26 commandments for personal interviews

You have fared well in the written test and the group discussion.You are just a step away from admission to your dream programme -- thepersonal interview. A panel of management experts, a battery of questions. Are youperspiring already? Well, a personal interview could actually be challenging and fun ifyou just relax and remain focused. Think of it as a conversationbetween the interview panel and yourself, so enjoy it thoroughly.To begin with, there are four main focus areas in any personal interview: • Personal details • Academic details • Your background • Current affairs • Commandments for every personal interviewEven after months of preparation, some candidates do not perform wellinside the interview room. The trick is to follow the below commandments practice them duringmock interview sessions diligently. You are sure to crack the personalinterview.
1. Whenever the interviewer asks any questions, listen carefully. Donot interrupt him midway. Ask for a clarification if the question isnot clear. Wait a second or two before you answer. And don't dive intothe answer!
2. Speak clearly. Don't speak very slowly. Be loud enough so that theinterviewers don't have to strain their ears.
3. Brevity is the hallmark of a good communicator. An over-talkativeor verbose person is disliked and misjudged instantly, so keep it short.
4. If you don't know an answer, be honest. The interviewer willrespect your integrity and honesty. Never exaggerate.
5. Never boast about your achievements. Don't be overconfident -- itis often misinterpreted by interviewers for arrogance.
6. Don't get into an argument with the interviewer on any topic.Restrain yourself, please!
7. Remember your manners. Project an air of humility and be polite.
8. Project enthusiasm. The interviewer usually pays more attention ifyou display enthusiasm in whatever you say.
9. Maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview, because apleasant countenance holds the interviewers' interest.
10. Maintain perfect eye contact with all panel members; make sure youaddress them all. This shows your self-confidence and honesty.
11. Avoid using slang. It may not be understood and will certainly notbe appreciated.
12. Avoid frequent use of words and phrases like, 'I mean'; 'Youknow'; 'I know'; 'Well'; 'As such'; 'Fine'; 'Basically', etc.
13. When questions are asked in English, reply in English only. Do notuse Hindi or any other languages. Avoid using Hindi words like matlab,ki, maine, etc.
14. Feel free to ask questions if necessary. It is quite in order andmuch appreciated by interviewers.
15. Last but not the least, be natural. Many interviewees adopt astance that is not their natural self. Interviewers find it amusingwhen a candidate launches into a new accent that s/he cannot sustainconsistently through the interview or adopts a mannerism that isinconsistent with their own personality. It is best to talk naturally. You come across as genuine.
• Are you good at group discussions?Mind your body language!
16. Do not keep shifting your position.
17. Your posture during the interview adds to or diminishes yourpersonality. Be a little conscious of your posture and gestures. Theyconvey a lot about your personality.
18. Sit straight. Keep your body still. You may, of course, use yourhand gestures freely.
19. Avoid these mannerisms at all costs:• Playing with your tie • Theatrical gestures • Shaking legs • Sitting with your arms slung over the back of the adjoining chair
Post interview etiquette
20.Make sure you thank the interviewers as a mark of respect for thetime they have spared for you.
21. As you rise and are about to leave, make sure you collect up yourpen/ pencil/ all other stationery.
22. After getting up, place your chair in its original position.
The last word
23. Some institutes (like the Faculty of Management Studies) ask youto deliver an extempore speech suddenly while the interview is goingon. Be mentally prepared for the same.
24. Competition will be very tough. Every mistake you commit will turninto an advantage for the other candidates. Hence, be very particularabout your preparation. Do not leave anything to chance or the lastminute.
25. Remember you have to sell yourself in an interview.
26. Be very particular about what you write in your resume. Check andre-check your resume for facts, spelling errors, etc. Ensure thatthere are no grammatical errors in the descriptive type questions inthe sheet.