When you're interviewing for a role, there's one thing you hope never comes up:

Questions about experience you don't have.

Truth is, hoping interviewers won't ask about it isn't really a strategy.

It's going to come up and you need to know how to handle.

Here's how to do it in 3 easy steps:

1. Be Honest

Don’t try to beat around the bush or make stuff up.

Tell them your previous roles haven’t focused on that skill or tool.

2. Reiterate The Skill’s Importance

Next, emphasize that you know how important this skill is.

You understand that it’s a critical part of the job.

3. Show Them You’re Working On It

Finally, tell them what you’re doing to learn that skill.

Show them you’re investing in it so you’ll be ready to go.

Here’s an example answer:

“My previous role didn’t place a ton of focus on SQL. That said, I know how important SQL is to the success of this role. I want to be able to hit the ground running so enrolled in a SQL foundations course from Coursera. I’m 2 weeks away from finishing it and then I’ll be moving on Advanced SQL. If I get the opportunity to work for this team, I won’t miss a beat.”

Employers love candidates who proactively invest in themselves.