Picture this: A student in formal wear, seated uncomfortably on a cushy chair, swiveling to and fro, rubbing his sweaty palms nervously in front of a panel of people, deeply wondering, what in the world could be the answer to that atomic bomb of a question hurled at me without warning?! Common scenario?? Have you, by any chance, been there before?

Once again, it is that time of the year when colleges have begun the onslaught of students for admission to particular courses at hand. The rigour quotient of the interview depends on the credibility and value of the programme. Personal interviews have, for long, been an integral part of this selection procedure. These personal interviews have, for donkeys’ ears frightened the living daylights out of students with most of them worried sick about the questions asked during them. It is solely with the solution to this predicament in mind that we have decided to address this issue. Here, we shall give you a step-by-step insight into what to say and what not to say during these testing times.

These are a few of the stereotypical questions asked at personal interviews as well as job interviews, and the answers to those questions that will please and appease the enigma in front of you.

Q. What are your weaknesses?

This is one question that generally makes you go weak in the head. One important ground rule here is never disguise or justify your weakness. Always make it a point to state your weaknesses but also mention what steps you are taking to overcome them. This displays a sincere attitude from your side to the interviewer. Do not mention extreme weaknesses like alcohol addiction etc. They are insignificant and will only make matters worse. Stick to weaknesses that can be rectified easily, like punctuality, faulty time management etc.

For e.g. If you always tend to procrastinate important tasks, then mention that you have been, in recent times, maintaining a schedule and try to follow it so that your work gets done on time.

Q. Where do you see yourself 5-10 years from now?

Ok, now whoever invented this question certainly did not want to hire the candidate sitting in front of him! The quintessential answer to this question is the only way you can bail yourself out of the situation. There are a few rules that you should strictly follow while answering this one.
Don’t talk about designation. E.g. I want to be in the managerial position etc.
Never talk about salary or pay.
Talk about the type of work and responsibilities that you would want to hold.
Talk about a specific department or line of work to ensure specialisation from your end.

For e.g. the ideal answer would be “Five years from now, I want to see myself established in my field of expertise with a stable job. I definitely want to grow with the organisation so that I have a secure future tomorrow. I will be giving my 100% in whatever I do, whether it is here, or anywhere else."

Q. Why are you quitting your current job? Were you happy with your previous job? If yes, why are you leaving?

One thing to remember while answering this particular question is that never criticise/ be negative about your previous work place/colleagues. The notion is that incase you harbour ill feelings against your previous company; there is a chance that you may adversely address this company as well on leaving.

An ideal response would be to state that there was no room for any more growth in your previous post and it was solely the lack of opportunity that initiated your move. You are now looking for something new that will match your interest level and that you are open for undertaking more responsibilities. Never include the words salary or better job prospects in your answer as it depicts a one-track mind.

Q. Why is there a drop in your academic performance during a couple of years?

The most common answer to this question is that the previous year was a crucial one and I needed to take a break after all the hard work I put in then. This is the most inappropriate answer anyone can give as it shows sheer inefficiency. It proves that after every hard task performed, you require an equally long rest period to get back on your feet.

The best answer is to state that you should have paid more attention to those years and regret your performance in those times. You have now learnt from your mistake and if given a chance, you would rectify them.

Q. If there is ever a crisis in your personal life, then how will you juggle your professional life with it? What will be your first priority?

The ideal answer to this one would be to state that you would, of course put your family first in such a scenario but nevertheless never let your work suffer. You would work in advance and be systematic so that the load does not increase during the crisis period. Also, if the situation demands it, you would look for a suitable substitute till your return.

Q. What if a certain job gets done only if you bribe the concerned person? Would you then indulge in unethical practices?

I guess I would hesitantly indulge in unethical practices, as my work would be stalled without it. Yet, although is benefits my organisation, it would never benefit me in any way as I would be going against my principles.

This is the only answer to one of the most crucial questions asked at almost all B-Schools. It generally stumps most students, as they believe that it is a no-win situation if they would give any of the two options.

In today’s corporate scenario, soft skills of an individual are equally valuable as his hard skills. This is far by the vital reason why interviews are given so much mileage. The key to giving a successful interview is to always be confident of your statements. Incase you do not know an answer, do not lie/bluff as the persons sitting in front can judge it immediately. If you are, however unsure of an answer, the ideal thing to say would be “correct me if I am wrong but…” All these essential tips will go a long way in giving a triumphant interview.