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!
