Interview process

Interview is a forum to judge the capabilities of an individual to adapt and work in a

particular situation with given resources and infrastructure.
In an Interview, first impression is the best impression. You will be judged by the
way you dress, your educational qualification, work experience, body language, manners,
ability to absorb the information and interpret it intelligently and clearly. So take care to
be at your best. Coming face to face with a prospective employer can be daunting. The
more prepared you are the better your chances.

Listed below are some helpful tips on how to have a successful interview.

Prior to Interview:

(a) Before you go to an interview you need to prepare. Do as much "homework" on the
Company as you can to find out about the business they are in. Most companies will have
a website containing lots of information. If not, use more traditional methods such as the
local library. Make sure you have a full understanding of all the duties and skills required
within the role. Re-familiarise yourself with your CV and be prepared to describe your
previous roles and responsibilities. Be prepared to describe how you meet the
requirements of the position you will be interviewed for.

(b) Always ensure you know exactly where your interview will take place and give
yourself plenty of time to get there. If possible, do a trial run a few days prior to the
interview, to make sure you know exactly how much time you will need to get there. Be
mindful of travelling during rush hour as this can sometimes double your travelling time.
Make sure you know the name(s) of the person or people interviewing you. Check
beforehand if you need to take anything with you or if any assessments will be taking
place.

Dressing for an interview: Recruitment decisions are based on several different factors,
but it is worth remembering that first impressions count. You should dress appropriately
for the position you are applying for. Listed below are some tips on how to dress for an
interview:

Wear a businesslike suit in a conservative colour or atleast shirt & tie,

Clean, unscuffed shoes
Clothes are clean and crisply ironed
Hair is clean and neatly styled
Keep perfume/aftershave to a minimum
During the interview
Always be polite and friendly to everyone that you meet and if appropriate, make
conversation with the reception staff.
When you enter the room, stand up straight, smile and give your interviewer a firm
handshake.
Don’t get flustered, speak clearly and calmly.

An interview is a two-way process.

If you don’t fully understand a question, ask for it to be repeated. If you can’t answer a
question because you don’t have the relevant experience, try to give an answer that is as
close as you can to what they are looking for. Keep to the point and answer the question
that has been asked. Don’t get sidetracked and go off the point. If you feel that you have
not been asked enough questions or feel you need to further express your suitability for
the role, ask them if you can tell them more about yourself and possibly ask a couple of
questions that are relevant to the company and the position.

If appropriate, ask how many other people are being interviewed for the position, what
the next stage will be and when you can expect to hear from them.

Finally, thank your interviewer for their time, smile and give them a firm handshake.

Interview Do’s and Don’ts

Do prepare fully for your interview.

Do feel comfortable with your clothes but be smart and businesslike.
Do smile and be polite to everyone you meet.
Do make sure you get there on time, if you are late make sure you call to let them know
and definitely an apology for being late.
Do think positive and relax.
Don’t be rude or offhand to anyone you meet.
Don’t make critical comments about former employers.
Don’t tell lies as you’ll nearly always be found out.
Don’t underplay your achievements, sell yourself.
Don’t panic.

Frequently asked questions

Most interviewers will ask some similar basic questions. Prior to the interview you
should already be thinking about the questions you might be asked and how you will
respond to them. Listed below are some examples of some typical interview questions. If
you can try and familiarise yourself with these and how you might respond, you’ll be
ready to answer them in a calm and positive manner. Some typical questions are:

1. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

2. What are the main responsibilities in your current role?
3. What do you most enjoy about your current role?
4. What do you enjoy most about working as part of a team?
5. Can you describe a time when you’ve faced a difficult challenge and how you
overcame it?
6. What interested you in this position?
7. What skills could you bring to this position?
8. Why do you want to change your current company and role?

You want the best answers for the Frequently Asked Questions then enroll in our
Training Program, you will find answers to most frequently asked questions in any airline
interview

Interview-Interview Ingredients

The objective of the interview, as sated in the UPSC prospectus for the Civil Service
Examination, is to asses the personnel suitability of the candidate for the service or
services for which he has applied, by a Board of competent and unbiased observers.
During this personality test, the candidate will have before them a record of his career as
furnished by him in the board questionnaire. The candidate will be asked questions on
masters of general interest and on the subjects he has studied as well as on the subjects he
had chosen for the written examination.

The interview is intended to judge the mental calibre, attitude and outlook of the
candidate along with his leadership qualities and character traits. Thus, it would be an
assessment not merely of his academic proficiency and intellectual qualities but also of
his social traits and interest in current events. Some of the qualities to be judged can be
listed as:

Mental alertness

Critical powers of assimilation

Calance of judgement

Clear and logical exposition

Variety and depth of interests

Ability for social cohesion leadership and

Intellectual and moral integrity.

During the interview, the candidate has to listen as well as speak. Normally he will be
required to do the major share of the talking, expressing his ideas, views, opinions and
comments and also arguing his case and justifying his stand or conclusions by adducing
sound, sensible, rational, logical and convincing reasons. He should be share of himself,
remain consistent and be sincere.

The Personality Test is not intended to be a test either of the specialised or general
knowledge of the candidates, which has already been tested through the written
examination. Further, candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not
only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are
happening around them, both within and out of their own State or Country, as well as in
modern currents of thought and new discoveries. Thus, the candidates should be prepared
for some questions relating to their native State, on India and international current events
as also on the burning topics of the day.

Interview-Interview Ingredients

Interview-Interview Technique

Why you must master the Interview Technique?

Where there is competition and selection, there is invariably an interview today. Selecting
candidates for various appointments is purely on the basis of written tests or testimonials
is a thing of the past. Whether it is selection for a job, of for training abroad or for
admission to a college course, there is definitely an interview or personality test. A
candidate who aspires for success in his career, an individual who wishes to have a bright
future, a competitor who is keen to top the list, must therefore master the technique of
doing the best in the interview.

What is an interview?

Interview is a face-to-face conversation for a specific purpose. Before you appear for an
interview, you must clearly know and understand the purpose of the interview. The
nature and type of the interview will vary according to the purpose. In an employment or
selection interview, the aim of the interviewer, or the examiner or the Board of Interview
is to assess and evaluate the extent of the candidate's suitability for the job in hand. In
other words, the interview may be for selection to the IAS, IFS, IES, IPS and other such
first grade UPSC cadres or may be at the Service Selection Boards (SSBs) for the
Selection of Officers to the Army, Navy or Air Force. Again, it may relate to the
selection of business executives, salesmen, accountants, office-supervisors, secretaries,
stenos, clerks, typists, and so on. In all these cases, the selectors will have certain job
specifications, and by means of interview, they would try to see how far the candidate
meets such requirements.

The purpose of the Interview according to the UPSC:

The Union Public Service Commission holds that the object of its interview is to assess
the personal suitability of a candidate for the service he has applied for. The candidate
will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a record of his career. He will
be asked questions on matters of general interests. The object of the interview is to
assess, through competent and unbiased observers, the personal suitability of candidate.
The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms, this is an
assessment of not only his intellectual qualities, but also his social traits and interest in
current affairs. Some of the order qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical
power of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, and balance of judgment, variety and
depth of interest, ability for social cohesion leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
The technique of interview is not that of strict-cross examination but of a natural, though
direct and purposive conversation, which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the
candidate. The personal test is not meant to be a test either of the specialised or general
knowledge of the candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not only in
their special subject of academic study, but also in the events which are happening
around them, both within and without their own state or country, as well as in the modern
currents of thought, and in new discoveries which should rouse the curiosity of the well-
educated youth.

The Aim of SSB Interviews:

The aim of the SSB interview tries to assess the leadership or 'Officer-like' qualities of
candidate by means of the directed and purposive conversation during the interview. He
also tries to evaluate the training potentialities of the candidate. The questions at the
interview will be so directed as the candidate may automatically emit enough light on his
leadership ability in his answers.

Important Factors of the Interview:

The two important factors which play a decisive role in the interview are the candidate's
knowledge and his power of expression. In any group or a gathering, the person who
dominates the one, who does the talking in a forceful and convincing manner. In the same
way, at the interview, the candidate who is able to speak fluently and express himself
clearly, will score high marks. At the same time the candidate cannot talk well, unless he
has enough knowledge or ideas on various topics. Incidentally, the interview as already
pointed out, will not be a mere cross-examination like questions and answers in a school
classroom. While answering the candidate should take the lead and cover as much of the
relevant ground as possible. In other words, simply saying 'yes' or 'no' to a question will
not suffice. The candidate should explain convincingly why he agrees or disagrees to a
given proposition. He must logically and forcefully substantiate his views with valid
arguments. Both the UPSC and SSB interviews lay much emphasis on qualities of
leadership and not merely on academic or textual knowledge. The candidate should,
therefore, know what the various qualities of leadership are, and they could be
highlighted by him during the interview.
Leadership Qualities:

The Board takes note of the following qualities, when it tries to asses the leadership
ability to the candidate, as the same have been generally accepted as leadership attributes.

Intellectual attainments:

The extents of knowledge of different subjects- e.g., Science, History, Economics,

Literature, Current Events, visit to places, etc.

The depth of knowledge-How deeply the candidate has studied a subject of his choice or
interest?

Practical knowledge-How the candidate applied his theoretical knowledge in practical

situations or how best he can solve problems-e.g., What will you do, When you find after
boarding the bus, that you had forgotten to bring the money purse with you? How will
you organise a picnic? What will you do, if you are not selected at this interview?

General knowledge- Current Affairs, Everyday Science, burning Topics, Sports,

Newspaper headlines, etc.

Grasp- How quickly the candidate understands the question or the subject.

Power Expression:

Fluency- No stammering gape, etc.

Forceful Lively, enthusiastic and arresting. No monotonous or dragging voice. No

swallowing of words. Not speaking very fast. No affectations.

Logic in argument- Rational, clearheaded, analytical, systematic, proceeding step by step

and no contradictions.

Practical approach-Realastic and sensible, use of commonsense, alive to facts and

existing limitations.

Convincing ability-Speaking sincerity and faith.

Personal Traits:

Cheerful, pleasant and smiling disposition.

Liveliness- eager, alert sprightly, inspired by urge, fired with ambition.

Enthusiasm, keenness and interest.

Dress and turnout Smart-, clean and suited to the occasion. No shabby clothes, proper
haircut, clean nails, polished shoes.

Poise- Graceful movements, confident approach, straight walk, looking into the eyes
while speaking-Not bent headed or looking at one's toes while speaking.

Punctuality:

Organising Ability:

Clear aim and objective- Ambition and goal in life. Why he wants this job?

Planning-Working out what is to be done, when and how?

Methodical and systematic approach.

Mobilisation and utilization of resources.

Character:

Discipline.

Loyalty.

Integrity and moral values.

Sincerity.

Health and Physical stamina:

Games and sports-indoor as well as outdoor.

Athletics.

Exercises

Cycling, Swimming Trekking, Riding, etc.

Physical endurance and stamina.

Outdoor life.

NCC or Scout training.

Camp life experience.

Hobbies and Interests:

Utilisation of leisure and spare time- Cinema, radio, reading books, journals, etc.

Cultural activities- Social Services.

Fine arts- Drama, music, dancing, etc.

Dynamic Qualities :

Self-confidence,

Initiative and enterprises.

Drive, dash, push, motivation.

Courage, pluck, guts

Promptness to take decision.

Determination, perseverance,

Judgement.

Industry,energy,effort, hard-work, active temperament.

Power of Command.

Resourcefulness.

Spirit of adventure, willingness to take risks, enterprise

Psychological Factors:

Positive thinking, confident and determined approach

Optimistic, hopeful outlook.

Sense of right and wrong.

Absence of anti-social or negative qualities- e.g. unreasonable fear, persecution complex,

jealousy, inclination towards crimes, tendency to tell lies, selfishness, quarrelsome
attitudes, irritable nature, etc.

Social Qualities:
Sense of responsibility,

Adaptability

Cooperation, readiness to help.

Tact, pleasing manners and poise.

Preference to group life and activity.

Considerations for feelings of others, sympathetic attitude.

Friendship and friends.

Readiness to sacrifice, selflessness, group before self.

Example -set an example for others, practise what you preach.

Persuasive ability.

Good manners.

Ability to influence others and get things done.

Some Practical Hints: No matter what the extent or depth of one's knowledge or how high
his other leadership qualities, the candidate cannot impress the Board unless he can talk
well, interestingly and forcefully during the interview. While giving answers, he should
bring out such of his activities or experiences which show up traits of leadership in him.
His words should be audible to all members of the Board. He must speak slowly, laying
emphasis on his words where necessary. He should not sound monotonous by speaking in
even pitch or in a dragging or mumbling voice. Instead, his words should have life. He
must raise his voice where emphasis is required. There is no need at all to be in any
hurry. In fact, he could be clearly heard and understood. People who speak very fast often
do not pronounce the words fully. They often swallow up the end syllables of the words.
The candidate should speak with confidence, and should look into the eyes of the
different Members in turn. Although the question may be put by one Member or by the
Chairman, the candidate should address the Board as a whole while answering. First, he
must understand the question put to him thoroughly. If he is not able to hear clearly or
follow the question properly, he can request the member asking the question to repeat it.
All be has to say is: "I beg your pardon, Sir".

OR

"Could you please repeat the question?"

OR

"Sorry, Sir. I do not precisely follow the question. May I request you to repeat the
question, please?"

Since the interview is not a mere question-and-answer session, the candidate should
converse actively and try to give comprehensive answers. Let us consider some
illustrations.

Questions: What is your native place?

Answer: "Kewalpore".

Comments: This one-word answer is incomplete in the context of the interview. In all
probability, none of the members of the Board has ever heard this name before. This
would be a better answer-" I come from Kewalpore, a small village in Madhya Pradesh. It
has a population of some 10,000 people who are mainly engaged in agriculture".

Q. What do you think, is the most pressing problem facing the country today?

A. "Achieving self-sufficiency in food production".

Comments: Again, the answer inadequate for the interview. Although the Based has not
asked you specifically to state why you think so, you must give the reasons by using your
initiative. It would still be better if you state some other equally pressing problems why
you have given priority to food production. This would, then indicate your knowledge in
both dimensions-width and depth. Here is a better answer:

In my opinion, gaining self-sufficiency in food is the most pressing problems facing our
country today. I agree that there are other problems, like industrialisation, unemployment,
like national integration, etc., which also require to be tackled with equal urgency. But I
had given priority to food, as it cuts the very root of out existence as an independent
nation. What is more we have the resources and it only needs proper harnessing of
modern scientific techniques to achieve self sufficiency in food grains."

Q. Don't you think industrialisation is essential to improve food production?

A. Yes, Sir. I entirely agree with you. But industrialisation should not be at the cost of
food production. Thus, the priority, I feel, should be accorded to food.

Comments: You could see that an additional question have come up from your original
answer. This is natural and generally so. The answers show fair knowledge, adequate
grasp, logical reasoning and good presentation. What is more, the candidate is retaining
the initiative, enabling the questions to be asked in his familiar subject.
Need To Exercise Initiative In Interviews:

The prospective employer or the professional interviewer on his behalf, tries to find out,
through the medium of the interview, how far and how best you can fill the bill for the
job in view. Now, put yourself for a moment in his shoes. If you are an employer what
things you would like to find out about the individual whom you wish to employ. What
personally and character traits of the individual you would be interested to discover?
Certainly you would want to check on these aspects.

Appearance and Bearing: What is his first impression like? Is he able to make a
favourable impression? Does he create an impact? How are his dressing habits and
grooming? Is he cheerful and bright? Does he smile? Is he neat and clean? Does he reveal
pleasant and good manners? Does he observe the rules of etiquette?

Level of Intelligence: Is he intelligent as well as sensible? Does he show good

awareness? Has he a quick and goof grasp? Is he well read? Has he got good general
knowledge and sound commonsense? What is the extent and depth of his knowledge in
regard to the job he has applied for? What are his qualifications and experience? How has
he acquitted himself in his studies? Can he learn quickly and improve by training? Does
he reveal imagination and foresight? Is he mentally alert.

Power of Expression: Can he talk? Does he speak fluently or does he prove to be a

tongue-tied? Is he capable of communicating his thoughts clearly, crisply, coherently and
effectively? Does he put across ideas freely, convincingly and powerfully? Is he able to
reason out in a logical and rational manner? Does he sound convincing ? Does he speak
with enthusiasm and interest to impress Others?. Is he able to command and hold the
attention of his audience? Is he practical and accurate in his talk or does he resort to
waffle? How does he react to criticism ? is he good at selling his ideas and winning over
others to his way of thinking?

Organisation: Is he resourceful? Has he tackled any difficult problems with success? Is

he capable of producing workable solutions in practical situations? Is he industrious,
painstaking and thorough? Does he display the required concentration? Is he able to stick
to his objective and avoid going after red-herrings? Does he know his own mind? Has he
the ability to work to time, method and situation? Does he go about a job in a planned,
methodical and systematic manner? Is he steady and consistent or does he do things by
fits and starts? Can he combine his resources judiciously with an eye for economy? Is he
able to exercise control and coordination while effecting decentralization of authority and
responsibility?

Physical Fitness: Does he enjoy sound health? Is he physically tough and fit? What
efforts does he make to keep himself physically fit? Does he play games or take exercise
regularly? How good is his stamina? Does he get tired easily or is he able to carry on and
withstand fatigue effectively? Does his physical movements and activities reveal vitality
and strength?
Dynamic Qualities: Has he rousing enthusiasm, urge and interest? Is he active, energetic
and lively? Does he reveal dash, speed and push? Has he enough self-confidence and
courage to act boldly and decisively? Will he take plunge without hesitation? Is he
enterprising? Can he take decisions? Does he display initiative? Has he got determination
and tenacity? Is he able to grasp and make good use of the opportunities that come his
way? Is he willing to take reasonable risks? Can he preserve and hold on with patience
and faith in the face of difficulties? Can he get over his defeats and set-backs and succeed
in spite of them?

Social Aspects: Is he warm, friendly and cooperative? Does he display the attitude of
give and take? Is he ready to make sacrifices for the sake of others or his Organization?
Does he prove to be flexible, accommodative and easy to approach? Does he enjoy the
company of others? Is he reserved, aloof, dull and gloomy or does he prove to be hearty,
sociable, cheerful and a ready mixer? Has he been able to get along well with his
superiors, equals and subordinates? Is he able to adjust himself readily or does he
complain, bicker, bind and moan about all the time? Has he been utilizing his spare time?
Has he many friends? Is he willing to help? Can he conduct himself in a cordial and
pleasant manner at a social gathering? Is he fond of traveling, seeing new places and
meeting new faces? Can he feel relaxed and comfortable in his presence. Do people
specially seek out his company? Do others find it easy and natural to confide to him? Is
he able to look at things from the viewpoint of others? Does he display adequate tact? Is
he considerate and sympathetic towards the feeling and sentiments of others? Does he
keep pace with changing ideas? Is he progressive in his outlook? Has he a good sense of
humor?

Character and Integrity: Is he honest, loyal and trustworthy? How is his financial moral
rectitude? Has he proved to be reliable and dependable in his past dealings? Does? Does
he keep his word? Does he prove to be responsible while talking about or commenting on
others? Does he refrain from speaking ill of others in their absence? Is he discreet and
reveals capacity to safeguard company secrets? Has he got national pride and a sense of
patriotism? Are his habits temperature and praiseworthy? Is he prudent in spending
money or does he prove to be extravagant? Has he the moral strength to withstand
temptations? Is he well disciplined and capable of good self control? Has he self-respect
and the courage to stand by his noble ideals? Does he display a sense of duty?

Leadership Qualities: Does he reveal esprit de corps or team spirit? Can he get along
well with others? Is he able to create a strong impact on a group? Has he the ability to
bind the group into a well-knit and harmonious team? Is he capable of encouraging others
and bringing out the best in them? Can he exercise effective command without giving rise
of frictions and complaints? Does he place the interests of his men, group or organization
before his own? Can he judge others with reasonable accuracy? Is he able to select the
right type of man for the right job? Is he a bully or a democratic leader? Can he
successfully motivate and influence others? Has he been able to get things done smoothly
and efficiently? Does he reveal a genuine interest in the welfare of his men? Does he set
an example for others to follow? Is he liked, loved and respected by his men? Is he able
to inspire others with confidence and enthusiasm when embarked upon difficult and
hazardous assignments?

Optimistic Outlook: Does he display optimism, positive attitude and constructive

approach in his under takings? Has he clear objectives, definite goals and laudable
ambitions? Is he confident of success? Does he look forward to a bright, prosperous and
happy future? Is he determined to win? Do his words, thoughts, attitudes, approach,
behavior and action always reflect his unanswering faith in ultimate success? Now you
know what your employer or interviewer is interested to find out about yourself.
Naturally, he cannot ask you direct questions on such factors or expect to get correct and
truthful answers for them. In any case actions speak better than words. Therefore, he will
try to get these details by making you talk about yourself, your activities, achievements
and dealing with others. Since you know his mind, and are aware of his requirements,
why not take the initiative and present them yourself. You need not have to leave it to
him to wriggle and struggle with you to extract the information. Instead, you can subtly
and tactfully convey it yourself in the course of the conversation. It is for you then to take
advantage of the possible opening in the conversation and present your assets in the best
possible manner. It means that you should be ready to talk and touch on such favorable
incidents of your life and experience when the opportunity presents itself. Do not keep on
saying ' Yes' or 'No' monotonously all the time when questions are put to you. First
understand the question fully and determine what all or what exactly he wants to know.
When he asks about your educational qualifications, sports activities, hobbies, domestic
background, friendships and association, travel experiences, job experiences, reading
habits life's ambitions and so on, you will have all the opportunities you need. Since you
are going to blow your own trumpet, it has to be done in discreet, subtle diplomatic and
expert manner. It should not be too loud, blaring or jarring. The best thing, therefore, is to
state the facts and Refrain from drawing any conclusions yourself. Do not talk about the
qualities or attributes you possess but state your performances accurately and leave the
task of drawing any inferences to the interviewer. If you have consistently secured
distinctions and position in your academic career, do mention them when you deal with
that topic. If the topic does not come up by itself, then find the appropriate opening where
it could naturally be introduced. It is here your initiative should be brought to lay its part.
Similarly, you should present your co-curricular activities at the appropriate time. The
same rule should also be followed to highlight all your other strong points. At the same
time you should remember to stay within bounds, to be tactful and to proceed judiciously
when taking the initiative. Do not change the topic totally unconnected matters. Never
rub it in. don't show yourself to be over anxious. In other words, do not overdo. First, be a
good listener and encourage him to talk if he is inclined to do so. When you play the role
of a listener, be interesting, lively, enthusiastic and appreciate. All of us would like to
have such an audience when we talk.

Interview, after all, is nothing but face to face conversation with a purpose. If you make
the conversation interesting and enjoyable, your purpose is achieved. To make it
interesting, you have to listen and talk as the occasion demands. You must listen with
interest and talk with purpose. In both cases you must exercise initiative to say the right
things at the right time. Imaginative use of initiative in the interview will thus ensure you
sure SUCCESS.

Importance of Body language

Body language refers to non-verbal and usually unconscious communication through the
use of postures, gestures, facial expressions and the like. It is one of the most important
aspects of an interview as first impression is the last impression. The interviewer wants to
see a confident candidate who is capable of taking initiatives, of finding solutions to
problems and of picking out important details.

A confident and self-assured body language ensures positive vibes from the interviewer.
Walk into the interviewers office, standing straight and brimming with confidence. Wish
the interviewer good morning/ afternoon / evening in order to initiate and facilitate the
conversation. Do not seem to be excited or nervous. Take a seat when offered. Sit
straight, but relaxed , arms in a natural position. Clasping your hands together or crossing
your arms indicates your anxiousness. Have proper eye contact with the interviewer as
this will reflect your confidence. If there are more than one person in the Interview
Board, include everyone in your glance.

Maintain a smiling face throughout the interview and ensure not to indulge in fidgeting or
finger tapping. Your answers must be clear, crisp and audible. Do not put your hand over
your mouth as you speak. Speak slowly with pause, wherever necessary and avoid
speaking in monotone. Think hard analyze the question, take time to answer and justify
your opinion with a certain degree of assertiveness, but not arrogance. Do not be either
too passive or over familiar. Winning tactic in an interview is the ability to recapture
interviewer's attention during the course of the interview.

Do not accept a beverage during the interview as this action is out of etiquettes. Be
gracious in declining the offer, if made by the interviewer. Pick up your belongings, if
any, walk briskly to the door and leave.

Interview-Writing the resume

The last, but not necessarily the least important part of the personality test is the writing
of the resume of the interview. At the end of the interview, the board directs the candidate
to proceed to an adjoining room and write down within 10 or 15 minutes, a brief resume
of the interview. In the room where the candidate is required to write the resume, there is
usually an official present and the candidate is provided with necessary papers and
writing materials. He is to complete writing the resume and hand it over to the official or
drop it in the box provided for the purpose in the same room.

Obviously the object of the resume is to serve as a confirmatory aid. It may carry some
marks separately or the board may firm up its total marks after perusing the resume. It
will also given an aid to the board as the candidate's ability to remember facts and select
the meat will also be put to test. Therefore, it is important for the candidate to pay
sufficient attention to these aspects of the test also. In particular, the following points
deserve special attention:

Since it is to be completed within 10 to 15 minutes, the candidate would be expected to

write between 160 to 200 words. He should not exceed the time-limit provided.

He is not to refer to the greetings and other preliminaries.

He can first jot down the important topics. By recalling to his mind the questions put by
each member, he can arrange them in the chronological order.

The resume is to be in the form of a narrative and not in the question and answer form.

The candidate is required to give the gist and repeat verbatim the conversation that look
place.

The resume should be factual. If all points cannot be covered, the most important ones
only need be recorded. But the resume should not contain anything which did not
transpire at the interview.

The candidate should not hazard any opinions or draw conclusions but confine himself to
reporting the facts exactly and accurately.

The Chairman and Members of the Board are not to be referred independently with
regard to the questions asked or observations made. The candidate should only refer to
the Board as a whole.

It is always better to use simple words and confine oneself to short and crisp sentences.

After practice Interview sessions, the candidate should also practice writing resume and
again sufficient experience in that art.

Interview-UPSC Board Interview And SSB Interview

In the case of the UPSC, the interviews for selection to IAS and similar appointments are
conducted by a Board of experts and officials. Each Board will have a Chairman and
certain number of Members. Some of the members could be specialists in various fields.
Some other members may be senior officers belonging to IAS and other similar services.
The candidate has to face the entire Board. Normally he is given the seating plan in
advance which gives the particulars and positions of the Chairman and the Members.

The candidate in the first instance should address his queries or replies to the Chairman.
Later when a particular Member asks the questions he can turn towards the Member and
answer the questions suitably. But his replies are meant for the benefit of the entire
Board. The candidate will be assessed by the Chairman and the Members of the Interview
Board individually. Thereafter the average will be worked out an assigned to his credit.
The duration of the UPSC Board interview is rather short as compared to the SSB. The
Interview officers are specially trained in conducting interviews. They, therefore, take
care to establish the required rapport with the candidate.

The interview is normally conducted in an ideal setting. In the case of the UPSC Board,
the experts or specialists and senior service members need not necessarily be trained
personnel in the art of interview. The candidate appearing for the Board interview should
bear this in mind. He must use more tact and poise in presenting his answers. His
personal grooming and appearance will have a greater impact in the case of the Board
interview.

Finally, in the case of Board, the candidate should also be prepared for questions in the
special subjects of his choice. The specialists may like to ask some questions in their
particular fields. Apart from these subtle matters, the nature of the interview in both cases
could be termed to be the same. The candidate must use fair initiative and project his
strong points tactfully and gently during the course of the conversation. First of all he
must clearly and carefully understand the question and grasp its meaning. The ability to
learn and improve rather than knowledge itself is assessed during the interview. Above
all, the candidate should never lose his temper. At the same time one need not be
offensive and rude. A balanced behavior and sense of humor are essential. The ability to
speak and put across one's view forcefully and convincingly matters a great deal. One
must therefore, gain adequate practice in advance.

SSB Interview

Ten Golden Tips To Top In The Interviews

Appreciate the wisdom of being clean, neat and tidy when you present yourself before the
interview panel

Interview Board: See that you have good haircut and that your nails are clean. Comb
your hair well. Remove sweat, oil, dirt, etc., from your face and forehead. Make sure that
no bad odor or smell emanates from your face. But you can certainly do a lot to improve
it. Your appearance should show that you are an orderly person. Therefore, do take care
of your grooming.

Mind your clothes: You should dress well suited to the occasion. Your clothes should not
be gaudy or showy. You must present yourself in a suit, preferably of dark or somber
colors. Your collar must be clean, well pressed and starched. Similarly, your shirt
handcuffs should also be clean. They should not be frayed in the ends. You must wear
socks and shoes. See that the socks are pulled up. Shoes must be well polished. You
make the first impression with your clothes and the way you dress yourself up. If your
clothes create an initial unfavorable impression you will be hard put to neutralise it
during the interview. Similarly, with some care for your clothes you can begin the
interview with your right foot forward. It is therefore very essential that you turn up for
the interview, smartly dressed.
Etiquette, manners and courtesy can help you a great deal in tilting the interview in
your favor: Before entering the room, gently knock at the door and announce yourself.
You can politely inquire whether. You could go in. You must enter only when you are
bid to do so. Enter calmly with confidence. After entering, greet those present according
to the time of the day, e.g. 'Good morning, Sir,' 'Good afternoon, Sir', and so on. It would
be ideal if you could stand to attention while greeting them. While paying compliments
and later while addressing the Chairmen, or the Members. Generally address yourself to
the Chairmen as he represents the entire Board. Wait till you are offered a seat. Then
thank the person who asks you to sit down before you are offered a seat. Then thank the
person who asks you to sit down before you take your seat. If you are not offered a seat,
continue to stand and answer the questions from that position.

Avoid mannerisms: Sit straight and look up. Do not keep shaking your knees, tapping on
the floor and so on. Stop coughing or adjusting your throat every now and then. Atop
playing with your tie, collars or coat buttons. Do not lean on the table and rest your
elbows there. In fact, you should cur out all unnecessary movements. You can and must
be relaxed.

Smile and be cheerful: While entering the room, while greeting the Chairman and
Members, while thanking them and while listening to them keep your smile on. See that
you do not start yawning during the interview. You should look keen, interested, pleasant
and enthusiastic. A smile helps you in all these.

Speak distinctly and audibly: Do not either shout or mumble. Pronounce your words full
and give emphasis to the syllable where required. Speak in such a way that all those
present could hear you without straining themselves. Speak with interest and enthusiasm.
Your voice must sparkle and vibrate with spirit. Do not drag or sound monotonous. Speak
to the Chairman or to the Members and not to the floor, roof, table or wall. In other
words, look into their eyes while you speak.

Be attentive and look attentive when the Chairman or the Members speaks to you:
Listen carefully to what they say and do not ask them to repeat themselves often. Do not
close your eyes while you want to concentrate. Also do not interrupt while they talk.
Allow them to complete the question or remarks before you give your reply or comments.

You must avoid arguments: Do not challenge the opinion of the Board Members or the
correctness of their statements. Express your views with tact and consideration. Avoid
criticising others. Do not find fault with others. If you are in the wrong, admit it and
apologise immediately. Never give excuses. While giving your conclusions, proceed in a
logical manner and adduce valid reasons. Do not be self-opinionated.

Do not bluff, boast vainly and shoot lions: State the fact accurately and be modest while
describing your achievements. When you do not know the answer, be frank and tell them
so. Never generalise or make vague guesses. See that you do not waffle. While you
speak, you must be able to hold the attention of your listeners with interest. You should
never become a bore.

Act with confidence, hop and assurance: Be positive and optimistic in your outlook.
Remember, it is not so much what you say, but how you say, that mostly determines your
success in the interview.

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Interview is the penultimate step in securing a job, there are many other aspects which
you need to know like are you eligible for that job, how to apply for that job, what are the
frequently asked questions in the interview, what is the life after securing the job