Career Questions and Answers
is it ok to say, "I dont know" during an interview?
Asked by Kristie
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!
A:
I work in Human Resources. Yes, by all means you can say it. However if you keep saying it, thats not too good cuz you probably are not qualified for the job LOL
Answered by humanresourcesman
A:
well, I don't know for that question is not good. However, it is ok to say I don't know, but always include how you would go about finding out the answer, or say I don't know, but I will find out.....
Answered by kzd2k
A:
If the question is "why do you want to work here," then your answer should NEVER be "I don't know." You should always have a reason for wanting a job.
If the question is something technical or internally-known only, such as "What do you think of our Outreach 2006 program in Honduras?" then it's OK to say "I don't have enough information about that program to form an opinion, what can you tell me about it?"
Answered by Brian L
A:
i'm not sure... 'i don't know' is not a very good answer to the person interviewing you.. ..you should do a search online for typical interview questions and practice your answers.. you're going to have to think of an answer..
<3 alyssa
Answered by hurleydudette
A:
Yes I work in HR too. It's better just to admit up front that you don't know something instead of lying about it, because if you get asked a follow up question it might hurt your credibility.
Answered by DQ
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I don't think that "I don't know" would be an acceptable answer to why you want to work there! I mean you did apply and take time out of your life to go to an interview, all the while not knowing why you want that job or would want to work there?
Answered by sparkle_chicken
A:
depends on the question
but if you answer "i dont know why i want to work here", is definitely not appropriate.
you could answer, "i hope this place will open up opportunities for new learning curves"
if you encounter a question that you do not know how to answer, say "i am not sure about that but .....(try to say something general)"
Answered by ash 7
A:
You have to be prepared for questions like that and have your responses ready. Go online and search for sample interview questions and suggested responses. If you are asked why you want to work for a company and you say "I don't know," I can't imagine you'd get the job.
Answered by Jane W
A:
You might circumvent such a question by saying (or putting it in your cover letter) beforehand that you know about the company and giving reasons why you can help them. Imagine if you could go so far as to show them a chart, dollarizing yourself and pointing to how you can increase their bottom line! . Do you think that after you did that, they'd ask you why you want to work there?
I suppose that if it's a janitor's job, you could tell them it's always been your goal since childhood, and either they'd appreciate your sense of humor or send you out for being sarcastic.
To the greatest extent possilbe, it's better that YOU sort of "dominate the scene" in the interview by being impressive, rather than dutifully answering questions like a schoolboy. Your personality needs to shine.
If you can't think of anything else to say, then you have to say that you don't know, but you should always have some sort of positive answer as to why you want to work there.
Answered by Marty K
A:
It's better to say, "To be honest, that's not something I have thought about, but . . . ." and then give an answer. In this way they know it's off the top of your head, but you value the question enough to answer it.
You should NEVER answer the "Why do you want to work here?" question with "I don't know." There must be something you like about the company, the product, or the people who have met who work there. If your answer to this is truly that you don't know, you haven't done your pre-interview homework.
ALWAYS prepare for this question.
Answered by Wide Awake
A:
You should have a prepared answer for "why do you want to work here" Even if it is the same thing you way to all of them....
[insert company name here] has a good reputation, and I believe I would make a good addition to the team.
They probably hear the same thing from everyone, but I believe it is bettern then..."I don't know."
Answered by ADF
A:
A good basic comeback is you are seeking opportunity to enhance/better your skills.
Never say that you do not know why you want to work somewhere.....it shows no interest in the company and if you have no interest you will have no interest in being productive there.
Answered by Marsha S
A:
By asking this question, they are trying to see if you have done your homework on the company. Google the company and see what comes up, i.e., awards, recent product releases, boost in stock prices. List these things as proof that the company is growing in a positive direction and you are impressed by this and you believe that you would be an integral part of the team needed to reach the next plateau of success. If it is a smaller company you may want to bring up their positive image within the local community and how impressed you are by it. Tie this in with your past work experience.
Answered by Chelsea L
A:
In certain circumstance it can be appropriate to say I don't know. But in your example, it is not.
Answered by wisechineseguy
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i've interviewed hundreds of people... and always appreciated the honest ones. ' i don't know ' is much better than making something up. but you really should know why you want to work there... why did you apply?
Answered by peterpipersux
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You honesty will be appreciated. Better than BS'ing an answer that will be sniffed out as a lie. Embarassing.
I once heard a guy from Hewlett-Packard (big computer company) say he was hired even though he answered "I don't know" to a lot of their interview questions. He felt it showed he was honest and handled the frustration of not knowing all the answers well.
Answered by Steve P
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A couple of interviews I have said "I don't know" to a question and the interviewer would look at me like as if I'm stupid and then there would be an awkward silence. I didn't get those jobs.
Answered by magikchef
A:
The 'I don't know' answer to the 'why do you want to work here' is unacceptable as far as I'm concerned. You need to research the company and figure out what specifically you would find attractive about working there. It's very important to a prospective employer to know that you've taken the time to do research.
Answered by mind_the_gap
A:
you should probably come up with something for that question like you have a friendly business environment or your company has a very good track record
if you ever say i dont know to a specific question then follow it up with but I can find out and get back to you.
Answered by crzyaltego
A:
Do your homework and think of any possible question that you might be asked. You have to answer every single question even if it sounds ridiculous to you.
Answered by tiger
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You should come to your interview prepared to answer questions. Especially basic ones like that. Look up "100 interview questions" and memorize answers to those before your next.
Answered by indianaguy
A:
The general rule is to only say "I don't know" when they're asking for procedure information, rather than personality information. For example, here is a question to which you could respond "I don't know":
"Let's say a customer comes up to you and wants to find a specific DVD. What would you do?"
In this case, you can say it, but make sure to emphasize in the interview that if you don't know something, you'll put in effort to find out so that you'll know in the future.
However, a question like "Why do you want to work here?" is something you should definitely have an answer to, since it regards your personality, rather than procedures. Most companies would rather hire someone who wants to be hired for a reason! The best thing in this case is to come up with job aspect - for example, let's say you'd be working with people, and say: "Because I'd like to work with people. I like feeling like I've been helpful and useful." Or, "Because I'd like to work with computers. I like finishing a computer task; it's like pieces of a puzzle fitting together."
The key isn't really in your answer, it's in the impression you give them. Some people say "I don't know", but because they emphasize that they'd be willing to learn, they come off as genuine and hardworking. Other say it, and come off as unsure of themselves and disinterested.
So, that said, if you really absolutely don't know, say so, but explain why! Let's say you don't know why you're working there - if you can't come up with a half-decent reason, you could say,
"To be honest, I don't know. I saw the job posted and I thought it sounded like a job I could see myself doing, so I thought I'd take a chance on it and apply."
One thing that helps is to know in advance what questions will be asked. Ahead of time, for example, you should be able to describe your personality (friendly, hardworking, etc), your areas for improvement (worrying too much about the job, etc), your job experience, and why you'd be a good person for the job.
Here are some sites that give good advice on surviving an interview:
http://www.workopolis.com/servlet/Content/torontostar/20030715/topqs?section=TORSTAR
http://www.workopolis.com/servlet/Content/torontostar/20020422/interviews?section=TORSTAR
http://www.groovejob.com/resources/interview/tips/
Good luck & don't worry too much - people will look at your interview as a whole, and a lot of people can say nearly anything and still demonstrate their awesome personality.
Answered by the_ghost_orchid
A:
Absolutley it's ok. It's better to not know than to just make someting up. However, don't use "I don't know" as an catch all, think about the question and you may be able to determine what the answer is.
Answered by Think About It
A:
"i don't know"
now how do that seem to you?
bad? then don't do it. just know or say "i plea the 5th."
Answered by technical difficulties
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You had better AT LEAST have an answer to "Why do you want to work here," and "What can you offer the company" and "Why are you leaving your current job."
Answered by Posey
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Yes it is okay to say you don't know or can not think of a good answer right now. Better to admit it then to try to make up an answer that is ridiculous.
Answered by Toosense
A:
There's no problem if you say "I don't know" on a technical question but you should never say that in the question "why do you want to work here?". That's the type of questions an employer always ask on an interview, so you have to be prepare. I'm a Professional Recruiter and I can recommend you to review some items before a work interview. Check about your experience, achievements or results, specific situations you've had, your skills, strong areas and why do you want that position. If you review these before, your gonna be successful.
Answered by Marie
A:
A better reply would be: "I don't know, but I recommend forming a committee to address that question.
Now, is everyone ready for some Zimas?!!"
Answered by STEVE
A:
Never never say "I don't know" during an interview. It just looks so bad to them, makes you seem like an idiot. Yes, interviews can be nerve-wracking and make you forget what you want to say, but you should always prepare yourself for the sorts of questions they may ask you, especially if the question is "Why do you want to work here?" Most interviewers generally ask the same questions, such as "What are your goals?" or "What do you like to do?" or "What are the skills you can bring to this job?" Each of those questions should be fairly easy to answer.
My advice...never say "I don't know."
Answered by SassySours
A:
during a job interview they will ask you lots of standard questions. one of them being - why do you want to work here?
you should ALWAYS have an answer to these general kinds of questions. have one ready in advance. if this is your first job, it doesn't have to be anything fancy. but you do need an answer.
Answered by Crazy dog lady
A:
i don't think saying i don't know is good answer to anything during an interview.
Answered by guesswhoohme
A:
There is nothing wrong with admitting that you do not know.It is better than going ahead to answer and making a total flop!
But there are certain questions you obviously need to anticipate and be ready for!.
Answered by willi pee
A:
I don't think it's really bad to say "I don't know" because you don't know the answer to their question! lol:) Anyways when I was 17 and was being interviewd for lifeguarding at a local swim park,I said "Well....I'm not real sure on that one....TBD...To be determined!" They said "Alright" left it at that kinda chuckled at my "TBD"saying.I still got the job that very week.I still am a lifeguard there and I am 24 almost 25! 8 years it's been a partime job!! :) Good Luck! Hope this helps!!
Answered by Deja Vu
A:
Yes - especially if the alternative is to make something up.
Answered by lord_darbyshire
A:
you need to prepare a good answer to that question in advance if you want the job
Answered by nora7142@verizon.net
A:
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!
Answered by *~HoNeYBeE~*
A:
It all depends on the question. In the case of "Why do you want to work here" you should try to plan for it in advace. Think on why you applied prior to stepping into the interview. Saying I don't know to that kind of question is not good, it makes the interviewer think your not serious about this job and you applied for no given reason. That response would almost assuridly give you a failure in the interview.
If you are looking at a technical question that is in regards to jobs you will do then I don't know is good, however follow it up with HOW you would find the resolution.
Interviewers ask questions that express their "pain and worries" the are experiencing or forse. They ask you to see how you will help them relieve the painand worry. If they didn't have thise issues why would they need to hire anyone?
Hope this helps!
Answered by Sarah B
A:
BE honest ac t straightforward with your answers .
Do some homework ,on the sort of job you are applying for ,
then the likelihood of having to give a negative answer won't arise.
think up and rehearse your stock answers , keep them simple and friendly. is a good answer,
when all else fails
" I don't know about this ,but i am willing to learn,"
Remember all the people interviewing you, have been through the experience themselves .
.
Or/ i have never heard of a "reverse spindle hammer" , but i would like to understand its function,
Try to get interested in the job that is offered .
Good luck
>^,,^<
Answered by sweet-cookie
A:
Definetly say it, rather than make up something and get caught at it.
On the other hand, one should be prepared to answer questions like the one you ask. It is a fair question, similar to the one where the interviewer asks "Why should I hire you instead of someone else?"
At the bottom of the list of what you can do is to lie. NEVER, NEVER lie. The consequences of getting caught can be very severe.
Answered by Vince M
A:
No, it is never ok to say i don't know to -why do you want to work here......If you are not sure about the company do some research on it and find an answer to that question......If your response is i don't know.....you will not get the job....
Answered by naj
A:
If you don't know say I don't know but usually I am not sure but I will find out for you is a better answer or can I get back to you with an answer to that later?
Answered by fungirl
A:
yes-better be honest if u really dont know
Answered by Evelyn
A:
by all means be truthful. if you bluff an answer or guess
at it the interviewer will figure that you will try to bluff
your way around difficult tasks as well.
Answered by agedlioness
A:
I DON'T KNOW? Well if it is an indirect question, such as
"do you think this company could gain customers in this area?" then yes its OK, but Direct questions about you such as "Why do YOU want to work here, if you can't answer a question which has no right or wrong answer you will not impress the interviewer at all. One answer that will apply to many diff. questions is I like a challenge. The number one thing to remember in an interview is be yourself, if they ask you why you want to work there, then tell them, if it is I NEED A JOB then tell them I NEED A JOB. Honesty can get you far. GOOD LUCK
Answered by tnmomof2as
A:
If you're asked a question about your opinion or feelings, like why you want to work there, then definitely give an answer. If you say I don't know to a question like that it sounds like you're unable to think for yourself. However, if the question is something that requires knowledge of a specific task or procedure, like how would you create a formula in an Excel spreadsheet, you could say you weren't required to do that in previous jobs, but you're confident you could learn it very quickly (or something like that). In other words, be a little creative with the way you say "I don't know".
Answered by rosecitylady
A:
I dun think its okay to say you dun know. A least not straight out. Maybe a 'I'm not sure but it should be..." or, in the case of your question, " I believe that ....."
Answered by Hermione Malfoy
A:
Everything depends on a question and on the type of the interview.
If the question is "why do you want to work here" and you will answer "I dont know" then the asker will be a little bit confused. Cuz the best way to take the job is to make this interview a nice talk. You must give the asker not one word answer. Then he or she will understand how to continue.
Answered by Kate
A:
As an employer it would depend on the question. If I asked you "Why do you want to work here?" and you said "I don't know," I would probably not be interested in talking to you anymore. You should definitely be able to answer a question like that. However, if I asked you a more technical question that applied to the job, for instance, "How would you deal with a customer who became verbally abusive to you?" - you might respond with something like "Gee that's a good question. I haven't had that experience before. Let me think about it." That kind of answer would tell me that even if you don't know something, you have the ability to think about it and come up with something.
Answered by Siri
A:
You should absolutely come up w/ an answer for that quest. and most quests. unless you absolutely don't know.
Answered by aqualovefire
A:
it kind of depends on what the question is.like if they ask why do you want the job you can say u do not know.but if they ask what is your income or something like that then you would want to know
Answered by yogie_boo_boo18
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