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Original poster

Recruiters - what if I can't answer an interview question?

58 replies

SunshineNDaisies · 13/01/2021 19:24

I have an interview tomorrow for a high level position. Looking at the job description its a lot more complex than I thought and I don't think I'll get it although I did get an interview (tomorrow at 9am). I think maybe I got the interview cause of the GIS.

I'm now panicking that they might ask me a high level complex question that I can't answer. What do I say or do if that happens?

I know all about STAR and I've got competency examples all prepared but I'm still nervous. Its a managerial position and I haven't managed before either.

I left my previous job due to bullying and discrimination and this would be my first interview in nearly 18 years so I'm very nervous. My self esteem is shot and I fear entering a similar environment too.

If you do any recruiting or work in HR and someone struggles to answer a question - what would be a good way of saying "I don't know". Obviously I hope that doesn't happen but what if it does? I thought maybe I could say something like "I'm willing to learn" but that could put them right off me.

I sound totally hopeless don't I? Sad

OP posts:
NatMoz · 14/01/2021 05:27

I had a question once about legislation when I had 0 legislation experience.

I said that I understand legislation as this, whilst I have never taken steps to adapt and change legislation (or whatever the question was) I have an example of how I've adapted and changed a process in the workplace. Let me tell you a bit more...

I got the job.

Apple31419 · 14/01/2021 07:51

Re teams - the software can be a little fussy! I would advise, before the call installing it on another device (like your phone) then "calling" yourself so that you a) know it works and b) you have a backup incase one device fails or cuts off

I also recently had 5 remote interviews for a senior job. I was very honest the whole way through and said aside from time pressures of being a single mum, I lacked confidence and that's why I hadn't stepped up as much in my career. They were surprisingly good with it, and we discussed what I would need in place - I apparently have a mentor ready for when I start soon ;)

Good luck!

JM10 · 14/01/2021 07:58

Good luck!

I'd say they key is not trying to answer if you don't know. Just say something like I don't have any direct experience/knowledge of this but I'm a quick learner/would be keen to learn more/undertake any training available or something along those lines. Do not get flustered by not knowing because that can throw off the rest of your interview.

I realise it is a bit late now, but if you can I would practice your presentation out loud beforehand and make sure when doing it you look at the screen your camera is on, not just down at notes. I recently interviewed and for some people during their presentation we just saw the top of their heads as they read notes.

fairydustandpixies · 14/01/2021 08:04

I have no advice OP but I just wanted to wish you luck!

DonLewis · 14/01/2021 08:11

In my field, there are lots of things that we wouldn't necessarily expect candidates to have direct experience of. But what we would expect is a coherent answer on how to find out what to do in that situation, if you see what I mean.

So you'd say something like 'I've never had to do that before, but faced with it, I would do x, y and z to deal with it.' and that could be seek out a more senior member of staff for guidance, consult the manual, or something similar. You could also add that you're a quick learner and one of the reasons for applying for the job is to expand your knowledge and experience in this are because you have the underlying skills, just not the detailed knowelde. You can teach knowledge, but not experience!

rose69 · 14/01/2021 08:18

I'm interviewing at the moment and the answer to the first question is key. It's usually something to why you want the job or what you know about it. A lot of people don't seem to have read the JD or their application form before the interview! Think yourself into the role abs why you applied. Enthusiasm about a job does show through in an interview.
Listen to the question and it's ok to write them down.
Once you have answered don't carry on talking to fill a silence which may be the interviewers finishing writing what you have said.

It sounds like you have done some good preparation and it's a good sign that they rescheduled. Some workplaces don't allow their staff to us things other than Teams for security purposes.

Purplethrow · 14/01/2021 08:19

Good luck Op , let us know how you get on xx

BatleyTownswomensGuild · 14/01/2021 08:22

This:

In all interviews, if I think I've given a crap answer I finish with "is that adequate or do you need me to expand on any points I've made?". Then I pray the interviewer will throw me a bone.

Skatastic · 14/01/2021 08:27

They liked your application enough to give you an interview so you have already done really well! Remember that you are deciding if you want the job just as much as they are deciding if they want you for the role. And good luck! Smile and if you get flustered just say could you rephrase the question please?

Good luck!!

ScrapThatThen · 14/01/2021 08:30

Go confident and make it really hard for them not to give you the job. Think of it as interview practice (lower the stakes for yourself) and 'try out' a way of talking that doesn't assume that you are worthless, you are not. You'd be an asset to them, right? Think of the key impressions you want to leave them with from the beginning and practice practice practice.

Original poster
SunshineNDaisies · 14/01/2021 08:33

Thanks all. It is at 9am. Its not my first choice job but obviously I might not get the others I am interviewing for and I just dont want to appear stupid. Its at 9am and I've checked and Teams seems to be working. Fingers Crossed.

OP posts:
YougoFargo · 14/01/2021 08:35

Think about interviews as being a confirmation rather than a test. They’ve seen what they need to see on your CV/application, they just need you to confirm it in person. I find this approach helps me because it makes me think all thry want to know about is me, and I am an expert on myself. If you don’t know the answer to a question, you can say you don’t have direct experience but you might do x y z (if they ask about management for example you could talk about management styles you have experienced and what type of leader
You will strive to be based on that, if its technical the steps you would take to be trained etc)

Good luck!!

DrIrisFenby · 14/01/2021 08:37

Good luck!! Remember fake it til you make it.

Do a superwoman pose (hands on hips, chest lifted, smile) and take some deep breaths before it starts. It will make the world of difference.

We're all rooting for you!!

Mummadeeze · 14/01/2021 08:42

One thing I have found useful is to let them know why you will make a difference to them, not just why the job will make a difference to you. So, it is good to be keen and say why you want to work there, but don’t forget to say why it would benefit them to have you. E.g. you are known for getting good results, you always go the extra mile to make sure things are accurate or you are an exceptional problem solver. Big yourself up! Good luck!

WitchDancer · 14/01/2021 08:42

Good luck!

Dontjudgeme101 · 14/01/2021 08:50

Good luck for today

MadeForThis · 14/01/2021 08:53

Good luck

Original poster
SunshineNDaisies · 14/01/2021 10:42

Hi all, well it went better than I thought it would. I finished my presentation bang on 5 minutes. They seemed to like my answers. A few times saying "perfect answer" which is a good sign.
It was harder at the end though when they quizzed me on some things they needed that were not on my CV which is what I feared. They aren't on my CV as I either haven't done it before or have only observed others doing it.
I did as suggested and basically said I know what XYZ is, I have supported colleagues on XYZ and whilst I have not taken the lead before, I am confident I would be able to do so in future and I would seek advice and support from managers and colleagues if necessary.
Does that sound an okay answer?
I find out either Friday or start of next week if successful.
If I am successful, and I accept (cause I need a job) only to then get a better offer, what do I do?
Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself!

OP posts:
Newmooon · 14/01/2021 10:51

@SunshineNDaisies

Hi all, well it went better than I thought it would. I finished my presentation bang on 5 minutes. They seemed to like my answers. A few times saying "perfect answer" which is a good sign. It was harder at the end though when they quizzed me on some things they needed that were not on my CV which is what I feared. They aren't on my CV as I either haven't done it before or have only observed others doing it. I did as suggested and basically said I know what XYZ is, I have supported colleagues on XYZ and whilst I have not taken the lead before, I am confident I would be able to do so in future and I would seek advice and support from managers and colleagues if necessary. Does that sound an okay answer? I find out either Friday or start of next week if successful. If I am successful, and I accept (cause I need a job) only to then get a better offer, what do I do? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself!
Ooh sounds brilliant! Well done!

Keep us updated Smile

Purplethrow · 14/01/2021 10:58

Well done Op , you can relax now!

SoddingWeddings · 14/01/2021 10:59

It all sounds very positive. Irrespective of the outcome, well done for overcoming your worries - and keep going for the next two interviews!!

wowfudge · 14/01/2021 11:10

There's plenty of advice online on what to do if you think you may get an offer but are waiting to see the outcome of another interview. Did they not ask you whether you had any other interviews? Key is making it clear the two recruitment processes have been in tandem and you're not using their offer to leverage a new application.

Original poster
SunshineNDaisies · 14/01/2021 11:16

No, they didn't ask that question
I guess I'm a bit worried about agreeing a contract and being expected to work a notice period or something, meaning I couldn't accept a better offer.
I do tend to over think things so maybe I'm worrying too much again.

OP posts:
ScrapThatThen · 14/01/2021 11:23

Sounds like you put in a good performance. If they offer it to you, that is the time to ask for any nitty gritty questions (hours, reasonable adjustments etc) or to ask for a day or two to think about it.

DrIrisFenby · 14/01/2021 13:50

Well done!!