How do you answer an interview question you haven't prepared for? Like about a prior experience.

By following these tips, you can effectively navigate unexpected interview questions and demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and adapt to different situations.

When faced with an interview question that you haven't prepared for, such as one about a prior experience, it's important to stay calm and composed. Here's how you can approach answering such a question effectively:

  1. Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the question being asked. Take a moment to understand the key points the interviewer is interested in.

  2. Pause and Gather Your Thoughts: Don't rush into answering immediately. Take a brief pause to gather your thoughts and formulate a structured response in your mind.

  3. Relate to Relevant Experiences: Even if you haven't specifically prepared for this question, try to relate it to relevant experiences from your past. Think about similar situations or projects where you demonstrated relevant skills or qualities.

  4. Use the STAR Method: Structure your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide a clear and concise response. Start by briefly describing the situation or task, explain the actions you took, and highlight the results or outcomes achieved.

  5. Be Honest and Authentic: It's okay to admit if you don't have a direct experience related to the question. However, you can still highlight transferable skills or qualities that make you a suitable candidate for the role.

  6. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and confidence in your response, even if you feel unsure. Remember that interviewers are often more interested in how you approach and handle the question than in having a perfect answer.

  7. Practice Active Listening: Throughout the interview, actively listen to the interviewer's questions and any follow-up prompts. This can help you better tailor your responses and address any specific points they are interested in.