Getting stumped in an interview is never fun. !

But, take solace in the fact that you are not the first or the last person to get stuck. !

Here are some tips to make get through those rough patches when an interviewer’s question leaves you reeling:

S TAY C A L M & B R E AT H E .

• Try not to let yourself get worked up into a panic. (Once panic sets in, it’s hard to think clearly)

• Don’t immediately blurt out “I don’t know.”

• Take a few deep breaths and give yourself a moment to think.

• Remind yourself it’s okay to not know the full answer, & come up with a response that is at least viable

A S K Q U E S T I O N S

• You are absolutely allowed to ask for clarification if a question is unclear.

• Tech/Developer interviews usually have a whiteboarding or pairing session where questions are expected/encouraged

• Did You Know? - Talking through a problem out loud actually helps with your thought process

K N O W W H E N T O L E T I T G O

• If you’ve exhausted all options and you really cannot come up with a viable answer, then be okay with saying so

• You’ll be able to feel out when the interviewer feels as though enough time has past.

• In this event, promise that you’ll find the answer and reach out via a follow up

F O L L O W U P !

• No matter what, a follow up email should be sent after any interview

• But they are especially important if you promised an answer.

• Show that you did your research and actively worked to understand the concept/question that stumped you.

• Always thank your interviewer for their time

H T T P : / / S H E R R I E S U S K I . C O M /