You have fared well in the written test and the group discussion.You are just a step away from admission to your dream programme -- t...
You have fared well in the written test and the group
discussion.You are just a step away from admission to your dream programme --
the personal interview.
A panel of management experts, a battery of questions. Are
you perspiring already?
Well, a personal interview could actually be challenging and
fun if you just relax and remain focused. Think of it as a conversation between
the interview panel and yourself, so enjoy it thoroughly.
To begin with, there are four main focus areas in any
personal interview:
- Personal details
- Academic details
- Your background
- Current affairs
Commandments for
every personal interview
Even after months of preparation, some candidates do not
perform well inside the interview room.The trick is to follow the below
commandments practice them during mock interview sessions diligently. You are
sure to crack the personal interview.
1. Whenever the interviewer asks any questions, listen
carefully. Do not interrupt him midway. Ask for a clarification if the question
is not clear. Wait a second or two before you answer. And don't dive into the
answer!
2. Speak clearly. Don't speak very slowly. Be loud enough so
that the interviewers don't have to strain their ears.
3. Brevity is the hallmark of a good communicator. An
over-talkative or verbose person is disliked and misjudged instantly, so keep
it short.
4. If you don't know an answer, be honest. The interviewer
will respect your integrity and honesty. Never exaggerate.
5. Never boast about your achievements. Don't be
overconfident -- it is often misinterpreted by interviewers for arrogance.
6. Don't get into an argument with the interviewer on any
topic. Restrain yourself, please!
7. Remember your manners. Project an air of humility and be
polite.
8. Project enthusiasm. The interviewer usually pays more
attention if you display enthusiasm in whatever you say.
9. Maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview,
because a pleasant countenance holds the interviewers' interest.
10. Maintain perfect eye contact with all panel members;
make sure you address them all. This shows your self-confidence and honesty.
11. Avoid using slang. It may not be understood and will
certainly not be appreciated.
12. Avoid frequent use of words and phrases like, 'I mean';
'You know'; 'I know'; 'Well'; 'As such'; 'Fine'; 'Basically', etc.
13. When questions are asked in English, reply in English
only. Do not use Hindi or any other languages. Avoid using Hindi words like
matlab, ki, maine, etc.
14. Feel free to ask questions if necessary. It is quite in
order and much appreciated by interviewers.
15. Last but not the least, be natural. Many interviewees
adopt a stance that is not their natural self. Interviewers find it amusing
when a candidate launches into a new accent that s/he cannot sustain
consistently through the interview or adopts a mannerism that is inconsistent
with their own personality.It is best to talk naturally. You come across as
genuine.
Mind your body
language!
1. Do not keep shifting your position.
2. Your posture during the interview adds to or diminishes
your personality. Be a little conscious of your posture and gestures. They
convey a lot about your personality.
3. Sit straight. Keep your body still. You may, of course,
use your hand gestures freely.
4. Avoid these mannerisms at all costs:
- Playing with your
tie
- Theatrical gestures
- Shaking legs
- Sitting with your
arms slung over the back of the adjoining chair
Post interview
etiquette
1. Make sure you thank the interviewers as a mark of respect
for the time they have spared for you.
2. As you rise and are about to leave, make sure you collect
up your pen/ pencil/ all other stationery.
3. After getting up, place your chair in its original
position.
The last word
1. Some institutes (like the Faculty of Management Studies)
ask you to deliver an extempore speech suddenly while the interview is going
on. Be mentally prepared for the same.
2. Competition will be very tough. Every mistake you commit
will turn into an advantage for the other candidates. Hence, be very particular
about your preparation. Do not leave anything to chance or the last minute.
3. Remember you have to sell yourself in an interview.
4. Be very particular about what you write in your resume. Check
and re-check your resume for facts, spelling errors, etc. Ensure that there are
no grammatical errors in the descriptive type questions in the sheet.
Use these tips, and say goodbye to your interview phobia!