{"id":50785,"date":"2019-07-29T01:15:27","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T01:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/127.0.0.1\/aee\/aee-1198-what-to-say-when-youre-stumped-in-a-job-interview\/"},"modified":"2023-04-25T15:45:00","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T15:45:00","slug":"aee-1198-what-to-say-when-youre-stumped-in-a-job-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allearsenglish.com\/aee-1198-what-to-say-when-youre-stumped-in-a-job-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"AEE 1198: What to Say When You’re Stumped in a Job Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever had a job interview where they asked you a question and you weren\u2019t sure of the answer? <\/p>\n

This can be an extremely awkward situation and make you feel really unsure in an interview.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re going to show you how to work through this situation and come through with the best possible answer that will help improve your chances of getting the job.<\/p>\n

We actually have a listener question about this today!<\/p>\n

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Hi Lindsay and Michelle,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

My name is Ruby Chang, and I\u2019m a big fan of your podcast from Taiwan! I have been listening to AEE for almost two years already. I really enjoy it and my English has improved a lot thanks to you guys! <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

So I have a question I\u2019m hoping you could help me with. I\u2019m currently applying for MBA admission and there will be an interview if I pass the document review. I am trying to prepare for it as much as possible, but I\u2019m a bit nervous about one aspect. What do I say if I don\u2019t know the answer to the questions from the admission officer during the interview? I\u2019m pretty sure that it\u2019s not a good idea to say \u201cthat\u2019s a very good question, I\u2019ll get back to you later.\u201d <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you again for providing us such an amazing show and I\u2019d appreciate it if you could answer this question! <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ruby Chang<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

<\/div>\n

Working Through The Pressure<\/strong><\/p>\n

This has definitely happened to many of us in similar situations. <\/p>\n

Sometimes you get a little flustered or you need a minute to think about the question you\u2019re being asked.<\/p>\n

So when we look at the question in the example- can you say \u201cThat\u2019s a very good question, I\u2019ll get back to you later\u201d?<\/p>\n

The first part may work well, but what about the second part?<\/p>\n

You might find that saying \u201clater\u201d makes it sound like you aren\u2019t going to answer the question until AFTER the interview.<\/p>\n

This is probably not the type of response that they are looking for.<\/p>\n

If however you are asked for references, specific scheduling, or something that requires a response later, then it may be fine to push off the answer a bit.<\/p>\n

Today we are talking about basic interview questions<\/a>, and this is what we\u2019ll focus on. <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Handling The Tough Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n

So imagine that someone asks you a question on an interview<\/a> and it\u2019s not one you have prepared for. <\/p>\n

This is a situation that can come up, no matter how prepared you may feel for an interview.<\/p>\n

The key is to work through it and to think quickly to provide the best response possible.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

What do you say in this situation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. That\u2019s a great question <\/li>\n
  2. Thank you for asking that OR I\u2019m glad you asked that question<\/li>\n
  3. Stall, but be direct about it : \u201cLet me think about that for a second.\u201d Or you could say something like \u201cPlease give me one moment.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    These are all common phrases, and usually people are happy to give you a second. <\/p>\n

    It\u2019s important to be direct but show that you can think quickly and on the spot. <\/p>\n

    It\u2019s all about that fine balance, and how you demonstrate it. <\/p>\n

    Not all questions are easy and it shows how you work under pressure.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n

    Some Help Along The Way<\/strong><\/p>\n

    There\u2019s an article published on The Muse<\/a> that can really help you with this very situation.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s all about being prepared, and ensuring that you know how to think on the spot no matter what question you are faced with.<\/p>\n

    This is the article that will help you to work through the pressure and to know how to be ready for anything. <\/p>\n

    This article talks about strategy, but it also gives some really good tactics to help you along the way.<\/p>\n

    This will ensure that even if you find yourself in a situation without an answer readily available, you know how to work through it.<\/p>\n

    This is a major component to being prepared and can help you.<\/p>\n

    Here are some points that this article highlights which can ensure that you can handle any question that comes your way in an interview. <\/p>\n