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You've made it to the job interview, and you're doing great. Then, because it's the 21st century, the hiring manager asks, "How do you approach learning new technologies?"
You know they want to see how adaptable and tech-savvy you are. But what’s the best way to show that — even if you're not super confident with technology or new tools?
What the Interviewer is Really Asking
Interviewers are looking for two key things about you:
Adaptability — Can you adjust to new tools and systems quickly?
Problem-solving — When faced with unfamiliar technology, how do you figure it out?
In your answer, you'll want to:
Highlight an example of how you've learned new tech in the past
Show enthusiasm for growth and learning
Mention specific strategies you use to get up to speed, like online courses, tutorials, or hands-on experimentation
Did you know?
Working on these traits means you're developing a growth mindset— the belief that you're capable of learning anything if you put in the effort and time. This is a perspective that can set you up for lifelong growth and success.
Example Responses
Whether you're confident in learning new technologies or not, there are many ways to answer this question honestly while still impressing your interviewer and showing your willingness to learn.
An example of an effective response if you're confident with technology:
"I enjoy learning new technologies. Recently, I needed to learn [insert technology] for a project, so I took an online course and followed tutorials. After using it, our workflow became more efficient, and we were able to save time on tasks. I’m always eager to try new tools to see how they can make my work easier and more productive."
Now, an example response if you're still building confidence with technology:
"I approach learning new technology step by step. For example, when I had to learn [insert technology], I started with the basics and gradually got more comfortable by exploring tutorials and practicing regularly. I’m always open to learning and improving."
Did you know?
Did you notice that the first example answer included a comment on the actual impact of the interviewees' learning? It's always a good idea to finish a response to a question like this one by mentioning real results.
Learn more about the STAR method of answering these kinds of questions and nail it every time.
Let's Practice
Scenario:
Meet Jeremy, a recent graduate applying for an entry-level marketing role.
During the interview, the hiring manager asks, "How do you approach learning new technologies?" Jeremy knows the company uses several unfamiliar tools, like new email marketing software and analytics platforms, but he's never worked with them before. He wants to be honest in his answer.
What is the best response for Jeremy?
A: "I always figure things out as I go. I’m sure I’ll learn eventually with enough practice."
B: "I approach learning new technologies by taking it step by step. I usually start by looking up tutorials or asking my coworkers for tips."
C: "I prefer sticking to the technologies I’m already comfortable with. Learning new ones can be overwhelming for me."
D: "I don’t really focus much on technology in my work. I prefer to leave that to others, but I’ll try if it's really necessary."
Quiz
How should Jeremy respond?
Option B is the most effective response for Jeremy to give. This response explains that he doesn’t know the technology yet but is ready to learn, and knows what steps to take on his own to begin that process. The other options, however, may tell the interviewer that Jeremy doesn't really have a process for learning new technologies, that he is inflexible and unwilling to learn new things, or that he is uninterested in learning, making these responses much less effective.
Take Action
Preparing for an interview? Be ready to fire off a great answer to this question by taking these steps in advance:
This Byte has been authored by
Gracie Dowd
Learning Designer