is it ok to say, "I dont know" during an interview?

Question

If I dont know what the answer to a question is, can i say i dont know or should i absolutely think of an answer? for example the question being, "why do you want to work here." Thanks for your answer!

Answer 1

I don't think it's ever good to lie in an interview. I feel the more sincere you are,the better chance you will have at getting the job. It you say that you don't know that will prove that you're not afraid to ask question when you don't know how to do a task. Honesty is always the best policy. I would suggest writing down possible questions that the interviewer might ask you; such as : why do you want this job. Go to the interview prepared and you will get the job. Research the position and know what they are looking for, fit the bill and you will have a successful interview. Good luck.

Answer 2

It really depends on the question. There are some questions that you should always be able to answer. If the interviewer is asking a question about who you are, why you're interested in the position, what you've done in the past, etc. where you should know the answer, then "I don't know" is a bad choice. A major reason for having an interview is so the interviewer can learn who you are, what motivates you, why you chose to go into the field... And get to know you well enough to decide if you would fit in with the company. If you don't know who you are, then they can't get to know you, and they won't want to take the chance on hiring you without first finding out who you are.

There are other questions where "I don't know" would be a fine answer. The truth is, there is no such thing as a perfect job candidate who won't need any sort of training. The company is prepared to train you at least to some extent if you get the job, so it's okay if you don't already know everything there is to know about everything. You shouldn't pretend you know how to do something you don't know how to do because it will come up. And it's better to admit you don't know an answer than to give a wrong answer. But always jump in right afterwards and let them know that you will take action to find out the answer and that you are eager to learn.

I would suggest browsing through a book of interview questions in advance. If you have trouble telling the employer why you want to work for them, you're probably not really prepared for the interview. I would suggest "301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions." It's a bad idea to try to memorize other people's answers, but reading another person's good answer to a common interview question exposes you to the question in advance and helps you think about how you would answer so that you can give a more thoughtful answer when it really counts.

Answer 3

It really depends on the question. But if I were you don't say that in most interviews, especially if they ask you,"why do you want to work here?" lol An 'I don't know' reply on a question could mean the difference between you getting hired or not. It makes you look unconfident and less interested in the job and unfortunetly in the job world they would rather pick the most experienced, and enthusiastic worker over someone thats not.

If they do ask that question or any other and your not sure, one of the best things you can say is,"I'm not sure, can I get back to you on that?" I

f you really want the job badly think of something to say that would sound interesting to the employeers that is related to the company/store. Like if you want to work in a bookstore for example, you can say that,"Since I was a kid I always liked reading books, and with my knowledge I can help others because.."

here's a good link to answer some tricky interview questions! I hope it helps!

http://tinyurl.com/hu7e3

Just don't forget to use your logic and judgment when the time is right! Be confident in yourself and you'll do just fine! Good luck (:

Answer 4

Its always good to be honest in an interview and "I dont know" is a satisfactory answer, but not for the question you gave as an example, 'why do you want to work here'? The answer, 'i dont know' is really bad...you are applying there for a reason-its ok to tell them the real reason, even if the reason is, to get out of a crummy dead-end job. But word it better, maybe something like, 'I think this company has a lot to offer and Id like to move into a different carrer in (management,sales,etc)". Not BS, but a little tidy package with truth inside it. HR can smell a fake a mile away.

Research the company you are applying with, find out a few things, because "why do you want to work here" is a common question among others and you want to be prepared.

Answer 5

You should absolutely think of an answer. And think quick girl!!!! Sitting in front of a interviewer with the answer "I don't know" is very unprofessional. And trust me the person will think so too, no matter what job you are applying for. When I get asked "why do you want to work here" my reply is soemthing like, "I like the atmosphere this place gives. The people that work here seem to get along well with each other and that's exactly what I'm looking for." Or I can tell them about what I know about the company. Like when I got the job at Whole Foods, I told them that I liked what they did for the community, not as a corporation but as a part of the community. Wow them and you'll get the job. I did! Right on the spot!!! :o)

Answer 6

I think it's better to say something like "I don't really have much experience in that particular area, but I'm a fast learner!" That shows the interview that you are eager to learn the skills that are needed for the job, and that you could be the right person for it as long as you are trained properly! Not everyone knows how to do everything, and the interviewers ask a variety of questions in order to see where each person stands.

If it's a question like " why do you want to work here, " say something like " i believe that i can contribute to this organization by ___________________________. Never say "i don't know" to a question like this, that shows lack of motivation, and the interviewer might think that if you got the job, then you wouldn't care as much about doing the job to the best of your abilities. Tell the interviewer how you think you can contribute, or what about the job makes it sound interesting to you. You are more likely to do well at a job if it is something that you are interested in.

Good Luck, hope this helps! Don't be nervous!

Answer 7

Don't be too truthful. I want a job because I will be out on the streets sell flowers if this doesn't work out. It is always good to look for the company on the Internet, or get some idea what it does. That way you can say that you want to be part of company that is going places and that you think may give you a a good career. Selling, manufacturing, writing for, etc. The employer is looking for someone interested in what they are doing, and they don't like the interview process either. So the longer you stay, the less they have to deal with later. They want stability.

Don't try to BS them when it comes to their business. That is when it is OK to say you don't know.

Answer 8

If that's truly the question..."Why do you want to work here?"...you most definitely should have some sort of answer. There's all kinds of good responses to that one:

1) It's close to home, which is a plus for me because I won't waste time on the road and I'll also be able to save on gasoline; 2) I understand you have good benefits; 3) The position you have available is one that I've been looking for and feel I can do a very good job for you; 4) I know the company has been around for a long time and you have a good reputation........etc., etc., etc.

If it's an off-the-wall question and you don't know the answer, you can always answer it with a question of your own..."I'm not certain. Isn't that when ____________?" Best to admit you don't know but that you'd like to know than to guess at the correct response, be wrong, and really look stupid.

Answer 9

I think honesty is the best policy. If you give an answer that you're unsure about, or the answer doesn't reflect how you really feel, employers will pick up on this. I try to anticipate questions potential employers will ask and have answers ready, but if it is something unexpected and an answer just won't come, I've heard it's best to say, "I'm not sure how to answer that question right now. Can I please have some time to get back to you?" It's better than a flat-out, "I don't know." Take some time to pause before answering; that way you can give a thoughtful answer. Good luck - interviewing is TOUGH!

Answer 10

Answering to this particular question with an I dont know shows that you have not done any research on the company you are interviewing with. Before you go to any interviews you should always do a bit of research on them. What they do? Do they have more than 1 location? Are there any other positions available that you may be qualified for? Just research the basics so that when you come into the interview you know alittle more about them so when THAT question comes up you can make a clear & honest answer. (NOT I dont know.) Good Luck.