Technical Difficulties (2024)

FAQs

What if I can't answer a technical interview question? ›

If you're asked a question that you really can't work through, own up and try redirecting to an area you are familiar with. You may not be able to speak to a certain skill directly, but if you're able to connect it to similar skills, you're much better off than just saying you don't have the skill they're looking for.

From a hiring manager's perspective, it's not a major red flag if you don't know the answer to a specific question, Chris says. Technical interviews are rarely about checking if you know all there is to know about React or Kubernetes, especially if you're interviewing for a junior position.

Technical difficulties

Examples include internet connection hiccups, video interview software they haven't used before, or hardware (e.g. camera and microphone) setup. While candidates don't need to be IT experts to attend a video interview, there are certain tech issues they might not be aware of in advance.

Technical Challenges

They're easy to spot. For example, your organization keeps experiencing software issues that reduce efficiency. They can be solved by experts using their know-how. This could be an in-house technical expert who knows how to work with the software and has dealt with similar problems in the past.

The first thing you should do when you don't know how to solve a technical issue is to ask for help. You are not alone in your role, and there are likely other people who have more experience or knowledge than you. You can reach out to your colleagues, your supervisor, or your mentor for guidance.

How to explain technical things to a non-technical person? ›

Avoid jargon, acronyms, and assumptions that may not be clear or common to them. Use simple and clear language, examples, and analogies that relate to their experience or context. Absolutely, understanding your audience is key when explaining technical concepts.

Technical Difficulties are unforeseen equipment problems such as hardware failures or software bugs that make it difficult or impossible to perform a desired action.

Be honest. It's perfectly acceptable to admit you don't know the answer. Interviewers don't expect you to be all-knowing. If applicable, explain how you would research the issue or consult experts to get the information you need on the job.

When you don't know the answer to difficult interview questions, be honest and admit your lack of familiarity with the topic. The worst thing you can do is fake expertise when you really don't feel comfortable with a subject. That said, don't dwell on what you don't know.

Talk to them, ask questions, explain yourself, and if you get stuck or don't know how to go on, explain to them exactly the thing that is giving you trouble. In most cases you'll get some help and more importantly you'll show them you're actually trying to work towards a solution.

Be honest. It's perfectly acceptable to admit you don't know the answer. Interviewers don't expect you to be all-knowing. If applicable, explain how you would research the issue or consult experts to get the information you need on the job.

Tactic number one, ask clarifying questions. If the question doesn't make sense to you or if you're just not sure what the interview is looking for in your response, ask for clarification. This allows for better understanding and some more time to think so that you can provide a more appropriate answer.