Getting ready for Campus Placement Interviews

Although not expert comments or opinions, but after having taken more than a dozen mock interviews for the candidates of Batch of 2017 from FMS, Delhi, I have compiled the below points that one can keep in mind for preparing themselves for the campus placement interviews. Hope that these can help you better prepare and boost your candidature during the interview.

1.       CV will just get you shortlisted, the rest is upto you

Once you are called in for an interview, do not worry about how good or bad your CV was. It won’t really matter. Because the job of your CV is over and true test begins. During an interview, probably the first few questions would be “Tell me something about yourself” or “Run me through your CV”. After that, more often than not, the Interviewer would stop looking at your CV and focus on what you say and share. That’s when you would want to escort the conversation into your strong zone and ensure that your introduction has enough meat for the interviewer to generate next few questions.

2.       Clichéd questions, Un-clichéd answers

Very often you might be asked such clichéd questions like “Tell me something about your strengths and weaknesses” or “Why did you choose the particular stream- Finance/Marketing/Consulting?” etc. Interestingly, these questions may be worded very differently but would essentially mean the same. For example, instead of asking about your strength, the question may be “Tell me something about yourself that you are very proud of” or “Tell me something that you can say people should learn from you” and so on.  As much clichéd these questions are, your response needs to be as much un-clichéd and original. Imagine the situation of the interviewer where he/she has interviewed 20 candidates. Only those

3.       Consider asking for a few moment before attempting to answer

When you face an unexpected question which seems rather complex, you can always borrow some time from the interviewer by asking. Some consider that by asking sometime during the interview, you might ruin your chances of getting selected. But that’s all myth. In fact, for deserving questions, you should pause and give it a moment’s thought. It actually portrays that you think before you speak, a quality that is cherished in a professional life.

4.       Structure your answers

During an interview, you might face various opinion –questions or even not-so-straight-forward questions. To answer such questions, you should keep a structure in your mind. A logical structure will enable you to answer holistically and in a smooth manner. For example, on questions such as “What are your views on the recent Demonetization steps taken by the government?” you need to discuss pros and cons, short-term and long-term impact, fact vs experience etc. It is better not to start with a one-sided opinion. However, sharing your personal opinion is indispensable.

5.       Bring Emotional connect, not just stats and facts

Facts, figures and analysis are an integral part while answering interview questions. Nonetheless, you should not confine the answers just to numbers. While numbers quantify, you should not forget to discuss the qualitative aspects. For example, in the above question of Demonetization impact, you can and should definitely bring in the RBI statistics and the GDP figures. But at the same time, you should also discuss the impact in the lives of normal people. The emotional factor hidden behind the big numbers .For example, the support that the public at large have extended despite huge pain and sufferings, all in the hope that something good is awaited at the end of it.

6.       Be Original, Be Yourself

You are most comfortable when you are yourself. Do not try to copy or imitate others. Be you. Be natural and that’s when you will sound more confident and convincing during the interview.

7.       Incidents, personal experiences and stories make the conversation livelier

Simply making a point on a topic or question is not enough to ensure that the interviewer has heeded to your answer. Consider the interview duration as a conversation. In order to make the conversation livelier and memorable, share personal experiences and stories that are pertinent to the questions asked. For example, while sharing your strengths, you can narrate an incident from your work/college/professional life that exemplifies it, thus bolstering your answer.

8.       Body language does matter

Except for telephonic interviews, your body language and posture also can also make you gain or lose some points during the interview. Do not be casual is what everybody would recommend. In addition to it, do not be timid, shy or nervous. Exhibit confidence, not just in your speech but also through your body language.

9.       Maintain eye-contact

Never look down or up or stare at your fingers etc while in an interview. Maintaining eye contact will bring positive vibes during the conversation. It is a way of exhibiting conviction for what you say and helps the interviewer believe in your words.

10.   Be ready with appropriate question(s) for the interviewer as well

An interviewer is as much the interviewer wanting to know you personally, as much it is that you wanting to know about the company/role etc. So do not waste any such opportunity. Make sure the interview is an interaction, not a one sided question-answer round.

Good Luck for your Placements!