What to Say If You Don’t Know the Answer: Tactics and Scripts
Nov 10,2025 
By Elias Oconnor 
Practice unlimited mock interviews for free with Huru and get instant AI feedback on your answers. Start your confidence-building journey now!
The Golden Rule: Stay Calm & Collected Under Pressure
Ever freeze when an interview question catches you off guard? You’re not alone. The biggest mistake isn’t admitting you don’t know—it’s panicking, rambling, or bluffing. Interviewers pay close attention to your composure as much as your answers. The way you handle uncertainty reveals your emotional intelligence, poise, and how you might act under real job stress.
Your first job: Pause. Take a steady breath. Smile. Give yourself permission to think. Let’s get you ready for that exact moment.
Interview Honesty vs. Bluffing: What’s the Best Policy?
Should you fake it till you make it, or admit you don’t know? The truth: Honesty almost always wins—but it’s about how you express it.
Bluffing rarely works with seasoned interviewers. Instead, use honesty as a trust-building moment. When handled well, saying “I don’t know” strategically shows self-awareness and integrity—two traits every employer values.
What does that sound like?
- That’s a great question. I don’t have the answer right now, but I’d love to learn more about it. Here’s how I’d approach finding a solution…
- I haven’t faced that situation before, but here’s what I would do if I encountered it…
- I’m not sure, but here’s my thought process based on similar experiences…
The key: Don’t stop at “I don’t know”. Always show curiosity, a willingness to problem-solve, and your ability to learn.
💡 Key Takeaway
Don’t try to “wing it” with an answer you can’t back up. Interviewers remember honesty and self-reflection—not bluffing under pressure.
Scripts & Frameworks: What to Say If You Don’t Know the Answer
Having a go-to script can instantly boost your confidence. Here are proven frameworks that make you sound thoughtful, honest, and proactive—even when you’re stumped:
| Situation | Sample Script |
|---|---|
| You have no experience with the topic | “That’s not something I’ve worked with directly, but I’m eager to learn. Can I share a related example from my experience?” |
| You need a moment to think | “Let me take a second to gather my thoughts.” (Pause, then answer logically or ask a clarifying question.) |
| You truly don’t know, but want to show problem-solving | “I don’t have the answer right now, but here’s how I’d research and tackle it…” |
| You want to redirect to strengths | “While I haven’t done X, I have done Y, which required similar skills like [skill]. Here’s how I succeeded…” |
Practice these with a tool like Huru for unlimited mock interviews and instant AI feedback—so they roll off your tongue naturally.
Stalling Tactics in Interviews: How to Buy Time the Smart Way 🕒
Need a few seconds to gather your thoughts? Use these polished stalling tactics to sound composed, not flustered:
- Repeat part of the question to clarify and buy time (“So, you’re asking how I would handle…?”)
- Request clarification if needed (“Could you elaborate on what you mean by…?”)
- Use a transition phrase (“That’s a really interesting scenario—let me think about it for a moment.”)
- Smile and pause (a genuine, silent pause exudes confidence)
Pro tip: Pausing briefly gives you authority. Nervous about long silences? Practice with Huru—our platform measures your response time and gives actionable feedback to build comfort with silence and stalling tactics in interviews.
Turning “I Don’t Know” Into a Strength: Real-Life Examples & Scripts
Turning a moment of uncertainty into a showcase of your character is a true interview superpower. Let’s see how it’s done in different contexts:
- Tech Role Example: “That’s a technical concept I’m not fully versed in, but my approach would be to research, experiment, and consult mentors. I’ve done this before—like when I learned a new programming framework last year on the job…”
- Customer Service Example: “I haven’t handled that exact scenario, but in similar situations, I’ve focused on active listening and empathy. If I encounter something new, I’m quick to ask for input from my team.”
- Creative Role Example: “That’s an intriguing challenge! While I don’t have experience with that technique, I love diving into new tools and collaborating with others to find innovative solutions.”
Want more real-world scripts? Discover how to showcase initiative in your answers to stand out even when the answer isn’t obvious.
How to Practice Unknowns: Harnessing AI for Real Confidence
Practice makes permanent, not perfect. The best way to master tough questions? Practice answering things you DON’T know. Here’s how to build that reflex:
- Create mock interviews with questions outside your expertise.
- Record yourself (or use an AI platform like Huru) to get instant feedback on your poise, stalling tactics, and delivery.
- Analyze your response—Did you stay calm? Did you redirect? Did you highlight your learning mindset?
- Repeat regularly to develop muscle memory for unknown situations.
Want to learn more about handling tough calls? Check out our guide on answering questions about difficult decisions.
💡 Key Takeaway
The more you practice uncertainty, the less power it has over you. Huru.ai offers unlimited question types and instant AI feedback to make sure you’re ready for anything.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mastering Unknown Interview Questions
Q: Is it ever OK to say “I don’t know” in an interview?
Absolutely! If you follow with curiosity, problem-solving, or a learning mindset. Never just leave it there—always show your approach to finding answers.
Q: What if I panic or freeze?
Pause. Take a breath. Use a stalling tactic (“Let me think about that for a moment…”). Practicing with Huru can help you build muscle memory to recover quickly.
Q: How do I practice for questions I can’t predict?
Simulate random questions with Huru’s platform and review your performance. You’ll find similar real-world guidance in our post on handling difficult interactions in customer service interviews.
Q: Is it bad if I have to stall or ask for clarification?
Not at all. Stalling tactics in interviews show thoughtfulness and composure, not weakness. Mastering your delivery is what counts.
Q: How can I bounce back if I flub an answer?
Acknowledge it honestly, pivot to your strengths, and express your eagerness to learn. Resilience and adaptability are top traits employers look for.
Watch: Mastering Unknown Interview Questions (Video Guide)
💡 Key Takeaway
Mastering what to say if you don’t know the answer is a skill—and with tools like Huru.ai, it’s one you can build and refine every day. Don’t just prepare for interviews. Prepare for anything.
About the Author: Elias Oconnor
Elias Oconnor is a senior content writer at Huru.ai, specializing in interview preparation, career tech strategies, and empowering job seekers at every stage. With a background in HR and digital education, Elias crafts research-driven, real-world advice that helps you move from anxious candidate to confident professional.
