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PERSONAL INTERVIEW

Personal InterviewOnce you submit your application to business school, the admissions committee will conduct a preliminary screening based upon yourundergraduate GPA and CAT/MAT/XAT/Etc. scores. If you meet a pre-determined "academic cutoff," you will likely be invited for a personalinterview to further probe your suitability for that particular business school.

The personal interview is a critical step in the admissions process and should not be taken lightly; most MBA programs will not accept acandidate without meeting him/her in person. A personal interview is aimed at knowing a candidate more intimately - assessing the clarityof thinking process, future goals and the 'fit' with the B-school. It provides the admission committee of a b-school to evaluate yourinterpersonal and soft skills.

Personal Interview can also turn out to be an opportunity to 'sell' yourself. While intimidating for some MBA-hopefuls, the personalinterview represents a prime opportunity. Interview allows you the chance not only to put a face and personality to the name andcredentials on your application file, but also to express your academic, personal, and professional accomplishments, experiences, andintentions.

The focus of a B-school interview can range from specific questions about your job to broad discussions on life. Approach the interview asa conversation to be enjoyed, not as a question-and-answer ordeal. It may be about your hobbies - your recent cross-country trip. Thisdoesn't mean that the interviewers are not serious. It just means that you're being sized up as a person and a future professional in allyour dimensions.

On the other hand, the PI is an opportunity for the b-school to question you about your application, your autobiographical sketch or anyissues on your transcripts or entrance test scores. Your interviewer wants to learn what you are like as a person and how well yourespond and communicate. We want to understand your values, how you think and how well you handle yourself under pressure.

One and all b-school is committed to admit students who are able to handle the rigors of business school on an academic, personal,

physical and psychological basis. Your interview is your opportunity to convince the admission committee that you are up to the challengeyou are expected to face in future.

Interview - an integral part of the B-School admissions process.

The admissions process of some business schools requires that the MBA applicant attends a mandatory interview. These mandatoryinterviews are usually conducted as in person ones. If you are an international applicant and the business school has not been able toeither send its representative or identify any alumni in your country to conduct the interview in person, the interview is conducted overthe phone or through web conference. Again, an in-person interview is generally recommended as you can build rapport and use it to getfeedback to determine your fit for the particular program.

What does the PI tries to test?

The personal interview process aim to test the 'views' expressed by a candidate during submission of the application or through a free-wheeling discussion around one's bio-data given in the application form."A few 'knowledge-dipstick' questions on one's basic academic background might also be fielded to assess the depth and accuracy ofexisting knowledge. A few basic General Knowledge questions may also be asked. B-Schools also give importance to consistent academicperformance as it is indicative of academic discipline and ethos one is required to have to survive in the rigorous competition.

According to experts, Personal Interview stresses on the following areas:

Goal ClarityKnowledge

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KnowledgeCommunication SkillsPersonality traits

Goal Clarity"Why do want to do an MBA? How does it fit into your career goals? What do you wish to do after your MBA?" - These are some hardquestions that you will have to answer almost invariably in all Interviews. These questions search the 'inner motivations' of a candidate,and there are no 'right answers'. The only way to answer these questions is to introspect: what excites and motivates you; what makesyou perform your best; what would you really like to do in your life, and how do you genuinely see an MBA helping. Tough questions, butanswering them honestly is critical for your success!

'Why MBA?' is the most important question that MBA aspirants need to answer. There is no "good answer" for this. The answer needs tobe your answer. In other words, you need to think deeply, introspect and find out what it is that really drives you, that really sends ashiver of excitement down your spine when you think of achieving it. It is only this excitement and this drive that can convince theinterview panel about your answer rather than any 'manufactured' answer by any test prep faculty.

Also "Why do you think now is the right time to pursue an MBA?", "How will you fit into our program?" And "What will you do after yougraduate?" are the key questions for every interview candidate. Interviewers are looking for responses incorporating specific examplesfrom your academic, personal, and professional experiences. Further, they want to know the reasons behind your major life decisions.

So put on your thinking cap, do some soul searching and then jot down the answers to 'what's your goal' questions.

Domain Knowledge

Given that a good MBA is a demanding program, B-schools would like to know how you will be able to cope up with the academics and theextra-curricular 24 x 7 demands of your new campus. They are also keen to assess how you have utilized the earlier learningopportunities.

Be prepared to discuss different specialty areas in business and their responsibilities. Interviewers will also expect you to discuss currentissues in business, including the economy, taxation, foreign competition, the role of technology and ethical challenges in the field.

Interestingly, it is not just about knowledge and answering the questions but also 'leading' the interview panel. Anything you say opensthe doors to new lines of questioning and discussion, so make sure you know where you are leading the interview. Be careful about thegates you open, and be very sure you have in-depth knowledge about whatever you mention.

For e.g. if you say you have an avid interest in Badminton, be ready for questions pertaining to Prakash Padukone, Deepika Padukone,plastic shuttles v/s feather shuttles, Saina Nehwal etc. It is advisable to brush up 2-3 subjects from your graduation thoroughly if you area student fresh out of college. Also, contextual knowledge of the environment around you as well as "general knowledge" comes quitehandy.

Brush up on your area of specialization/ subjects at graduation. Account for breaks, if any. Take pains to know about the company youwork for; your place in the scheme of things and your contribution. Since 'Extracurricular' would comprise activities other than academicsand work life, list those activities, preferably recent, that you have participated in or initiated. Be clear about what you do in your leisurehours. Preparation for general awareness questions is an ongoing exercise.

Communication Skills

Your speaking and listening skills become very important than the often tested reading and writing skills. As simple as it may sound, goodcommunication strategy is quite simple. Listen to the question keenly to understand it well, and then offer a precise answer. If you don'tknow the answer, no bluffing the panel please! The experts are too experienced to notice this and can get switched off.

While speaking, the biggest sin you can commit is beating around the bush and being too verbose. Remember, panel can easily interpretthese "tactics" on your part to be lack of clarity or a deliberate attempt to obfuscate your lack of knowledge. Also, while answeringquestions, please remember it is not a quiz and you can actually pause and collect your thoughts before answering, if required.

Preparation Strategy

To be honest, it is not at all tough to 'prepare' for an interview as you only have to analyze yourself because all the answer an interviewboard seeks are within you. Although, practice for an interview session should ideally begin, as soon as you make up your mind forpursuing management education. However, you should use the few weeks and months before the interview to revisit and update yourknowledge base, and crystallize your reasoning and thinking process on your career and life goals.

Reading newspapers and keeping updated with all the major happenings does help a lot. Revising the concepts, at least from courses oneliked or did well in, from under graduation is required.

Attend mock GD sessions and giving 2-3 mock interviews. Importantly, preparing for GD/PI sessions is a good time to reflect andintrospect on what are one's career goals and the reasons why one is opting for management career, and one should make use of thisopportunity.

First steps on how to approach an interview?

Do your homework

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Do your homework

Have well thought out answers for questions such as "What are your strengths? Why are you right for that particular business school?Why is that particular program right for you?" It shows organization and forethought if you know some specifics about the program towhich you are applying and can explain why those features fit well with your career goals.

For example, if you are applying to the Xavier Labour Relation Institute (XLRI), through some simple research you will discover that theyare strong in Human Resource Development. Perhaps, you have worked with a recruitment company or have been a trainer in an institute.Relate these in the interview.

Don't Waste Time

Don't waste time discussing things that are already indicated on your application. You can elaborate if the topic illustrates somethingabout your character and preparedness for the b-school experience, but do not be redundant.

Remember that the first impression you create is very important. When asked to say "something about yourself", most candidates justblurt out their schooling, college, marks and qualifications. All this is already there in the application. Why tell the interviewer somethinghe/she already knows. Ideally, you would want to use this opportunity to show how you are different from the thousands of otherapplicants, not to blend in to the crowd.

A final word on approaching this question. After you have said what you have to say - don't venture any further. Don't drone. You justmight say something foolish. Sometimes interviewers don't interrupt in order to give the candidate the impression that he has not spokenenough. This is just a stress/error inducing tactic. Don't fall for it. If the pause gets too awkward for your liking, just add something verypolitely like, "Is there something specific that you would like to know about me?"

What you'll Be Asked?

You should be prepared for these potential areas of questioning:

Your childhood, personality, family, college life, hobbies, sports and outside interestsYour professional and leadership experienceYour career goals, political views and breadth of business knowledgeYour motivation to obtain an MBA; why now, why our school

Be prepared for a wide range of questions, from casual inquiries about your family to probing questions about ethical/legal issues. Also beprepared for general questions about current events and items of interest in popular culture. Nothing is more disheartening thaninterviewing an "academic genius" who doesn't know who is the Deputy Prime Minister or Vice -President of the Country.

How an interview commences?

A typical interview covers more than one theme. You are generally asked to first introduce yourself to the panel members. Remember thatthis is your opportunity to 'lead' the interview into areas that you are comfortable with or to topics that you wish to discuss.

It is quite important to highlight your achievements, whether academic or extra-curricular, in your introduction itself. Don't wait for thepanel members to specifically ask you about them. Other things that you could mention in your introduction are your family and academicbackground, hobbies and interests, goals and aims in life, your strengths and weaknesses etc.

In fact, you could say almost anything as long as it is relevant, in the sense, that it reveals something about you as a person.

Academics/ Work experience

Interviews also centre on questions pertaining to academics, especially for all the freshers. Once again, it is hardly a good strategy to openyour books just a few days before the interview and try to mug up whatever you think is important for the interview.

Try to ensure instead that you are keeping up with the subjects in your undergraduate course, are comfortable with the basics of thecourse and ready to answer application-based questions on these subjects.

If you appear to be the kind of person who picks up his books just to pass your examinations, the interviewers are likely to probe youfurther to check your genuine interest in the course you are currently pursuing and whether you, as a student, have really taken insomething.

Remember that the people who are interviewing you are professors; they are unlikely to be too impressed if you seem to forgeteverything that you are supposed to have learnt just a few weeks/ months back!

If you have work experience, you can expect some questions around that. Besides your role in your current organisation, be ready forquestions about latest developments in the industry/ sector that you are working in.

For example, if you work in an IT firm, you could expect questions relating to significant developments or news pertaining to that sector,any major acquisition that has taken place, questions like which are the four or five largest firms in the IT sector, what different softwareproducts or solutions they offer etc. Hence, it is necessary to know your industry/ sector well and keep yourself up-to-date with the latestdevelopments.

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Current awareness/ Business awareness

You could be asked questions pertaining to the world of business and important developments. The more you read the more confidentand comfortable you will be and ready to answer any question that is thrown at you.

Importantly, here too, you may be able to come up with a unique insight or logic that impresses the interviewer and wins the day for you.The candidate who has prepared for just a few days is likely to be unable to go beyond the basic view or opinion which the tiredinterviewer has already heard from other candidates s/he has interviewed during the day.

So make sure you read the newspaper, including the business section, everyday. In addition, reading a general magazine will also help.But, more importantly, it is crucial for you to try and analyze developments and develop your point of view regarding these.

Make sure that your opinion is backed with strong logic and is not just an opinion without any substance.

In summary, make sure you do the following while preparing for interviews:Read extensively and widely; and do not keep your focus or sphere of knowledge too narrow.Keep up-to-date with all the latest important developments, especially the ones pertaining to the world of business.li>Make sure that you keep up with your academic course as it is taught at your colleges; do not try to mug up things at the lastmoment. Questions in your interviews may not be limited to what you are studying in your final year only.Think about what all you could state in response to standard interview questions.

Tips for Answering Questions Effectively

Keep your answers short, but informative. Be prepared to offer a 4 to 6 line answer to every question. This is enough to sharea few thoughts and to stimulate further discussion if the interviewer desires. Try to avoid simple 'yes' and 'no' answers orresponding in monosyllables. Show interest in the questions and sincere thought in your responses.Avoid sounding self-centered. Cite your achievements, but demonstrate an appropriate level of humility. When discussingprofessional accomplishments, acknowledge the help and support of your teammates, mentors, teachers and role models.Don't reveal insecurities. Accentuate the positive and don't dwell on the weaknesses in your background or application. Don't giveany indication that you aren't willing and able to meet the rigors of business school. Your job on the interview is to convince themyou are the right candidate: they won't believe it if you don't sound sure of yourself.

Watch your tone. You'll certainly be asked a few stressor questions that are designed to test your ability to handle conflict. Don'tget defensive. Your tone can be revealed in both the words you choose and your voice. Practice responding to difficult questionswith a friend before the big day. It will help.Listen carefully to the interviewer, no matter how nervous you are. Although you'll be stressed during the interview, this isn'tacceptable that you ask the panel to repeat their question every now and then. It simply confirms that you weren't listening, which isthe kiss of death for a business school applicant.

Interview DOs and DON'Ts

Interview DOs

√ Dress appropriately for the institute; err on the side of being conservative to show you take the interview seriously. Your personalgrooming and cleanliness should be impeccable.√ Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to freshen up,etc.√ Arrive early; 10 minutes prior to the interview start time.√ Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you might be solicited during admission decisions.√ Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer.√ Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer's name and the correct pronunciation.√ Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer by title Sir or Madam, until invited to dootherwise.√ Maintain good eye contact during the interview.√ Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.√ Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples whenever possible.√ Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.√ Be thorough in your responses, while being concise in your wording.√ Be honest and be yourself - your best professional self. Dishonesty gets discovered and is grounds for withdrawing admissionoffers and for rejection. You want a good match between yourself and your future college. If you get admitted by acting likesomeone other than yourself, you and your institute will both be unhappy.√ Treat the interview seriously and as though you are truly interested in the institute and the opportunity presented.√ Exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is evaluating you as a potential corporate employee or future manager.√ Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Having done your research about the institute in advance, askquestions which you did not find answered in your research.√ Evaluate the interviewer and the institute s/he represents. An interview is a two-way street. Conduct yourself cordially andrespectfully, while thinking critically about the way you are treated and the values and priorities of the institute.√ Do expect to be treated appropriately. If you believe you were treated inappropriately or asked questions that were inappropriateor made you uncomfortable, discuss this the panel if you are given time to clear your mind by asking them questions else reach theadmission co-coordinator of the institute or the director.√ Make sure you understand the institute's next step in the admission process; know when and from whom you should expect tohear next. Know what action you are expected to take next, if any.√ When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart gracefully.

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√ When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart gracefully.√ After the interview, make notes right away so you don't forget critical details.

Interview DON'Ts

× Don't make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.× Don't make negative comments about previous professors or institute (or others).× Don't falsify application materials or answers to interview questions.× Don't treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This is an insult to the

interviewer and to the institute.× Don't give the impression that you are only interested in the institute because of its geographic location.× Don't give the impression you are only interested in salary you will get after the completion of the course.× Don't act as though you would take admission in any institute or are desperate for admission.× Don't be unprepared for typical interview questions. You may not be asked all of them in every interview, but being unpreparedlooks foolish.× Admission in a good institute can be hard work and involve frustrations; don't exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude in aninterview.× Don't go to extremes with your posture; don't slouch, and don't sit rigidly on the edge of your chair.× Don't assume that a female interviewer is "Mrs." or "Miss." Address her as "Madam" unless told otherwise.× Don't chew gum or smell like smoke.× Don't allow your cell phone to sound during the interview. (If it does, apologize quickly and ignore it.) Don't take a cell phone call.Don't look at a text message.× Don't take your parents, your pet (an assistance animal is not a pet in this circumstance), spouse, fiancé, friends or enemies toan interview. If you are not grown up and independent enough to attend an interview alone, you're insufficiently grown up andindependent for a job.

Body language do's and don'ts for interviews

DON'T:

× Rub the back of your head or neck. Even if you really do just have a cramp in your neck, these gestures make you lookdisinterested.× Rub or touch your nose. This suggests that you're not being completely honest, and it's gross.× Sit with your armed folded across your chest. You'll appear unfriendly and disengaged.× Cross your legs and idly shake one over the other. It's distracting and shows how uncomfortable you are.× Lean your body towards the door. You'll appear ready to make a mad dash for the door.× Slouch back in your seat. This will make you appear disinterested and unprepared.× Stare back blankly. This is a look people naturally adapt when they are trying to distance themselves.

DO:

√ Sit up straight, and lean slightly forward in your chair. In addition to projecting interest and engagement in the interaction,aligning your body's position to that of the interviewer's shows admiration and agreement.√ Show your enthusiasm by keeping an interested expression. Nod and make positive gestures in moderation to avoid looking likesomeone simply not interested.√ Establish a comfortable amount of personal space between you and the interviewer. Invading personal space (anything more than20 inches) could make the interviewer feel uncomfortable and take the focus away from your conversation.√ Limit your application of colognes and perfumes. Invading aromas can arouse allergies.√ If you have more than one person interviewing you at once, make sure you briefly address both people with your gaze and returnyour attention to the person who has asked you a question.√ Interruptions can happen. If they do, refrain from staring at your interviewer while they address their immediate business andmotion your willingness to leave if they need privacy.√ Stand up and smile even if you are on a phone interview. Standing increases your level of alertness and allows you to becomemore engaged in the conversation.√ After a few well-thought-out questions and answers with your interviewer, it's almost over, but don't lose your cool just yet.Make sure your goodbye handshake is just as confident now as it was going in. Keep that going while you walk through the officebuilding, into the elevator and onto the street. Once safely in your car, a cab or some other measurable safe distance from the sceneof your interview, it's safe to let go.

Questions You Should Ask the Interviewer

Successful candidates always ask questions at their interviews. In fact, the questions you ask reveal more about your suitability forbusiness school than anything else. Here's what your questions tell us:

How seriously the committee is thinking about the modernization of the business school and how well they understand the student'sexpectations?What is important for the institute - its own expectations or students' satisfaction?Apply the general information you gather about the school's particular realityFrame questions using your common sense and intellectual curiosityAsk for feedback regarding your energy level and communication skillsShow the panel how well prepared you are (and will be in the future) for a becoming a manager

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Show the panel how well prepared you are (and will be in the future) for a becoming a managerYour observation power should also play a role in framing relevant questions like - What is the importance of huddle room in theinstitute? Or "Could the students approach the professors after the college time for any further clarification regarding any subject?"Etc.

General Rules for Asking Questions

Only ask about topics you genuinely care about. You want to appear sincere and interested, not desperate for something to say.Research the topic thoroughly before mentioning it so that you can engage in a subsequent discussion. Prepare for your interviewjust as you would for an exam.Make sure the answer isn't obvious or has already been answered.Ask the appropriate person. Faculty members can offer a better perspective on certain issues than business students and viceversa.Watch your tone of voice and your body language. Many nervous applicants are unintentionally rude when they ask questions, whichautomatically puts off the interviewer. Be gracious and diplomatic in how you phrase your questions and reply to responses.

Mock Interview

(Here are excerpts from the interview of few successful candidates for your reference.)

Scenario-1: An interviewer is taking interview of a Computer Engineering student who has cleared the entrance test and GD for admission in hiscollege.

Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.

Student: "I was born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh and attended Scindia School. Ever since I was a teenager, I tinkered with computers. Itwas my hobby, my passion, and my way of learning. Like most kids I enjoyed computer games. When my folks gave me a computer as areward for good marks in 10th Class, I mastered DOS, Windows, and WordPerfect within six months. I then went on to teach myselfprogramming basics.

By the time I passed 12th Class, I knew I wanted to study computer engineering. From that point on, everything fell into place. My liferevolved around the same. By my junior year at Engineering College in Nagpur, I decided I wanted to work for a major IT Company but Ialso wanted to master in other fields of handling business so that I can develop an overview of expectations of the company from me.That is why I decided to pursue MBA before joining any IT Company. I now want to graduate from this reputed college so I can be at the

forefront of starting a career into a reputed IT Company. I am prepared to answer any questions you may have about my education andexperience.

Interviewer: But you did tell me about your schooling, wasn't that all about your education?

Student: Yes sir, I did tell you about my school and subject preferences but can tell you a lot more about my engineering experiences andlessons I learnt from them, that is, if you allow me.

Interviewer: Frankly speaking, I have no idea about engineering stuff as I am a commerce student. So if you will tell me about youengineering course and all, I don't know how will I understand them, and above all, how will I know you are speaking the right thing?

Student: Hahaha.. You surely are very frank sir, so I will also be very frank to you. What I was about to tell you about my engineeringdays are just my experiences I had and the learning I get from them so far. They have nothing to do with my engineering course. Also,what I have heard about you from my friend's cousin, who is an alumni of this college, is that you are the most amazing professor withremarkable diversified knowledge base. So I can be very sure about your knowledge of computer engineering stream.

Interviewer: OK..So you are here with a lot of research and all. hmmm.. You seem to have done a bit of homework.

Student: Thank you for the compliment sir, I always like to be ready with my home work as it gives you an unmatched confidence.

Interviewer: Keep this attitude for the rest of your life as well. You will be informed about the final decision of the admission committee. Allthe best.

Scenario-2:

An interviewer (Mr. Dubey) taking interview of a fresher candidate (Rachit) who has cleared CAT and scored well in GD session.

Ritesh: May I come in sir?

Mr. Dubey: Hello Ritesh, please come in. Take your seat.

Ritesh: Hello sir, Thank you.

Mr. Dubey: So you have scored 97 percentile in CAT. Congrats.. What do you think? Is it a great achievement?

Ritesh: Thank you Sir. Yes, it is a great achievement as I had put in a real hard work in the preparation. But at the same time it is onlyhalf a battle won.

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half a battle won.

Mr. Dubey: What are the major reasons for your success?

Ritesh: Many years ago I learned an important lesson from Mr. Dewakar Sinha, my first most important mentor. He told me his secret tosuccess was to 'Look at each day as a new opportunity to be your very best. Set high goals, be honest, never say no, and be in thecompany of people who share your passion for doing their best.' I've always remembered that advice and try to live it every day. Whilepreparing for CAT, I used to be very self motivated, determined and honest. I really liked working hard and enjoyed what I did and I alsotried to surround myself with people who shared similar passions. I generally thrive in such environment. I am looking forward to findsame environment in this institute.

Mr. Dubey: Why do you want to study in this institute?

Ritesh: I've always wanted to gain knowledge instead of mere earning a degree. This institute has got several years reputation in the fieldof academics and a long list of experienced and talented faculty. This was the main reason for my interest in this institute. Also, I havebeen in touch with a number of alumni of this institute for their guidance regarding my CAT preparations. I could pursue this course

anywhere, but I'd rather study in an institute whose products I trust.

Mr. Dubey: Well. Ritesh. It was nice talking to you. You will get the admission department's final decision in a while.

Ritesh: Thank you sir, have a nice day.

Scenario-3:

An interviewer (Mr. Mehta) asking questions from a candidate (Nisha) who was working in a BPO part time along with her BA. She hasscored well in entrance test and GD.

Mr. Mehta: Hello Nisha, so how are you feeling today? Nervous or excited or both?

Nisha: Hello Sir (With a courteous smile). Yes sir, I am excited as well as nervous as you can see. But I know how to handle stress as Ihave done it before as well.

Mr. Mehta: Really. so how do you manage stress with work?

Nisha: Stress is a part of life so one must accept it as it comes in the way. When I am confronted with stress, I tend to find out the causeof it. There are various causes for stress, it may be due to self reason or may be due to others too. If I see there are people who areadding to my stress level then I believe in discussing with them and focusing on the professional as well as personal issues that lead tosuch stressful situation. So what ever be the cause, I approach it with a flow chart method, i.e. starting with the root cause and doing thefollow up. One tends to lose temper but life/work teaches you to stay calm and use logical ways to find out the solution. This is the onlyway to achieve your pre-determined goal within time frame, I believe.

Mr. Mehta: Do you have a goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 to 7 years from now?

Nisha: Setting goal is very important for me sir, so I do have set a goal for me. Although it's certainly difficult to predict things far into thefuture, I know what direction I want to develop toward. Within three years, I would like to become the very best HR Manager for thecompany that hires me in the campus placement after 18 months from now. In fact, my personal career mission statement is to become aworld-class expert for Human Resources. I will work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I will befully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities that might be presented in the long term.

Mr. Mehta: It feels so good to hear such motivating future plans from kids your age. I wish you all the very best. You will soon get toknow the final decision of the admission committee.

Nisha: Thanks a lot for your compliment sir. Have a nice day ahead.

Scenario-4:

An interviewer (Mr. Tyagi) is in conversation with a candidate (Archana) who does not seem to be much open to people, although herentire academic life and score in written test are commendable. But her GD performance is not that great. Mr. Tyagi wants to examineif Archana is worth giving a chance in his institute.

Archana: May I come in Sir?

Mr. Tyagi: Please, have your seat.

Archana: Thank you sir.

Mr. Tyagi: So Archana, you are a commerce student and want to pursue finance?

Archana: Yes Sir. I have completed B. Com with Accounts Honors. I was always interested in numbers and figures, so have decided tobecome a finance manager since childhood.

Mr. Tyagi: What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?

Archana: The key quality should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person whocan set the course and direction for subordinates. A manager should also be a positive role model for others to follow. The highest callingof a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities.

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of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities.

Mr. Tyagi: But Archana, what I can make out from our conversation is that you are not a very outgoing person. Is there a reason for thisor do you consider this as your weakness?

Archana: Yes sir. you observed it very right that I am not a very extrovert person. There is no specific reason for the same and I don'tconsider this as a weakness. Throughout my academic life, I have performed the way I decided and was expected to. I never fell short onmy professors' expectation and performed my duties well. My little reserve nature has never been a hurdle for me.

Mr. Tyagi: If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?

Archana: I believe they would say I'm a very devoted person, that I put my mind to the task at hand and see to it that it's accomplished.They would say that if they ever had something that needed to be done, I was the person who they could always depend on to see that itwas accomplished. They would say that I always took a keen interest in the subjects I was studying and always sought ways to apply theknowledge in real world settings. And I am not just guessing what they would say, in fact, I'm quite certain they would say those thingsbecause I have with me several letters of recommendation from my professors, and those are their very words. I can show them to youas well.

Mr. Tyagi: If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?

Archana: That's a good question. I realize that it can be very easy to continually look back and wish that things had been different in thepast. But I also remember that things in the past cannot be changed, that only things in the future can be shaped. That's why Icontinually strive to improve myself each and every day. That's also the reason why I want to become the very best finance manager thecompany, which will hire me, has ever had. To make positive change. And all of that is still in the future. So in answer to your question,there isn't anything in my past that I would change. I look only to the future to make changes in my life.

Mr. Tyagi: Well said Archana. I am very impressed I must say. I wish you all the best in life. You can leave for the day. The final decision ofthe admission committee will be conveyed to you soon. Thank you.

Archana: Thank you Sir.

Interview - Sample Questions & Suggested Answers

Justify your decision to pursue the MBA program?

Don't tell the panel that you are looking for a "challenging job in a good firm with lots of money, status and glamour". Instead, you mustconvey to the interview panel that you have made a rational and informed decision about your career choice and your intended course ofhigher study. There are broadly four areas which your answer could touch upon:

i. Career Objectives: You could talk about your career objectives and how the two year MBA program will help you achieve them.ii. Value Addition: Value addition will essentially be in two forms knowledge and skills.iii. Background: This is where you connect your past to your future. If you are an engineer, try and say that the MBA course and your

engineering degree will help you do your job better in the company that you will join. You should be able to convincingly justify howyour engineering qualification will help.

iv. Opportunities and Rewards: You could also at this stage mention the opportunities that are opening up in organizations formanagement graduates. At this stage mentioning superior monetary rewards for management graduates may not be a bad idea.

Why do you think you would enjoy your chosen area of study (Eg: Marketing)?

Marketing is key to the success of any organization and the function has always appealed to me, because it requires a combination ofcreativity, strategic and analytic ability - all qualities that I feel I possess. Through discussions with some of my seniors, I have a prettygood idea of what it's like to work toward taking up a marketing job, and I know I will enjoy the work.

How do you spend your spare time?

I have a good collection of books of different genre and enjoy reading. In addition, I love driving during late evenings or on rainy weekendafternoons. Also, for the last two years I've been volunteering at the local children's hospital on Saturday mornings.

What are your strengths and your weaknesses?

First of all, take time to write down 3 of your strengths and 3 weaknesses. These are examples from personal life; you can quote yourrelevant real professional life examples.

"Since my childhood, I have a habit, if I want to go to a movie and my parents wanted me to finish my maths homework first, then I usedto solve the Math's problems first and also I used to make sure that I do it correctly. I would not care how much effort was involved, howmuch convincing was required, so my first strength is that I am a determined person.

Secondly, I have a habit, when I take up some work; I make sure that I do it very well. It was my dad's 25th birthday. All my familymembers had completed the decoration, but I started when everybody finished, because I was not satisfied with the way it was done. Iworked alone for four hours and at the end of it, everyone appreciated it. Moreover, my father, for whom it was a surprise, was delighted.My second strength is that I love perfection and I achieve it most of the times.

Now as I have told you about my strengths I would like to share with you something. One of my strength of being a determined person isalso my weakness. When I take up some commitment, I invest so much energy, hard work and efforts in it that I sometimes neglect my

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also my weakness. When I take up some commitment, I invest so much energy, hard work and efforts in it that I sometimes neglect mypersonal life, social life, health and family life. I still remember I have not visited my very close friend since last 2 years. My strength ofbeing a determined person is also my weakness.

My mother tells me that I spend a lot of money. I think she is right and but from other perspective, I think what I am doing is also right.Whenever I buy something - clothes, watches, shoes, I buy best quality products, and good products or services are always expensive.My second weakness is that I spend a lot of money on quality products."

The first thing you need to do prior to interviewing is assess yourself. This includes listing your strengths and weaknesses, youraccomplishments and achievements, reviewing your strong and your weak subjects, and recording some of the key decisions you havemade in your life.

You should then review your interests, the disappointments you've encountered, your work environment likes/dislikes, your business andpersonal values, your goals, needs, restrictions, and life style preferences.

Prepare structured answers for the following potential questions.

1. Why should we admit you into our MBA program?2. What are your strongest abilities?3. What skills would you be bringing to the classroom?(relevant if you have job experience)

4. What are you looking for in this program?5. Where do you want to be in 5 years?6. Why do you want to study in this institute?7. What does "success" mean to you?8. What does "failure" mean to you?9. What are your three major accomplishments?

10. What have you disliked in your past jobs? (If you have worked in more than one organization)11. What kinds of people do you enjoy working with? (If you possess work experience)12. What kinds of people frustrate you?13. How long before you can make a contribution (Not monetary) to the institute?14. In the past year, what have you been dissatisfied about in your performance?15. What according to you is your ideal job and how will this program help you realize the same?16. What can you tell me about your past bosses? (If you have work experience)17. Which is more important to you: money or the type of job?18. What have you learned from your activities in college?19. Were your extracurricular activities worth the time you put into them?20. What have they taught you?21. What qualities should a successful manager possess?22. What two attributes are most important in your job?23. What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?24. What have you done that you consider creative?25. Who do you admire? Why?26. What do you get passionate about?27. What courses are you taking?

Conclusions: Our Best Tips for Interview Success

Prepare for the interview extensively: review your application, learn about the school, and prepare answers for the typical questionsPractice answering questions aloud before the interview until you can handle all types of questions confidentlyWalk into the interview with an air of confidence and professionalism. Offer a firm handshake and a professional demeanorListen carefully to the interviewer's questions and answer accordingly. Don't babble incessantly about a related topic or answer thequestion you wish he had askedBe yourself. If your answers are ambiguous or inconsistent, the interviewer will likely consider you a poor candidate. Don't send outany unnecessary warning signs.

Your success will ultimately depend on your ability to sell yourself to the interviewer. (S)he is seeking the following traits:

MaturityCommunication SkillsHonestyMotivationHigh Energy LevelConfidencePrideInitiativeListeningSkillsSense of HumorAnalytical Skills

Leadership Potential

If you have them, flaunt them! They will open the door to a wonderfully challenging, yet satisfying academic experience.

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If you have them, flaunt them! They will open the door to a wonderfully challenging, yet satisfying academic experience.

Hopefully you should be ready to face PI by now. For such understanding on the subject matter please stay tuned towww.mbarendezvous.com, portal with MBO approach.

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