INTERVIEWQUESTIONS
- ABOUT YOURSELF
- ACADEMICS
- WHAT IF ALL GOES WRONG?
- What are your options if you do not get through in MBA this time?
- What kind of body language should I use?
- Where would you see yourself five years from now? - What is your career plan?
- comment on communication skills
- If we were to make a choice between you and a colleague who was sitting next to you in the GD, whom should we choose?
- Why do you not want to continue in your previous college?
- CREATIVITY BASED QUESTIONS
- DO'S AND DONT'S
- DRESS CODE
- ASKING QUESTIONS AND THE END
- How do I greet the interviewer?
- Tell us an incident that changed the course of your life?
- How should I handle myself in a "stress interview" situation?
- What if I cannot answer the question being asked to me?
- What should be the pace of my speech in the interview?
- How do you rank your performance in the GD?
- How do I establish a rapport (impression) with the interviewer?
- Why should I hire you?
Tell us something about yourself.--Introduce yourself
Why does the interviewer ask you this question?
When the evaluator asks you this question, it could be because of severalreasons:
There is more than one interviewer in the panel and your bio-data is with oneinterviewer.
So, this is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to thoseinterviewers who have not seen your bio-data as yet.
The interviewer would like to put you at ease by asking you a questionthat he knows you can answer well.
The interviewer would like to know you better - i.e. he would like to knowmore about you than what is written in the bio-data.
The interviewer has not planned out the remaining questions as yet - so,interviewer would like to take hints from what you say to plan out his nextquestion.
How should you prepare for this question?
Your main objective in answering the question is to veer the interviewer toareas where you are most comfortable i.e. to the topics you would like to talkmore about.
It could be:
Hobbies and extra curricular activities.
Special achievements
Strengths or weaknesses
Work experience
Academics
Family background
Usually, interviewers would like to ask questions on topics you arecomfortable with, and would like to test the depth of your knowledge inthose topics.
So, now take a long break and do some Introspection.
What are your topics you are most comfortable with?
Do you have any interesting hobbies (e.g. palmistry, mountaineering, ghazalsetc.) which could interest the interviewers?
Make a list of the questions that could be asked on the topic you have chosenand be prepared with answers.
Poor answer.
My name is "...." My father, "...." works with"....", my mother is "...." and my brother is studying in"..." I have done my schooling from "...", thereafter I didmy graduation from "...", my specialization being "..." Ihave also worked for "..." years. with "..."
The above answer suffers from some major deficiencies:
1) The interviewer is interested in knowing more about you, perhaps more thanwhat is given in the bio-data. He is usually not very interested in your familybackground. Perhaps, you could let the interviewer understand you better bytelling him about your hobbies, strengths and weaknesses, special achievementsin life, why you are interested in doing MBA etc.
2) The answer does not provide the interviewer with the direction for the nextquestion. The candidate could have easily veered the interviewer to his areas ofstrength.
Some good sample answers
1) (For a person who has reading management books as his hobby) My name is"...." I did my graduation from "...", my specialisationbeing "..." I have also worked for "..." years. with"..."
I first got motivated to do an MBA(Or Engg.,Medical etc.) when my father giftedme "Lee Loccocca's auto-biography." The book was an eye-opener as ithelped me get a better understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of amanager. I have since then read books by Tom Peters, Goldratt and Prahalad,which I find to be interesting and stimulating. I feel that a knowledge ofdifferent theories of management and different functional areas got by doing anMBA from "....." would help me better appreciate the issues that Ihave been reading from the management books.
Analysis
Now, there is a fair enough chance that any Professor taking the interview wouldlike to dwell at length about Ioccocca, Peters and other management gurus, whichis what the candidate has prepared for - it has definitely created a goodstarting impression
2) (For a candidate who has leadership skills and teamwork as his strengths) Myname is "...." I did my graduation from "...", myspecialisation being "..." I have also worked for "..."years with "..."
My strengths are being a good leader and team player. In my school days, I was a"school captain...," in college I "...." These strengths Ifeel would help me become a good manager, because I feel managing people well isone of the greatest traits of an effective manager.
Analysis
The candidate has told the interviewers about his leadership skills and thedifferent posts that he held in his academic career. This has definitely createda good impression on the interviewers - moreover, the interviewers would perhapsquestion him about the extracurricular activities.
Personal questions:
Personal questions areindividual specific. A thorough thought process is necessary to answer thequestions. Some questions that could be asked are as follows:
1) Introduce yourself
2) What your family background or parental influences?
3) Whatis the meaning of your name?
4) Name 3 of your strengths and weaknesses? How do you plan to resolveyour weaknesses?
Describe oneincident which brings about your strengths / weaknesses?
5) Given a choice, if there is one thing which you could change inyourself, what would it be?
6) Who is your role model? Why?
7) Describe an incident which changed the course of your life. What didyou learn from it?
8) What was the most embarrassing/ terrifying incident of your life?
9) What is your measure of success?
10) How would you rank your performance in the GD?
11) If we (interviewers) were to make a choice between you and yourfriend, whom should we choose and why?
12) Whatwould you do to get rid of the weakness you have?
TOP
ACADEMICS
Academics
The evaluators are keen to know your academic performance. Questions in thisarea are asked to test whether a candidate has been serious in his career.Though, this is not the only way to test an individual , this is one of thecommonest way. If this is your area of weaknesses be prepared with supportingreasons . The probable questions in this area are as follows:
1) Quantitative/Mathematical Questions
2) Projects done as a part of the curriculum
3) Explain academic performance graph, if goingdown.
4) Favorite subject and most hated subject with reasons
5) Application of theories and concepts
6) Current happenings in the area of your academics, if any
General guidelines:
1) Do not bluff . If you are not sure of the answer, you can always say" I don't know" instead of getting caught .
2) Do not use jargons or technical terms
3) You should be so clear about your subjects that you could explain to achild.
4) Use examples if possible
5) Never lose your calm.
Explainacademic performance graph, if going down:
Why does the interviewer ask you this question?
n Most of the evaluatorslook highly upon good academic performance - so, in case you have poorgrades, they would like to know the reasons why.
n The interviewer would beinterested in knowing if you are a habitual poor performer, or have donebadly for a particular course.
n The interviewer wouldbe interested in knowing if you are hardworking and ready to improve
How should you prepare for this question?
n Remember that your mainaim is to divert the attention of the examiner from your grades, (Whichis your weakness) to your areas of strength (maybe some extra-curricularactivities, hobbies, current affairs etc.) The lesser the time spentdiscussing your poor academic performance, the better. Do not spend moretime talking about the poor performance at length and longexplanations.
n Low grades show thatyou lack consistency, perseverance and the ability to put in hard work. Ifyou could subtly (through your hobbies, extra curricular activities etc.) showthat you do possess these qualities, it would be a definite advantagefor you.
n Low grades do notnecessarily mean low caliber. You may not be interested in your subject but youcould have done a lot of reading on some topics that interests you (e.g.astronomy, history, epics etc.) You may also cite the examples of people likeEinstein, Edison, Lincoln etc. who were poor academically but were genius intheir own right. But be very well prepared, as you will bequestioned on the subjects you claim to be good at.
n Be prepared for thequestions on academics that you may be asked. It has been noticed that ifthe student were bad at academics, interviewers would like to ask some questionsto check out depth of knowledge of candidate in that particular area. On theother hand, if you are able to give correct answers, the impact of poorperformance is reduced. So refresh your basics
n If you have a consistentlevel of good performance, you may be asked what other activities did youpursue. The evaluators want to evaluate your personality as a whole. They arekeen to know whether you were stronger only in your studies or you took activeinterest in some other activities . If you follow certain hobbies and havereceived awards in some extracurricular activities, be sure to mentionthem.
Good answers ( If poor academic performance)
The answers to this question are very much specific to the candidate. Followingare some answers usually given to explain for bad grades
1) The examiners understand that comparing across universities, andcomparing across disciplines is not easy - 70% marks may be excellentfor Orissa Board in English but pathetic for Maharashtra Board exams in Science.Moreover, it is impossible for the professors to know what is the"good performance marks" across different institutes in the country(If possible, you could use this fact to your advantage).
2) If your grades have improved over time, it could be a goodindication of the fact that you learn things fast. You could say that"being a slow starter is one of my weaknesses, but I keep improvingover time. I hope that I would be a topper in the management institute Ijoin."
3) If you had better grades in school and lower grades in college,you could say "Sir, I have always been a good student at school, andthat is reflected by my good grades at school. In college, I did keep up withthe studies, but other than studies I also took active part in extracurricularactivities like organizing "..." in 1st year, "..." in 2ndyear.... This has helped me improve my personality and honed my leadershipskills, which I feel would help me become in handling multiplesituations."
4) If you have low grades but are confident in the subject, you couldsay, "I do not believe that grades completely reflect on how well oneknows one's subject - even though I might have got bad grades, I amconfident about my subject. And be ready to be asked the most difficult questionspossible in your subject - but if you answer well, it will create a goodimpression
5) If you have several extracurricular activities, talk at length about yourextra-curricular activities,what you learnt from such activities and how thatwould help you become a better manager.Try to make your answer interesting. Incase you are able to interest the interviewers in your extra-curricularactivities, it is highly probable that they would not quiz you further inacademics
6) If there were some unfortunate events that diverted your attention fromstudies (e.g. loss of a near and dear one, an illnessetc.), you could state those reasons. Interviewers are usually sympathetic towards such answers - we all face those difficultdays in life.
Whatif it all goes wrong?
You might sensethat you are failing to establish a rapport with the interviewer. This is veryprobable in most interviewers.
Reasons could be:
1) Interviewers want to conduct a stress interview: Here interviewers do notexpress any opinions about what you say and maintain a very straight facethroughout - so that you do not know how you are faring in the interview. Insuch a situation, try to maintain your composure, smile and nod atinterviewers. Occasionally, wit and humor in your answers could also help. Neverbecome nervous or think that you are doing badly in the interview. Concentrateon answering the questions asked to the best of your ability.
2) It is possible that you are at fault. Consider the followingpoints :
a)Are you talking too much? Pause more often andshorten your answers - listen more carefully to what interviewers have tosay.
b) Are your answers so short that they sound curt? Soften your tone. Show theinterviewers, by nods and gestures, that you are interested in thequestions and comments. Also,try to answer questions more completely byanalyzing issues in greater depth.
c) Respond with energy and enthusiasm - speakwith clarity and use facial expressions as a visual aid to emphasize yourmeaning.
Don'ts
Don't get irritated or aggressive, give contrary points of view, or givelong-winded
explanations to cover your mistakes.
What areyour options if you do not get through in MBA this time?
Why do evaluators ask you this question?
1) To know whether you are clear about your other options if youdo not get through in MBA this time - whether you have a contingency oralternate plan of action.
2) To see how honest you are in answering this question. Theywould also like to check out how whether you have the confidence inyourself about getting through in MBA.
3) Gauge your career focus.
Good answers
1) " I see no reason why I should not get through in MBA this time,but I have alternate plans if I am not successful."
2) " I am confident of qualifying in MBA this time. If I am unableto qualify in MBA, then I plan to join … in May this year. I believe thata year in the industry will benefit me in the long run. I will be able tocontribute more effectively in class and group discussions when I reapply toyour Institute next year."
Analysis (for 1 and 2 above):
The candidate is very confident, but is still smart enough tohave an alternate plan
3) "I have been in the industry for three years, and feel that togrow in the organization and to grow personally, I need to spend two years in abusiness school. If I am unsuccessful in this attempt, I will return to mywork and try again next year. I am confident that the skills I acquire at officewill stand me in good stead in the future."
BODY LANGUAGE
What kind of bodylanguage should I use?
Why should I botherabout body language?
Body language is very importantin the interview - more than "what you say", "how you sayit" determines the success or failure in the interview.
n Reinforces what you are saying
n Can distract the interviewer if notwell controlled
nImpressions regarding confidence andhonesty can be built observing body language.
Body language is composition of posture, gestures, facial expressions, voiceetc. You can control your movements by following simple guidelines mentioned inthe following sections .
Breathing
Interviewers know that you may benervous, but if you are feeling really nervous, you could concentrate oncontrolling your breathing. The way in which you breathe affects the rhythm andpace of your speech. If you take short, sharp breaths in upper chest, you forceyourself to breathe too often to sustain your voice. Unnatural pauses and gaspswill punctuate your speech. You should pause at natural breaks to take in yourbreath. Pausing in these natural breaks provides a further benefit - it givesyou some time to think about what you want to say and hence control the contentof your speech.
Hands
If you do not know what to do with your hands, clasp them or put them on yourlap or put your elbow on the table in front of you. Avoid small repetitivemovements: if you keep moving your foot, smoothing your hair or nibbling yourfingernails, it will distract the interviewer and will give away yournervousness. Avoid any side to side swaying movements.
Attentiveness
Make sure your body language is sufficiently receptive. Don't turn away from theinterviewer, or wrap your arms around your chest in self-protection. Don't gazeout of the window as that gives the impression that you are not interested inthe interview process. Always try to look the interviewer in the eye whileanswering questions.
Preparation
Ask friends to observe you during "mock" interview sessions · Recordyourself giving an interview to observe subtle movements
Do's
nUse hand gestures to stress certain points
nShow that you are listening
n Smile
Don'ts
n Point at some-one (rude)
n Shake your feet(nervousness)
n Move your hands vigorously
n Show your palm (aggressive)
Where would you seeyourself five years from now? - What is your career plan?
How should youreply?
Your answer may include thefollowing components:
n You are not absolutelycertain at present
n Depending on interests,exposures and opportunities; you hope to be in a position in an organisationwhere you can make a difference.
n A position where youreducation serves you in your role. It allows interaction with bright peers and provides a steep learning curve.
For MBA Interviews:
Your answer could be structuredas:
nTalk about few industries/types of jobs, which attract you.
n State why they interest you,and where you hope to be in them. (your previous work experience asa Software programmer could lead to an interest in Venture Capital)
n State how an MBA would shapeyou for that role.
n Conclude by saying that youdo not know whether an MBA will reinforce or change your decision
Preparation
n Do some introspection andthink what interests you at present.
n Investigate career path indifferent fields.
meet with alumni or people in Industry.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ (source:NOTICE BOARD) ]]]]]]]]]]
Although it's certainly difficult to predict things far into the
future, I know what direction I want to develop toward. Within five
years, I would like to become the very best _____ your company has.
In fact, my personal career mission statement is to become a
world-class _____ in the _____ industry. I will work toward becoming
the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I will be
fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities that might be
presented in the long term.
How shouldyou choose your hobby?
Usually people have many hobbies - you have tochoose which hobbies are the best for the interview point of view. For this tryto find out the depth of your knowledge about your hobby. Once you decide onyour hobby, you should try to get in-depth knowledge about the same and also beprepared for questions like how your hobby has helped you in the past and willbe helping you in the future.
Good answers
1) "My hobbies and interests are "…" and"…". If you want, I can elaborate on them further. When asked- elaborate on the activities and highlight how you got interested in the hobbyand any significant achievements you may have had in the field. The answermust end with how these hobbies have helped you develop certain managerialskills, e.g. leadership qualities, initiative and follow-through andability to perform multiple tasks.
2) "Cricket has taught me a lot about being a team player andthe importance of being good in all aspects of whatever you do. Moreover,there are several qualities I learnt from better cricketers of our times -temperament from Steve Waugh, never-say-die attitude of Javed Miandad andconsistency of Sunil Gavaskar."
3) "Right from childhood, I have been exposed to music. Ihave not only gained an appreciation of classical music, but have alsolearned to play the suitar. Music helps me concentrate on the tasks athand, and has been a medium of expression for me. I have won several awards inschool and college, and more importantly made lots of friends with similartastes in music."
4) " What started out as a small interest in junior classes hasbecome a passion for me. I have a huge collection of stamps (nowover 12,000 stamps) from all over the world. It has allowed me to make friendsfrom different backgrounds and countries. It is a pity that email has cut downmy opportunities of getting newer stamps, but I still the one to maintainconstant touch with all my pen friends. Not only stamp collecting, theentire exercise helped me improve my written English.
5) If you have mentioned reading as an interest, make sure you have animpressive list of authors to mention. Sidney Sheldon,Jeffrey Archer, Tom Clancy, Mills and Boons, ShobhaDe are books whichSHOULD NOT be mentioned. Also avoid stating names of comics and magazines.Recommended reading: Vikram Seth, P.G.Wodehouse, Ayn Rand, George BernardShaw, Charles Dickens, William Golding, Shakespeare, JD Salinger, George Orwell.
Hobbies/Extra-curricularactivities
Hobbies and extracurricular activities are an indication of a well-roundedpersonality and highlight certain personality traits like leadership,team-working, managing more than one activity. The activities that qualifies ashobbies and extra curricular are - activities after school years, the morerecent the better. Ubiquitous activities like reading, films, etc. will requirerigorous validation through deep and varied knowledge about the field.
Also be aware of the currenthappenings or events in the area of the hobbies. Being aware is half the battlewon, the evaluators may ask your stand or opinion on the same. You have toprepare well for answering questions that could be asked related to your hobby.For e.g. If cricket is your hobby, the evaluators will ask for your opinion onthe King Commission? or Do you feel Kapil Dev is guilty? Has the CBI reportrevealed the real culprits? Another example, if
traveling, hiking etc. is your hobby; you should have a good knowledge ofdifferent places in the country, the time taken etc. If palmistry is your hobby,then the interviewers may ask you to readtheir palms - you should be confidentenough of doing well in that part of it
Other questions which can beasked on your hobbies are as follows:
1)What are your hobbies? Do you participate in extra-curricular activities.?
2) How has it added value? - how has it added to your personality / whathave you gained from this activity?. Think on the attributes you developedbecause you pursued your hobby.
3) Depth of interest and General awareness - Knowledge about thetechnicalities of the field and famous events/people/places and favoritesamongst those. Be aware of recent happenings in your field ofinterest.
4) Achievements in hobby - Any awards won, participation at renownedcompetitions, and any post or position of authority held.
5) Future pursuit of hobby - Present a balanced view where oneappreciates the demands of MBA life but then still makes reasonable room tocontinue the hobby
Comment on the importance ofhaving good communication skills in management
Communication skills consist of listening, speaking and language skills. All ofthese can be developed by self-training. Listening skills and speaking skillsare covered in other sections of this guide.
You might not be educated in an English medium school and lack fluency in spokenEnglish. English is the medium of instruction in Indian MBA schools and also thelanguage spoken by corporates, so in case you are not fluent in English, itcould be held against you.
Why do evaluators ask you this question?
n To put you in a difficultsituation knowingly, and see how do you handle it.
n To test how you defend yourweakness
How should you answer this question?
1) You should practice speaking in English in different forums - practice isvery important in spoken English.
2) You should stress that communication is not dependent on the manner inwhich you speak but on the content - the way Indiansspeak English is very different from the way in which English is spoken in foreign countries (like US and UK). If youare able to get your points across and communicateeffectively, and understand what is spoken to you, then fluency is not a major issue.
3) If you have been to college where English was the medium ofinstruction, please mention that and also mention that youfaced not difficulty in studying in those colleges. So, you should not face any difficulty in the present college
How should I reply?
n At the outset, accept therole of good communication in effective people skills and leadership skills.
n Importance of communicationskills along with that of the content of communication, giving an examplewhere the latter is more important than the former
n Refer to yourself (shows humilitybut can backfire), and at the same time mention how you have improved over time.
Why do evaluators ask youthis question?
1) To test your team skills - how well you get along with othersin the GD and what you feel about your group members
2) Your ability to prove yourself to be better than your colleagues.Proof can only come by logically stating your criteria
3) This is a sort of tricky question (note that the pointsmentioned above may be contradictory to each other). So, the evaluatorswould like to see how you answer this question objectively while nottalking bad about others in your group and at the same time, talking positivelyabout yourself.
4) Testing your diplomatic skills
How should you answer this questions?
1) Be objective and reason out the question. Firstly, it is important foryou to be a good listener and remember what the other people say sothat you can base your answer on facts. Jot down points made by otherspeakers and remember their names
2) One very good way to answer this question is to say, "Mycolleague made…. points. I believe part of what hesays about "…." But at the same time, I believe that"…", which is quite contradictory to what my colleague said. Ifeel that both of us have our own perspective about the issue - but Ibelieve firmly in what I said
Analysis
This way, it would be possible for you to answer the question without speakingnegatively about either you or your colleague, and you will get positive creditfor standing by whatever points you made in the GD.
3) Use the following as a criteria (CLASS) to compare your colleague andyourself:
C larity
L istening Skills
A dditional knowledge
S ummarizing skills
S tructure
What if I was miserable in the GD?
n State you were notcomfortable with the topic, or other reasons like
a) you felt that you did not want to add to the ongoingconfusion,
b) you had no additional points to make and gained bylistening to other people.
n State that you are confidentthat you will perform well in the interview.
n State that you gainedenormously as a listener, and must give that credit to your colleague. However,you are confident that you are a better candidate on the whole (subtly acceptingthat he was better in the GD). You are willing to move forward andnot dwell on the GD performance.
Why do you not want tocontinue in your previous college?
If you are already doing management from one institute, but would like to dofrom a better place, you will be wasting a year if you change your college ofdoing management now.
How should you answer this question?
1) Tell the interviewers that you would "like to be amongst thebest" and so you want to change to another institute.
2) Be careful that you do not speak badly about the institute where youare studying presently. At the same time, you should mentionthe good points of the institute where you would like to join.
Key things to state
n Start with the existing MBAProgramme, and mention its strengths and weaknesses. Compare the existing facilities and with what you can expect inthe future.
n Say that a good institutecan make an impact on the candidates personality , talk about:
l brighter peergroup
l greaterchallenge
l superiorfaculty
l case-studymethod
l establishedglobal reputation
l specializationin strategy
l greateropportunities in the future
n You believe that in the longrun, the knowledge gained through in-class and out-of-class interactionwill outweigh the loss of one year.
n State that training for oneyear has readied you and will help you contribute more effectively in yournew Institute.
n Conclude by saying that thefact that you are willing to give up an entire year is testimony to yourcommitment and focus on being one of the best.
Don'ts
n Talk ill of your previousinstitute
n Talk only about money andopportunities
n Ignore fact that you arerepeating a similar programme
Creativity testing questions:
These questions test theimagination of the candidate. For e.g.: "Name 10 uses of a pen apart fromits normal function". The preparation required for these questions issimilar to the extempore topics. The key point to be kept in mind in not torestrict the topic to one single dimension. Elaborate on all possible options.
Q: The candidate wasgiven a photo of a dog and a child sitting on a beach and was asked to comeup with as many different advertisements and ideas of different products andcaptions.
Candidates response:
n TV - clarity of picture
n Cameras - good quality ofphotograph
n Insurance - as a very cozy andsecure scene
n Body care products
Analysis:
The answer is good because the candidate has talked about varied options.
Q: Theinterviewers gave a photograph to the candidate. The photograph was of twopeople standing wearing turbans - one with a mobile phone, the other facinghim with his hands clenched. The candidate was asked to name five social causesthat he could fight for from that picture.
Candidate's Response :
n Dowry - As people are wearingsilken dresses, looks like a marriage, the person with the phone is askingfor dowry to the person with clenched hands who is the girl's father.
n Gender Equality - clearly thislooks like a male dominated society.
n Background decoration is verylavish and shows a lot of expenditure for a poor country like India.
n The expenditure in marriage istoo much - so I will try to popularise court marriages
Q:Again look at the picture - now think of other five ways in which you could usethe photograph.
Candidate's Response :
n Paper Quality is good - soit could be used by a camera company.
n It could be used by shopsspecializing in marriages or functions
n Can be used by police anywherewith the caption "Before you get caught for dowry and this happensto you, leave the practice
Analysis:
The answer is good because the candidate has elaborated about varied options .
Do's when answeringQuestions
nDo try to veer the interview to the areas where you are most comfortable.So, when you end your answers, try to drop hints that will help the interviewerknow your areas of strength. This is particularly important when you are askedstandard questions like "Tell me about yourself", "What areyour strengths and weaknesses" etc. The more the interviewer asks youthings you are comfortable with, the better the chances of you performing well.
nDo end your answers with positive points whenever you can. For example,if you have made some criticism about the company where you last worked, it isbetter that you end the answer with a few positive remarks about the company.This will give the interviewer an impression that you are not biased and aremaking an even-handed assessment of employer's pros and cons
nDo keep your answers of an appropriate length (neither too long, nor tooshort). Once you have completed the answer, indicate that to the interviewer bydropping the pitch of your voice on the last syllable of final sentence.Appropriateness of length is subjective. Look to see if the interviewer isexpressing his interest in what you are saying, and decide on the length ofyour arguments.
nDo try to be a good listener, especially when the interviewer is askingyou questions. Never interrupt the interviewer - allow him to complete askingthe question before you speak. You should ask the interviewer to repeat aquestion if you did not understand it fully. Or you can paraphrase it and askthe interviewer if you have understood the question correctly.
nDo avoid unnecessary personal disclosures. The interviewer is moreinterested in you rather than your family background - it is always better totalk less about your personal life unless the interviewer explicitly asksyou about it.
nDo be cautious of using too many jargons to impress the interviewer. Youmay be a genius in the area of specialisation but while talking to theinterviewers who may not too much of the technical details, you should try toavoid too many difficult terms. If you could explain the concepts in simpleand easy language, then you will get maximum credit.
nDo be cautious of using too many cliché terms, bombastic words or out ofthe wayquotations in your sentences. They may make your speech very artificial(i.e. those terms or phrases were not required but you are using them to impressthe interviewer)
nUnderstand the question before jumping at an answer. If you have notunderstood or heard the question properly, do not hesitate to ask forclarifications. Very often, if you are not sure of the answer, this is a goodstrategy, for the interviewer will often rephrase the sentence, making iteasier.
nBreak the question into logical parts if it is a long question. You mayeven seek permission to note down the question. Breaking down the questionallows you to structure your thoughts and your answer. It also makes surethat you do not miss out on any part of the question.
nMaintain eye contact while answering.
nHave Focus: If you are answering about the three most significantachievements of your life, do state them up front (without elaborating eachone of them). Once stated, if the interviewer shows some interest inhearing them in detail, then elaborate.
Don'ts when answering Questions:
nDon't make unnecessary comments such as "That is an interestingquestion," "I was expecting that question" etc. while noddingyour head sagely. It will give a negative impression to the interviewer.Answer whatever questions you can. If you are not very sure you could say that"I am nor sure sir, but I could make a logical guess." Or you couldsay, "I don't know sir" in case you have no clue about theanswer. The interviewers are ready to accept that you do not know all theanswers.
nDon't start answering without taking time to assemble your thoughts. Atthe same time do not take so much time for answering a question that theinterviewer becomes bored.However, you must have a general idea about what youwant to speak before you start giving an answer.
nDon't think that you have to keep talking unless interrupted. When youfeel you have completely answered a question, stop speaking by yourself. If aninterviewer keeps interrupting you, then it means that you are notanswering concisely enough.
nDon't talk in the abstract. Don't use words like 'one' or 'people' etc.Be personal, and use specific examples, "In my experience…","When I was working…", "I think that…." etc.You might be asked tricky or biased questions (e.g. your views about apolitical party, women's liberation movement etc.) Try to analyse both thepositive and negative aspects of such issues before giving your views onthe topic - the interviewers would like you to have views aboutcontemporary issues even though your views may differ from their own - providedyou base your views on some solid proofs.
n Don'tdwell unnecessarily on failures and bad-luck. You may be asked questionswhich probe you about some negative aspects (e.g. "Why are your grades sobad?", "What were you doing when there is a break in yourcareer" etc). Here, try to show the positive side of what at firstglance looks negative (e.g. "I was concentrating on extracurricularactivities which have helped me…. ", "I took the time off to dothings I wanted to but never had the time e.g.…." etc.)
nDon't undersell yourself by being apologetic. For example, even you havework experience in a small company or too less of work experience, you couldstill talk about the quality and learning experience from your work experience.
nDon't argue or get aggressive: Don't lose your cool and let things get toyou.
nDo not fabricate or lie during the interview. Be honest.
nNever talk about Money in your interview. Even if you mention money as areason behind pursuing an MBA career or for changing jobs, make sure thatit is not seen as your primary motive. You must not sound mercenary.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[(Source: NOTICEBOARD)]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
THINGS U OUGHT TO AVOID IN ANINTERVIEW
1.Poor personal appearance
2.Over-aggressive
3.Inability to expressinformation clearly
4.Lack of interest andenthusiasm
5.Lack of planning for career;no purpose and no goals
6.Nervous, lack of confidenceand poise
7.Over-emphasis onmoney
8.Unwilling to start in a lesserposition
9. Make excuses
10.Lack of tact andcourtesy
11.Lack of maturity
12.Condemns past employers
13.No genuine interest incompany or job
14.Fails to look interviewer inthe eye
15.Sloppy application form
16.Little sense of humor
17.Arrives late atinterview
18.Fails to express appreciationfor interviewer's time
19.Fails to ask questions aboutthe job
20.Responds vaguely toquestions
21.Antagonizes theinterviewer
This section consists of thegeneral doubts that every individual has before facing the interview. They willhelp to clear the myths as well as boost your confidence. Remember that successin any Interview is all about a positive attitude and approach.
All the situations that follow can be prepared and practiced. This sectionattempts to give some broad guidelines. You should anticipate the setting andthink of ways to " turn-around " an adverse situation to a favourableone.
What should I wear to the MBA interview?
The dress code should be comfortable as long as you take into account theprotocol of the interview.
Why is it important?
n First impression is extremely important. As interviewers are normallysenior members, one needs to dress conservatively.
n A comfortable dress gives you the confidence, and allows you to focus onthe task at hand.
n It is a hygiene factor (everyone else will be well dressed)
n It shows respect to the interviewer.
Male Dress Code
For males, the usual dress code is formal shirts, trousers and shoes. A tie isalso the general norm in the interviews and should be worn for the occasion.Some candidates wear a suit/blazer to the interviews - this is also preferredbut it is important to keep the weather in mind. There is no point sweatingoutside the interview hall. The tie you wear, its colour, the pattern shouldsuit the protocol of the interview. Please note that wearing slippers, jeans,informal shirts etc. gives the impression that you are not serious for theinterview.
Ideal Dress for Men: Dark blue blazer, white shirt, red or any darkcolour tie, grey/fawn trouser, grey socks, formal lace shoes.
Female Dress Code
For ladies, the usual dress code is a salwar suit or a sari with suitablefootwear. A formal skirt may also be worn. Here again, it is important that youfeel comfortable with what you wear. If you are wearing a sari for the firsttime, you might feel very uncomfortable, trip over etc. It is important that youdo not put too much of make-up and jewellery. Long hair should be groomed ortied and preferably, not left open.
Note: The above dress code applies to most interviews in India, but notnecessarily to all interviews. For e.g., if you were being interviewed by anadvertising institute or for a fashion design course, you should dress'creatively' and should reflect the 'current fashion.'
Do's:
Carry a handkerchief
n Wear polished shoes / clean footwear
n Carry an extra dress in case you have a vehicle
n Be clean shaven
n Have your hair well groomed
n Carry a neat folder, with all your certificates and their photocopies.
Don'ts:
nWear flashy/colourfulclothes
n Wear loose tie
n Too much oil in your hair
n Carry a plastic bag into the
interview room.
Do I have to ask questions atthe end of the interview?
We recommend that you do not ask any questions unless specifically askedto do so. If asked remember the following:
nIt is not necessary for you to ask a question. You should not feel pressurizedto come up with something intelligent. The intervieweris just trying to bring a polite end to the interview.
nDo not ask questions that are too obvious or questions where it is possible tofind out the answers through your own initiative
Bad Questions
nQuestions pertaining to the evaluation process, weightage attached to theinterview.
nQuestions which are too detailed . For eg. " What are the books prescribedin the course E-commerce?''
n Questionswhich are too personal.
Tellus about your father/family background.
Why do evaluators ask you this question?
1) In certain colleges, family background may be given some weightage.
2) To know more about you and cross-question on your father's work orprofession.
3) To put you at ease.
4) To know how well are you acquainted with your family and the influencethey have had on your personality, education andupbringing.
5) Check your spontaneity.
How to answer this question?
1) Do not boast about your father in case he is in a senior position. Atthe same time, you should not look down upon yourfather's occupation. It is important that you be factual about the answer. E.g. (My father is a manager in TISCO,Jamshedpur. My mom is a housewife and my brother isdoing his graduation from "…")
2) Mention the impact your family environment has had; the values yourparents have tried to instill in you, the emphasis laidon personal growth and education. You may be quizzed about your parent's occupation and you should be in a positionto answer those questions. If your father has workedwith TISCO, then you should have an idea of the Steel Industry, the kind of responsibility he has, etc. If your father is an IASOfficer, you must have an answer for why you are notgiving the Civil Services exam. Have a chat with your parents about theirprofession before appearing for the MBA GDs andInterviews.
Don'ts
n Don't describe intricate details.
n Don't undersell your family
n Don't try to gain sympathy bystating hardships or failures.
n Concentrate on the strengths.
Good Answer
Interviewee: I come for a closely-knit family of four from Delhi. My fatherworks for the government, while my mother is a convent schoolteacher. My sister(who is currently in Stephen's) and myself have both been exposed to anenvironment of independence. Despite the lose hand, traditional values werestressed on and reinforced by day-to-day activities at home. My father'sexperience in the government has meant a lot of transfers.
This has allowed me to discover different parts of the country.
Interviewer: What is your father currently doing? (The intervieweeresponded by giving an interesting yet incomplete description of his father'seducation).
Interviewee: My father heads the Disinvestment Ministry. It is a criticaljob, given the fiscal pressures faced by the government.
Analysis:
n The interviewee pointed out thenature of family influence
n Clearly mentioned the occupationof the father without going into details.
n Displayed knowledge of father'soccupation and gave a lead for questions about the economicstate of India (fiscal problems).
How do I greet theinterviewer?
Entering the room
If you are asked to come into the interview room a few minutes after the
previous candidate, always knock on the door before entering. Also
remember to close the door behind you. Always ask ( in an audible voice)
for permission to enter the room. 'May I come in, Sir.' Thank the interviewers
after they give the permission.
Sitting Down
It is better to keep standing till you are asked to take a seat. When theinterviewers asks you to sit down, say, and "Thank you, Sir/Madam"before sitting down. If not asked, seek permission.
Inside the room
Stand with an erect and good posture. You should greet the interviewers bysaying "Good Morning Sir/Madam." (or an appropriate greeting to suitthe time of the day). In case you are standing close to the interviewers, youshould firmly shake his/their hands.
Do look at all the interviewers in the eye and nod to each one of themindividually. It is said that more interviews are lost because lack of propereye contact rather than from lack of ability. A smile in the face really helps.
Remember first impressions, last forever. Exude confidence (loud voice, firmhandshake) and show respect and humility at all times
What do I say when leavingthe interview room?
When interview ends, you should smile and look at all the interviewers in theeye, say "Thank you, sir/sirs/madam." - and through nods and gestures,try to tell the interviewers that you liked the experience. When you walk out ofthe room, make sure to take your certificates with you and also close the doorbehind you when you go out.
The wrong way
Student leaves the chair in a stroke, as soon as he is asked to leave. While onhis way, he wishes the interviewers 'good-bye'.
The correct way
Student rises and thanks all theinterviewers. He pushes the chair back, stands erect and says 'good bye'.
Tell us an incidentthat changed the course of your life?
Why do evaluators ask you this question?
1) They would like to understand you better - to know more about you thanyou have mentioned in the bio-data
2) The interviewers would like to know how you coped with an importantevent in your life and what effect did it have on you
3) To check what is your value system - to see what things you considerimportant.
4) Test your emotional quotient, or your ability to empathise withpeople.
What are the different incidents you could talk of?
1) You could mention a personal loss (example the death of a near or dearone, an accident in which you were badly hurt) etc
2) You could mention a positive achievement in your life (examplequalifying in an important exam, doing well in a particularcompetition which increased you confidence in yourself etc.)
3) You could mention an incident that gave you an insight into life(maybe got by helping somebody e.g. being part of aflood relief/famine relief activity, etc.).
Key Points
1) Try to involve the interviewer with interesting examples
2) Try to relate an incident that brings out learning, ethics, valuejudgements
3) If the incident was a negative one, tell them how you overcame it. Ityou narrate a positive incident, point out how it helped build youconfidence
How should you prepare for this question?
1) Do some introspection - think of the important events in your life andthe way in which they had an impact on you.
2) It is perhaps better that you speak about some positive achievementsin your life (in which you proved yourself through hardwork and perseverance and how it helped in improving yourconfidence on yourself).
Tip: It is better to narrate a positive incident, you make an impact onthe interviewer and also veer the interviewer to your areas of strength
3) You should be honest and speak from the heart when you answer thisques
If no significantevent has changed the course of your life
State at the outset that ' while no event has changed the course of my life, Iwould like to mention something which I rate the most significant event in mylife' and continue from there
Good example
I come from a business family, residing in Nagpur. A few years back, our familywas forced to relocate from Madras, causing us tremendous financial problems. Irealized then that over-dependence on material-based business is risky anddecided to go for further studies. With an MBA degree, I hope to be in aposition to run my business more effectively and at the same time develop theskills to work in other organizations to safeguard against uncertainties
How should I handle myself ina "stress interview" situation?
Why do the evaluatorsconduct a stress interview?
This type of interview puts you into difficulties. Remember this is a part ofthe selection process. The interviewer is judging you on tact, cool temper,courage, self-command or control. More importantly such interviews revealwhether you can take logical decisions under demanding circumstances
Stress situations mayoccur when The interviewer
1) Bombards you with meaningful or nonsense questions
2) Cuts your answers repeatedly
3) Expresses doubts on your caliber and integrity
4) Accuses you of bluffing
5) Laughs or mocks at you
6) Looks disinterested (yawning, looking to the ceiling, talking to theco-interviewers while you are answering a question)
7) Shouts at you
8) Two or three interviewers asking questions at the same time.
Do's
1) Maintain your cool.
2) Establish and maintain eye contact
3) Exude confidence from your body gestures and arguments
4) In case interviewers are asking several questions at a fast pace, youshould try to answer
one question at a time.
5) If interviewers do not show any emotion, do not be hassled by that -just concentrate on the content of your answers.
6) The interviewers may oppose a stand taken by you, you should be able toappreciate their point of view also i.e. you should be able to appreciate the pros and cons of any issue. Youshould be ready to take a stand and hold onto it, and you should be convincedabout it. You could always say that "sorry, we have a difference ofopinion but I firmly believe in what I have said."
7) Maintain a smile on your face - a little bit of humor at timeshelps.
8) You may close your eyes for a few seconds to feel comfortable in case,you are heavily bombarded with questions, showing that you are trying to concentrate.
Don'ts:
1)Show your anger or get agitated under any circumstances
2)Show signs of nervousness like no eye contact, mumbling, clasping hands etc.
3)Try to create unnecessaryhumor
What is the meaning of your name?
Why do evaluators ask you this question?
1) This is usually an introductory/filler question to put the intervieweeat ease. Everyone usually knows about what his or hername means.
2) To test the presence of mind and wittiness of the interviewee.
3) To test the reasoning ability.
4) If you have complex or unusual name
How should you answer this question?
Be aware that this question could be asked, especially if you have a differentor complicated name. Then, you could prepare well for this question. To makeyour answer stand out, you could recite a few stanzas in Sanskrit, which explainwhat your name stands for. (Most Indian names have their origin in Sanskrit)
You can relate the meaning of your name tosome of the qualities you have or values that you believe in. For example, ifyour name is "Dheeraj", "Satpathy" or "Ajay" youcould relate these to some qualities that you possess ('patience','truthfulness' or 'confidence to win' respectively).
Key Points
n Show full confidence in answeringthis question
n Work out in advance the meaning/reason for your name
n You can personalize the interview bynarrating story of why were you given this name
What if I cannot answer thequestion being asked to me?
Ask a candidate who was unable to clear that important interview and the usualreply is "Well, I could not answer the initial questions asked, and becamevery tense and nervous". Not being able to answer the questions couldaffect your performance in the whole interview. Quoting Dale Carnegie,"Interviews are only 20% based on facts, and 80% based on perception andcommunication skills"
Do's
1) Give it a sincere effort (and it should be reflected)
2) Request the interviewer to rephrase the question in case it is complexor
break in parts in case it is lengthy. This will giveyou additional time to rethink
the answer. Example : "Sir, can you rephrase thequestion so that I can understand
it completely and accurately" or "I could notcompletely understand the question"
3) If you are sure that you can not answer the question, admit it humbly
4) Ask the interviewer if you can give it a try later
Don'ts
1) Try to fool the interviewer by giving vague answers (time is precious!)
2) Try to confuse the interviewer
3) Ask the interviewer to repeat a question more than once.
4) Get nervous or agitated, in case of a difficult question
Recommended routes
At all times, do not lose your clam and be nervous. This may block your thoughtprocess even further. A question or two answered wrongly does not spoil yourchances. You can take the following routes:
Tell " I don't know sir"
Never be afraid to admit the fact that you do not know. You are not expected tohave knowledge of everything. Very often, in stress interviews, the interviewerwill give you a series of questions he is confident you would not know theanswers of. In this case, think about it, take your time and frankly state thatyou are not aware of the topic/answer. Be prepared for the easy question hethrows at you at the end. He is testing you confidence and your ability tomaintain a cool head in face of a lot of difficult questions.
Tell "I am notsure, but I would like to take a logical guess"
Stating it clearly in the beginning will lower the expectations the interviewerhas about your answer. In this case, even getting close to the answer can belooked upon positively. Your ability to arrive at the answer logically showsthat you can think on your feet.
E.g. What many people pay income tax in the country?
Ans: I am afraid that I am not aware of the statistic. I can, however, try toarrive at a rough estimate using some other figures I know. I understand thatthe total income tax collections last year were Rs. X crore. Given the fact thatpeople over the income of Rs.1.5 Lacs per annum pay income tax, and on averagepay 30% of around 1.5 Lacs per annum (or Rs.50,000 approx.), the total number ofincome tax payees is X crores/50,000.
(All figures given above are only illustrative)
Ask the interviewer to repeat the question
The interviewer will often rephrase the question, and even may give a part ofthe answer he is seeking as he repeats himself
Tip
Some intelligent candidates use the "Sir, I am not very certain of theanswer, but I would like to take a logical guess" even when they know theanswer to the question pretty well. This has a two-fold effect: First,there would not be much of pressure from the interview panel to probe deeperinto your understanding of the subject. Second, when the candidate"guesses correctly," it creates a very good impression on theevaluator.
Preparation
Do practice and brush up the basic of your field of education. Also, remainabreast with the current happenings in your field. Allocate a day or two in yourschedule of preparation.
Example
Interviewers have asked you a couple of quantitative questions which youcould not answer: Sir, I have not been in touch with Mathematics for about".... years" now - the last time I read mathematics seriously was in"College or Class - XII or....". However, being a quick learner is oneof my strengths and I know that I will be able to learn mathematical concepts ifneeded in the MBA course at ".......". Since I am "an Arts,Economics...." student, I have been studying "..........." forthe last few years.
Analysis
This is a very good way to evade the questions you are not very comfortable atanswering - The candidate is trying to point out the following to theinterviewers that
1. He was not well prepared for the question being asked,
2. He can pick up the concepts quickly if required,
3. Try to veers the interviewers to the areas where he is more comfortab
What would you do to get ridof the weakness you have?
Why do evaluators ask you this question?
To judge your ability to make up for your deficiencies and your efforts toovercome them
Do's
1)Admission of the weakness and that you are already trying to cope withit, having made substantial progress.
2)Describe the need to overcome the weaknesses. Have an example of whereit has worked againstyou. For e.g., come up with a story of how your poor handwriting has worked against you in exams.
3) You must tell the interviewers how the positive side of yourweakness has helped you.
4) You must tell the interviewers how you plan to tackle the negativeconnotation of your weaknesses.
Don'ts
1) Don't underplay your weakness, or claim that it will not matter, or youhave not given it any thought. The interviewer is testing your desire toimprove.
2) Talk at length about the weakness or justify the weakness
3) Attribute or blame the weakness on someone or the circumstances
What should be the pace of myspeech in the interview?
Pace
This is a question that always haunts amateur interviewees - should we speakfast or should we speak slowly and think before we speak. It is important thatyou speak the way in which you feel the most comfortable - the way in which youusually talk with friends and the way which is the most comprehensible byothers. Seek feedback on the speed of your delivery.
Do you talk too fast?
A rapid speaker should concentrate on correct breathing and pausing. Moreover,he should be very articulate (i.e. he should not mix up words or speak in ablurred way). He should pause at natural breaks (e.g. where there are commas andfull stops in written English) to take in his breath. Don't worry, this givesthe interviewer some time to assimilate whatever you have said.
Being too rapid in your speechis not good - if you usually speak too fast, try to find out why you do so. Isit because you have too many ideas at the same time or are you uncomfortablewith silence and so chatter to maintain a continuous flow? If you are a naturalfast speaker, practice to slow down your speech, also try to tape what you sayand see to it that you pause at natural breaks. In an interview, it would bebetter for you to speak a bit slowly so that you can think before saying, orelse you may become muddled and confuse or irritate those listening to you
Too slow?
Too slow a speaker can be even more irritating as he bores the audience. Heshould practice to speak faster and with more articulation. Usually, people whoare not very confident in English tend to speak slow as they compose their wordsbefore speaking. For such people the advice is to start practicing to speakfaster and in small sentences. Also be prepared with answers to commonly askedquestions.
Preparation
1) Read the newspaper loudly. This will help to improve yourvocabulary as well as lessen the fear of communication.
2) Interact with people in English.
Keeping your audience in mind
Always keep the interviewers in your mind. If the interviewer looks bored andhis attention starts wandering, maybe you are speaking too slowly - speed upyour speech. If the interviewer looks a bit annoyed and makes gestures as thoughhe does not understand what you are saying, maybe you are speaking too fast -slow down a bit.
Pitch
While pace is all about clarity, pitch is about audibility and substance. Oneshould make sure that all interviewers are able to hear the answers.Additionally, modulating one's pitch and pace can help lay stress on importantpoints.
How do you rank yourperformance in the GD?
Why do evaluators ask youthis question?
1) The evaluators would like to find out how objectively you can answerthis question. The evaluators have formed a view aboutdifferent people in the GD and they would like to see whatyour evaluation is vis-à-vis the interviewers
2) If you were too quiet or spoke a lot, is that what is your normalself?
3) If the GD was disorderly, how you went about it?
4) To check what standards you have for yourse
How do you answer suchquestions?
1) Be a good listener in the GD. Jot down the important points made byyou and made by others in the group . This will help youto answer questions related to GDs
2) Try to remember the names of other people in the GD - you can impressthe interviewers if you can state that "Mr.A." made " this point…" but I had a different perspective aboutthe issue…
3) Be objective about others in the GD - you need not speak negativelyabout other members in the group and at the same timeyou need not speak negatively about yourself also. Be objectiveand be positive when you answer this question.
4) Keep in mind your role as a listener, and rate your listening skillsas well
Poor answer
"I was satisfied with my performance and I spoke all I wanted to on thetopic."
Analysis
1) Too smug and satisfied
2) No appreciation for others in the group.
3) Nothing additional to add, nor any lead by which the interviewercan continue on the topic.
Good answers.
1) " I enjoyed the discussion thoroughly. The topic was achallenging one and could be viewed from multipleangles. I was personally satisfied that I could lead the direction toward"…" and was able to back my views with some concrete examples.I was, at the same time, impressed by the perspective offered by the othercandidates and was glad that I could build on their arguments near the endof the discussion. I am sure I will go back more knowledgeable on"…" than I was in the morning."
Analysis
The candidate has managed to show his appreciation for the topic and hiscolleagues. At the same time, he has highlighted his role in the discussion andlaid stress on the importance of knowledge. The candidate could have alsoimpressed the interviewers by stating names of the people and the good pointsthey mentioned.
2) If you spoke veryless
The topic in the GD was something I was not veryfamiliar with - since I am from an Arts background and the topic relatedcompletely to the technicalities of Engineering; I could not contributemuch to the GD. But, I did make some good points namely "…" and"…". I also provided some moderation and direction to the groupwhen the GD was disorderly at a point of time
How do I establish a rapportwith the interviewer?
Initial Contact
A good first impression can be built with:
1)Confident and cheerful greeting.
2) A smiling face
3) Eye contact
4) Taking of permission for entering the room.
The Interview
Helping him relate
1) Use examples in your answers, especially those will be interesting to him.
2) Make sure that the interviewer has understood what you are trying to say, askfor clarifications.
3) Ask him questions at the end of the interview, about his thoughts on an MBA,his career at the institute, etc.
Listening actively
Interviewing is based on taking turns - the better you are at listening, the
better you will know when and what to speak. You must show the interviewer
that you are listening carefully and pause when answering to his responses.
Tune in to the interviewer and show that you know who is in charge. Do not
start responding before the interviewer finishes his question. This can distract
or irritate the interviewer and indicate that you are impulsive.
More on Listening
Listening does not mean justhearing the words of the interviewer, it means making an effort to understandthe full meaning. Besides the meaning of the words, the choice of words, tone,gestures, expressions are significant in indicating the interviewer's meaning.Understanding the meaning is one aspect , another being retention. The candidateshould be able to recall it at appropriate time. In case, you have notunderstood the statements of the interviewers, ask them politely to repeat thequestion. This will firstly, give you adequate time to think and secondly, giveyou a clear picture of the interviewer's statements. If you are not in asituation to respond immediately, ask for a second, assimilate your thoughts,frame your answers and then speak. This creates an impression that you are athoughtful person.
Feedback
You should always try to interpret the interviewer's response. You can reframethe later answers for a favourable feedback of the interviewer. Observe thefacial expression of the interviewers, it will indicate whether the interviewerhas understood what you are trying to communicate or whether he is happy withthe response. A positive response like nodding the head, eye contact, smilingcan encourage the interviewer to ask for clarifications if he is not happy withthe response
What are yourstrengths and weaknesses?Give instances.
Why does the evaluator ask you this question?
1) To find out how well you understandyourself.
2) To find out how your strengths are related to your past experiences and tofuture expectations.
3) Every person has some weak points. The evaluators would like to know whetheryou understand what your weaknesses are and how you plan to removethese weaknesses.
Most stated "Strength":
| Attribute | Operational Definition |
| Hard work | Long hours, emotional attachment, physical energy, self discipline |
| Analytical Strength | Clarity of thought, ability to see relationships among diverse concepts. |
| Initiative | Ability to be a 'self starter' |
| Attention to Detail | Thoroughness, orderliness, self-starter |
| Leadership | Vision, communication by example, consistency between action, thoughts and deeds, personal sacrifice |
| Persuasiveness | Logical, oral and written communication skills, negotiation skills |
| Entrepreneurship | Ability to seek opportunities and enlist support of low-cost resources, creativity and business acumen |
| Value for 'Values' | Desire for qualitative upgradations, missionary zeal |
| Influencing without Positional Power | Political acumen, social sensitivity |
| Perseverance | Self-confidence(not dogmatism), managing disappointments, innovation |
| Team skills | Ability to manage and work in group and with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Sensitivity to the needs of group members. |
| Good Communication Skills | Ability to put points across in a manner that others understand, fluency is important |
Most stated" Weaknesses:
The weaknesses that you state should have a positive connotation
| Attribute | Negative Connotation | Positive Connotation |
| Over-Confident | Do not understand limits of my capability | Believe in what I do |
| Set Very High goals | Do not understand limits of | Ambitious |
| Stubborn in implementation of rules, regulation, values etc | Do not consider ground realities, difficulty in dealing with bureaucracy and real-life problems | Have good value system |
| Procrastination - put off things to a later period | Fall behind time schedules etc. | Take time to analyze problems, consult with others before taking decisions |
| Slow Starter | Take too much time to decide on ideas and plans | Take time to analyze problems, consult with others before taking decisions - so that in the long run better implementation |
Weaknesses (additionalpoints)
1) State those weaknesses that do not really effect your capabilityas a manager. 'Bad handwriting' is something you canconsciously work on, but it is not a fatal error if you fail to correctit. On the contrary, you do not want to state 'poor memory' or 'no awareness of computers' as weaknesses in an MBA interview session.
2) Simply stating those weaknesses that are necessarily strengths canbe a problem at times. The interview may turn around and say 'I asked youfor your weakness, and you are telling me about your strengths'. In thiscase, it is critical to have examples or instances where your weakness haslet you down, or held you back in some way
How do you decide on yourstrengths and weaknesses?
Consider the following points when you decide on what strengths and weaknessesyou have:
1) Past Experience - You should be able to justify yourstrengths and weaknesses by stating past experiences and examples. Examinersusually ask you instances where you demonstrated a particular strength or wherea weakness landed you in problem
2) Future Expectation - You should be able to justify how yourstrengths and weaknesses are going to help in achieving your futureexpectations. For example, if you would like to specialize in finance, goodanalytical skills would be an advantage. If you would like to specialize in HR,team skills and values become important. For a person interested in marketing,'getting along well with people', 'leadership skills' etc. become important.
Interviewers would ask you questions on how your strengthsand weaknesses can help in
achieving your future expectations.
* How convincing you are in what you say - You may beasked questions on your areas of strengths - for example, if you say thatgood analytical skills is a strength, expect some puzzles to beasked. In case you say that 'good communication skills' is your strength, then you should demonstrate it through the way in which you speak.
What other questions could be asked related to your Strengths and Weaknesses?
1) How will your strengths and weaknesses help you in your MBA course?
2) Could you tell us some instances to demonstrate your strengths andweaknesses?
3) What have you planned to overcome your weaknesses?
Some questions where you could state your strengths and weaknesses?
1) Tell us about yourself.
2) What are your ambitions in life?
3) Why do you want to do an MBA?
4) What are your hobbies? How have your hobbies helped you?
5) What subjects do you want to specialize in?
A good answer
"I attribute my key strengths to the environment I have grown up in. Myfamily, as well as my school laid emphasis on personal growth and academicperformance. This dual focus has led me to being a) balanced b) motivated c)willing to learn new things. At the same time, this focus has demanded an extraeffort from my side, and has readied me to face the pressures and challenges ofIIM".
I, however, tend to jump into things too quickly. I am curious by nature, andwhile spontaneity helps, it often pays to wait before leaping. I rememberaccepting the responsibility of hosting a school charity event in my housewithout asking my mother. She had to bear tremendous pressure, as our help wasaway that week. Since that incident, I have worked actively to think through theconsequences of any activity."
Key points to remember
1) Interviewers often ask for more than one weakness and even pausein order to make you nervous. Do not blurt out a series of weaknesses justbecause there is an uncomfortable silence in the room.
2) You should always try to mention ways in which you have worked ingetting rid of your weakness.
3) Attributing your strengths to your environment is a humble way ofstating that you are extremely gifted.
