What should I say if I don’t know the answer to a technical question?

I’d never make something up - that can backfire. Instead, I’d be honest but strategic:

1. Admit you don’t know, but show how you’d approach solving it (“I’m not sure, but here’s how I’d think through it…”).
2. Connect to what you do know (“I haven’t seen this exact case, but based on X, I’d expect Y.”).
3. Offer to follow up if relevant.

Interviewers value problem-solving over guessing.

Hey there, 

As Max already mentioned, definitely don’t make up nonsense. Interviewers can see right through that. When I was coaching candidates (and even in my own interviews), I always advised this: if you don’t know, stay calm and show how you’d think through it. Say something like, “I’m not 100% sure, but here’s how I’d approach it…” and try to reason your way through.

If you’re totally stuck, it’s fine to admit it, but do it the right way: “I haven’t come across this before, but I’d love to learn. Could you assist and walk me through it?” That way, you show curiosity instead of just giving up. Trust me, interviewers don’t expect you to know everything. They just want to see how you handle pressure and problem-solving.

I hope that helped and let me know if you need further support. 

Hi,

If you don’t know the answer to a technical question in an interview, it's best to be honest rather than making something up. You can say something like, “I’m not sure about that specific detail, but I can walk you through how I’d approach solving it.” This shows that you’re willing to admit when you don’t know something, but also highlights your problem-solving skills. You could also explain how you’d find the answer, such as “I would look up resources like [specific resource] or consult with a team member to gain clarity.” Finally, it’s helpful to express your eagerness to learn by saying something like, “That’s an area I’m working on improving, and I’m excited to deepen my knowledge in this field.” This approach demonstrates humility, resourcefulness, and a growth mindset—qualities that interviewers truly value.