Let’s face it: job interviews can feel like a high-stakes quiz show, especially if you’re a young professional in IT, Retail, HR, or Sales & Marketing. Whether you’re aiming for your next employee role or jumping into the freelance world, there’s one moment that can make even the most confident candidate sweat: when you’re asked a question you just don’t know the answer to.
But here’s the secret—not knowing doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. In fact, how you handle these moments can actually impress your interviewer and set you apart from the crowd. Let’s explore practical, confidence-boosting ways to navigate these tricky situations and turn them into opportunities to shine.
Why it’s okay not to know everything
First things first: nobody expects you to have all the answers. Interviewers know that even the best candidates will sometimes be stumped. What they are looking for is honesty, adaptability, and a willingness to learn—qualities that are crucial in fast-changing fields like IT, Retail, HR, and Sales & Marketing.
The golden rules when you don’t know the answer
1. Stay calm and confident
Take a breath. Smile. Make eye contact. Panicking or rambling will only make things worse. A calm demeanor shows you’re composed under pressure—an essential skill in any workplace.
2. Be honest, but don’t just say “I don’t know”
Simply admitting “I don’t know” and stopping there can come across as a conversation killer. Instead, acknowledge the gap and pivot to your strengths or how you’d tackle the unknown.
Example:
“While I don’t have direct experience with that tool, I’m confident in my ability to learn new technologies quickly. In my last job, I picked up a similar system within a few weeks.”
3. Ask for clarification or more context
Sometimes, the question itself is ambiguous or unfamiliar. Don’t be afraid to ask for more details. This not only buys you time but also shows that you’re thoughtful and genuinely interested in understanding the challenge.
Example:
“That’s an interesting question. Could you tell me a bit more about what you’re looking for, so I can give you the most relevant answer?”
4. Show your willingness to learn
Employers value curiosity and a growth mindset. If you haven’t encountered the topic before, express your eagerness to learn and how you’d go about it.
Example:
“I haven’t worked with that specific framework yet, but I’m always eager to expand my skill set. I’d start by researching best practices and reaching out to colleagues who have experience with it.”
5. Relate to something you do know
If you’re unfamiliar with the exact topic, try connecting it to something similar from your experience. This keeps the conversation flowing and highlights your transferable skills.
Example:
“I haven’t used that CRM, but I’ve managed customer data extensively in other platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot.”
6. Flip the script (politely)
If it feels right, you can even turn the question back to the interviewer. Ask about their experience or how the team currently handles the issue. This can spark a genuine conversation and show your engagement.
Want more inspiration? Here are 5 smart questions that will make you stand out in any interview.
Example:
“I haven’t come across that scenario yet. How does your team typically approach it?”
7. Offer to follow up
If you’re truly stumped, it’s okay to ask if you can come back to the question later or follow up after the interview. This demonstrates professionalism and follow-through.
Example:
“That’s a great question. Would it be alright if I take some time to think about it and follow up with a detailed answer by email?”
Quick tips for Belgian job seekers in IT, Retail, HR, and Sales & Marketing
- Practice common interview questions—especially those relevant to your field.
- Prepare stories and examples that showcase your adaptability and problem-solving skills.
- Stay up-to-date with trends in your industry, whether it’s the latest tech stack, retail innovations, HR best practices, or digital marketing tools.
- If you’re considering freelancing, take our freelance suitability quiz to see if it’s the right path for you.
What NOT to do
- Don’t bluff or make up answers—interviewers can spot this a mile away.
- Don’t freeze or go silent—keep the conversation moving.
- Don’t dwell on what you don’t know—pivot to your strengths and learning attitude.
Sample phrases to use when you don’t know the answer
- “That’s an area I’m eager to learn more about. Here’s how I’d approach finding the answer…”
- “I haven’t had direct experience with that, but I have worked with something similar…”
- “Could you clarify what you mean by that term?”
- “I’d love to hear how your team tackles this—could you share more?”
Final thoughts: turning “I don’t know” into “I’m ready to grow”
Remember, not knowing everything is normal—especially in dynamic sectors like IT, Retail, HR, and Sales & Marketing. What matters most is your attitude, your willingness to learn, and your ability to communicate clearly and honestly. Master these strategies, and you’ll turn those “I don’t know” moments into opportunities to showcase your potential.
Ready to take the next step in your career?
Whether you’re hunting for your dream job or your next freelance gig, Workers is here to support you every step of the way—from landing your first student job, to kickstarting your career, all the way through to retirement. We’re your partner for every stage of your professional journey.Discover tailor-made job and freelance opportunities built for Belgium’s ambitious professionals. Visit www.workers.be and let’s build your future together!