Interviews - when you have no idea what to say

[kiwie07]

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What do you do if you have no idea how to answer a question, or have no idea what they are asking?

Aside from asking them to clarify the question?

For those who have applied, have you received any questions that were completely unexpected and then didn't know how to answer it...what did you do?

I guess I'm just getting scared that they'll ask me about my thoughts on something that I am not aware of.

Thanks!

D

 

[Psycho Doctor]

I really don't know and i've considered this as well. I think i'd either ask for the reclarification, or rephrase the question as i see it and can answer it and then lead it into such a discussion. if the interviewer wants to readdress it later, hopefully i can then answer it. this probably doesn't help you much but it's probably what i would do. and nothingis wrong with total honesty; hopefully you won't have to say you don't know on every question they ask you.

 

["Electrolights"]

If it were me and I had no answer to a question, I would simply tell them I'm not sure or something to that effect. If you go on with a bs answer, they will see right through that and it will make you look like a bigger idiot than if you would have simply said, I don't know. It is also a reflection of your character to acknowledge that you don't know everything about everything and have the honesty to tell them you aren't sure.

That's just my $0.02

 

[superdevil]

just admit that you're not a scholar on that subject and ask your interviewer for their take on the subject. most interviewers would love the opportunity to indoctrinate a fresh mind with what they think about ****. people also enjoy hearing themselves talk. just don't scramble and make up something totally stupid if you don't know much about something.

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

Never make stuff up in an interview. Never be afraid to ask for a second to think about something. Never be afraid to say you don't know the answer.

Let your maturity and integrity shine.

 

[sdnstud]

i'd say "that's a very interesting question. unfortunately, i am not very familiar with that topic. what is your take on it?"


of course, be sure you don't use that answer on questions like "what is wrong with our health-care system"

 

[Peterock]

What do you do if you have no idea how to answer a question, or have no idea what they are asking?

Crap your pants.

Or say you don't know. But I'm sure thats about the same thing for a premed.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

i'd say "that's a very interesting question. unfortunately, i am not very familiar with that topic. what is your take on it?"


of course, be sure you don't use that answer on questions like "what is wrong with our health-care system"

well what kinds of questions are you referring to?

 

[kiwie07]

thanks for all the input.

i was referring to just random current event stuff. admittedly i haven't really been following up with current events so i don't really know the details about anything. so, if they were to ask me something like..what are your thoughts on the animousity between india and pakistan, i wouldn't know what to say.