Interview Tips

"Interview is a formal conversation, designed to assess the suitability of the candidate."  

The purpose of interview is to finally select the most deserving candidates, out of the chosen few. If you give it confidently and logically your chances of selection are very high. 

We congratulate all  the students who have cleared their written entrance examination. Now it is the time for you to prepare for the interview. This part of selection procedure is little tough as the ratio of selection is nearly 5 : 1.

Qualifying a  written exam shows that you have a good standard of theoretical knowledge. Now you should stop worrying about the books. As in your interview, the board of  interviewers will try to assess you mainly on basis of your personality and other qualities.

Following are the qualities you need to develop in your personality, for the success in the interview ( And also for success at various other stages in your life ).
  1.  Presentation ( How you present yourself ).
  2.  Communication skills.
  3.  Positive thinking, enthusiasm, confidence and presence of mind.
  4.  Ability to think clearly and logically.
  5.  Clear understanding of the basic concepts of your subjects.

The student at this stage have very less idea about interview. This may be their first chance to face an interview. But some guidelines and proper direction can prepare them for it.

An individual has to prepare for three phases :
(a) Few Days before interview
(b) One Day before interview
(c) In front of the interviewing board.

(a) Few Days before interview

This is the total duration between the day you receive the call letter for interview and the day before interview. This is your pre interview session in which you prepare yourself for interview. Following are some tips:
  1.  Start preparing right from the day when you receive the news of your interview call.
  2.  Read newspaper thoroughly especially editorial. Converse with your parents/friends/relatives about that in English.

  3.  Keep an eye over the major & important events that took place in recent past.
  4.  Make your opinion on different news/events and try to satisfy people without arguing.
  5.  Express yourself in day to day life events very clearly.
  6.  Prepare yourself academically also. ( Specially on human biology section, for those who are going for a Medical College interview )
  7.  Undergo mock interviews. It enables you get an actual feel of what facing an interview would actually be.

  8.  Read various stuff in front of the mirror.

(b) One Day before interview

This day is very important, as you give your preparation a final touch on this day. Following are some tips:
  1.  Be yourself : don’t try to act.
  2.  Always keep a little smile on : don’t appear too amused and neither keep laughing, just a little smile will put your interviewers at ease and you will appear confident.
  3.  Get a decent hair cut : don’t get a military one and neither keep them too long.
  4.  Select your dress :  Shirt ( white, cream or any medium shade.), Trousers to go along and a simple Tie.
  5.  Don’t try to go in a suit. Also not in less than what is mentioned.
  6.  Don’t put on any jewelry (like bracelets, rings, chains, tie pins etc. even if you like them. Leave them for celebrations later)

  7.  A simple Watch is important. And a simple Waist Belt is very important.
  8.  Blue, brown or black socks (anything which goes with your attire except white).
  9.  Put on neat black, well polished shoes.
  10.  Take all your documents along, like your certificates and mark sheets or any other documents. Take them in a professional folder.
  11.  Don’t read before you go into the interview room, just collect your thoughts and try to think of how you will introduce yourself.
  12.  Read newspaper.
  13.  Practice open ended questions like describing yourself. Practicing with your friends and parents will help.
  14.  Try to know something about the institute for which you are going for the interview.
  15.  The major question each candidate is asked is Why do want to join this institute ? There is no perfect answer to this question. While answering it try to convey 2 facts :
      (i)    I want to be a Doctor ( or Engineer etc.)
      (iii)  This is one of the best Medical ( or Engineering ) colleges in India.

  16. Don't flood yourself with various thoughts and emotions.

  17. Stay well focused.

(c) In front of the interview board

All preparation that an applicant has undergone are finally put to test in the interview room. 

  1.  Do not get Nervous and Remain Confident. 

       Presence of mind is very important during an interview.

  2.  Reach the venue of interview about 15 minutes before time.
  3.  Knock the door and enter the room when your name is called.

  4.  Enter the room with straight arms. 

       Never put your hands in your pockets (It is disrespectful). 

       Never keep your hands at your back (it is a casual posture)

       Never keep you hands locked in front (It shows your low dignity)
  5.  There would be about 5 members in the interview board. Greet all the members with a pleasant smile (collectively and not individually).
  6.  Take the seat only when it is offered to you. Pull your chair (if required) gently. Use your Right or both the hands to pull the chair.

  7.  Use your Right hand to handover or receive any documents.
  8.  As the panel begins the questioning, you must reply confidently, honestly and to the best of your knowledge.
  9.  Your voice and words should be audible to all members of board.  Your tone should be humble and not dictating.

  10.  Never try to speak in a stylish or artificial manner. Try to speak in normal tone with proper pronunciation.

  11. There is no need to be in a hurry in replying the questions. Your word speed should be about 30 to 40 words per minute. 
  12.  You must try to avoid answering on the basis of Yes or No. Try to be brief and to the point.
  13.  If you want the member to repeat a question, you can request for it politely.
  14.  If you don’t know the answer simply say that you don’t know the answer. Do not give the wrong answer. If you are wrong, admit it and apologize immediately instead of giving excuses.
  15.  You must maintain eye contact with members of the panel.
  16.  Sit straight and appear attentive when interviewer speaks to you

  17.  Body language is important and you must ensure you have crisp body movement.     Do not play with your handkerchief or pen while answering. Don’t move your hands too much. Keep them on your lap.
  18.  Avoid criticizing the members and express your views with fact and consideration.
  19.  You must participate well throughout the interview. Finally, when you are told to leave, get up gently from your seat and leave the room ( Don’t run ).
  20.  Before leaving thank everyone, wish them and exit gracefully.