How to handle unexpected questions during interviews?
Five strategies to answer unpredictable questions with confidence
Hey, Prasad here 👋, and welcome to this week’s newsletter!
Today, I want you to change your perspective on approaching interviews.
It’s not about giving perfect answers or predicting every question, it’s about handling the unpredictable.
Also, at the end of the article, I share a success story from Big Tech Careers Interview Preparation Workshop.
If you like this article, click the ❤️ icon. It helps me know what resonates with you!
We've all been there.
In fact, I've screwed up during multiple job interviews. But one interview that I can't forget is when I completely froze.
I was sitting in the interview, feeling confident as everything was flowing smoothly. Then it hit me when an unexpected question came out of nowhere. I didn't see it coming, couldn't have predicted it, and definitely wasn't prepared for it. In that moment, I froze.
It took me a lot of practice to stand out in interviews when such unexpected questions are asked. I'll share a few of the most effective tips in this article.
How to answer unpredictable questions during interviews? 🤔
As someone who has taken more than 100+ interviews, I agree, sometimes interviewers come up with impromptu questions based on the conversation flow that can be very unpredictable.
In my 15 years of experience, here’s what I’ve learnt: It’s not about knowing everything during an interview but how we handle the unknown with confidence and composure.
Let’s look into a few of the strategies that you can apply!
Pause and Breathe 🧘♂️
When faced with an unexpected question, your first instinct might be to say something. Resist that urge. Take a moment to breathe and understand the situation around you.
This pause helps you with two things:
It gives you time to gather your thoughts.
It shows the interviewer that you’re thoughtful.
Here's a tip when answering such questions: use phrases like, “That’s an interesting question. Let me think about it for a moment.” This buys you sometime and shows your willingness to engage.
Ask clarifying question to confirm your understanding 🔄
If you’re unaware of the intent of the question, ask for clarification. Asking questions can help you align your answer with what the interviewer is actually looking for from you.
For example:
“Are you asking about my experience with X or how I would approach Y?”
This approach showcases your analytical thinking and ensures you’re addressing the right aspect.
Lean on Your Strengths 💪
If the question goes into unfamiliar territory, turn it to your strengths. Share a related experience, skill, or perspective that aligns with the nature of the question.
Example: Suppose you’re asked about a technology you haven’t used. You could say:
“I haven’t worked directly with that X tech, but I’ve tackled similar challenges using Y tools. For example, in my last project, I...”
This shifts the focus from what you don’t know to what you do know.
Showcase Problem-Solving 🛠️
Some questions are designed to test your thought process, not your knowledge. These could be hypothetical scenarios or brainstorming sessions.
A tip from me in this situation is to think out loud. Walk the interviewer through your reasoning. For instance:
“If I were to solve this, I’d start by...”
This approach showcases your problem-solving skills and collaborative mindset.
Stay Honest 🤝
It’s okay to admit when you don’t know but don’t stop there. Express your willingness to learn.
For instance, “I haven’t encountered this before, but I’m excited to dive into it and apply my skills to learn quickly.”
Honesty, coupled with a willingness to grow, leaves a positive impression.
Final Thoughts
Unpredictable questions are less about testing your knowledge and more about assessing your ability to think, adapt, and communicate.
Sometimes, it’s not about the "right" answer but about showcasing creativity and confidence.
💡 With the right mindset and preparation, these moments become opportunities to shine.
Unpredictable interview questions aren’t roadblocks they’re your opportunity to showcase your adaptability, creativity, and resilience.
Celebrating Big Tech Career Interview Workshop Success Story
Thrilled to share some incredible news! Amir Malaeb, who participated in our Big Tech Career Interview Workshop, has landed a Technical Account Manager role at AWS.
Watching him transform his career aspirations into reality has been truly inspiring. Amir first reached out to me about 6 months back with this simple message.
He kept tagging me in his posts, and I saw the hard work he was putting into learning cloud technology and sharing with the community. When he reached out with a referral request a few months down the line, I was very comfortable referring him.
As you can see in below message, he had full confidence in himself. That confidence automatically comes when you put in the required hard work!
He literally said, "I promise you will have a story to tell," and what a story he has created!
In December 2024, Amir joined the 9-day Big Tech Interview prep live workshop I conducted with 20 other participants. I'm delighted that the workshop helped him land a role at a MAANG+ company.
Here's Amir's feedback on the Big Tech Careers Course:
Amir's success story exemplifies what focused preparation and dedication can achieve.
Stay tuned for an upcoming article series, directly from Amir, about his end-to-end interview experience at AWS.
Connect with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-malaeb/) to learn more from his journey to Big Tech.
Congratulations, Amir – your hard work has paid off!
Want to learn what’s covered in the Big Tech Careers Interview Preparation Course?
Send an email to bigtechcareers@gmail.com!