When You Don’t Know How to Answer an Interview Question

You’d love to work at this school.  And so far, the interview is going great!   Then, a question hits you like a rogue dodgeball in gym class.  Your brain goes silent. You have no idea what to say.  What should you do when you don’t know how to answer an interview question?

This situation is more common than you think – it’s not possible to prepare for every interview scenario.  Plus, some interviewers pride themselves on posing unique questions designed to challenge a candidate.  

Let’s start by breaking down the two major reasons a well-prepared candidate (that’s you!) might go blank on an interview question.

1. You’re knowledgeable about the topic but lack the practical experience in a certain situation to form a response.

2. You don’t know anything about the topic.

This article focuses on simple strategies to help you handle those stressful moments with grace, confidence, and strategy.

Scenario #1: You’re knowledgeable about the topic but lack experience in a particular situation.

Examples of situational questions include:

• • “Tell us about a time when…”
  • “How did you handle ___?”
  • “Describe a situation where you…”
    

For situational questions, the panel wants a real-life example from your experience.  But if you’re a new teacher or simply haven’t faced that scenario before, how should you respond?  

We recommend relying on the G-E-T response method.

Start with your general philosophy or belief on that topic.  Identify the large issue the question addresses.  Whether it is classroom management, instruction, or working with colleagues, most questions fall into just a few categories.  Briefly share your philosophy on that particular topic.  

Next, give examples.  Share that you have not had experience with this particular situation.  Then, explain how you would handle the situation.   Describe the rationale for your choices.

To end your answer, tie it back to the question.  Connect your response to your general philosophy or relate it in some way to the school.

Here’s an example:

Scenario #2: You don’t know anything about the topic.

While a lack of experience can feel like a roadblock, unfamiliar topics can be even more intimidating.

And let’s face it: Education has its secret language. Acronyms. Frameworks. Initiatives.  Some interview questions might reference terms you’ve never used or heard of.

If you’re stumped by a question, try this approach:

Ask a clarifying question.  An interview isn’t a test, it’s a conversation. Asking for clarification shows curiosity and professionalism. You might say:

“I’m not familiar with that specific term — could you give me a quick overview of how it’s used at this school?”

This gives you time to process and formulate a response.

Connect to what you know.  Once you understand the general concept, tie it to something from your own practice.

Tie the question back to your teaching philosophy. Wrap up by connecting the topic to your core values as an educator. This helps the panel see that even if you’re new to something, you’re willing to learn and that your philosophy aligns with their school.

What about saying “I don’t know”?  Avoid it.

Saying “I don’t know” effectively ends the conversation. It puts the pressure back on the interviewer to either ask a follow-up question or move on to the next question.  

That said, honesty is important.

It’s okay to acknowledge that something is new to you but don’t stop there. Show how you’d approach it. Show how you think. Administrators want to see how you handle curveballs because that’s what teaching is: constant, unpredictable curveballs.

Lastly, Stay calm and show your thought process.

Without question, I would rather hire a teacher who is excited to learn and who is on board with my school’s culture and priorities than a teacher who knows every educational concept.  

It’s more important that you can demonstrate that you’re reflective, eager to learn, and able to troubleshoot unfamiliar situations.  In doing so, you’re showing the exact mindset successful teachers need. 

💬 Your Turn

Have you ever been completely stumped by a teacher interview question? Share your experience in the comments — or drop a question you’re nervous about, and we’ll help you workshop a great response.  

Remember you can always email us at ourteam@newteachercoach.com!

Good luck!

Amanda Melsby has been a professional educator for 20 years.  She taught English before working as an assistant principal and later as a high school principal.  Amanda holds an Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Leadership and is currently a dean of teaching and learning.