solutions, too.
"I Don't Know if This is the Exact Answer, But Here's an Experience I've Had."
If you don't have a direct answer to the question, you can draw upon your experience or skills to provide a relevant response. This is also a great opportunity to weave storytelling into an interview setting or a workplace scenario. Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by proposing a potential solution or approach to address the question, even if you're unsure of the answer.
"While I don't have a definitive answer at the moment, I have experience with [related topic] and can offer insights based on that experience..."
"Here's What I Would Try."
Rather than freezing up or fumbling for an uncertain answer, show your willingness to experiment and explore a solution. Saying, "Here's what I would try," can turn a potentially awkward moment into a showcase of your strengths—like problem-solving, critical thinking, humility, and self-awareness.
Critical-Thinking + Problem-Solving
By offering a potential solution or a different approach, you'll demonstrate your ability to think critically and solve problems on the spot. Sometimes, this approach might serve you better than knowing the "real" answer to the question. Employers appreciate candidates who can think independently and aren't afraid to tackle challenges head-on.
Humility + Self-Awareness
Admitting that you don't have all the answers but are willing to learn and adapt demonstrates humility and self-awareness—qualities that are often as important as technical skills or experience. It shows that you're open to feedback and growth, which is essential in any professional setting.
Lasting Impression
Even if your suggested approach isn't the perfect solution, the fact that you took the initiative to offer one can leave a lasting positive impression on the interviewer. It shows that you're proactive, thoughtful, and committed to finding solutions, all of which are qualities that employers look for in top candidates.
"I'm Not Familiar, But I'm Really Intrigued by It"
If a question stumps you and you absolutely don't know the answer, show your interest in obtaining the answer. For example, if an interviewer asks you about how you'd solve a problem using specific software, you could communicate that you have never tried but that you'd be extremely interested in figuring it out!
For bonus points, a job seeker could use their post-interview thank you note as a place to provide the answer. This shows a hiring manager that you took the initiative after the interview to find the answer.
"I'm unfamiliar with that topic, but I'm always eager to learn. I would happily research it further and provide a more informed response..."
"While I Don't Have the Exact Answer, I Can Redirect You to Someone Who Does."
Don't you wish the job interview worked more like the game show, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"
I'd love to have a few lifelines for any interview—especially the "phone a friend" lifeline. This is a trickier maneuver in an interview setting, but it can work in the correct scenario. If an interviewer stumps you with a particular question, you might share how a mentor or colleague supported you. Here's an example:
Interviewer: "How would you approach a particularly aggressive client? Can you describe a time you felt personally attacked and how you approached a solution?"
You: "That's a great question. In my last position, I worked closely with my boss and mentor regarding client and project management. While my specialty was scheduling, communication, and implementation, my boss handled the client management piece more closely with weekly check-ins. I learned an immense amount from watching my boss, but I haven't personally dealt with that particular scenario. However, after years of mentorship, I am confident that I could do a great job. Here's one scenario that made a huge impression on me [describe the scenario, how your boss handled it, and what you admired about it."
