Knowledge

The written tests focuses on a small, well defined area or knowledge. However during interview the questions usually center around field of study, history, current issues, happenings and events in the national and internationals affairs. In addition questions are also asked about the candidates background, his/her hobbies and questions that require (application of) common sense, psychological tests conducted further; help in determining the quick thinking and clear mental responses under the pressure of time. These also show the candidates social traits i.e., positive and negative social traits which can make or mar his function in a team.

It is absolutely essential to have sound knowledge of academic subjects pertaining to your studies. This gives confidence and cuts out hesitation and fumbling. One should grade the subject matter in the following manner:

must know should know could know irrelevant.

Depending on the time available for presentation/discussions.

Expression

One must have the command of the language being used which includes thinking in the language being used. One must not rush to answer questions of which answers are well known. This causes hesitation and slowing down of the speed of lesser known replies thereby, giving the impression of lack of knowledge and self confidence in the individual being interviewed. Therefore, maintain a speed which conveys the impression of well thought answers given with full confidence. Such answers also inspire confidence in the interviewer. When the answer is NOT known there should be no hesitation in saying so rather than

fumbling or giving long winded irrelevant answers with a view to fool the interviewer. If I do not know is repeated too often it can create poor impression. If the question is not understood then never hesitate to ask for repetition of the question. Maintain the same steady speed through out the interview. Which caters for thinking time for problems which are not very well known / remembered. You may not know your answers, but do keep your cool.

If one has the knowledge of the subject and command of the language, confidence in oneself will come automatically. Self confidence will then automatically inspire confidence in the interviewer. However, guard against over confidence and bragging.

Ability to analyse problem

When opinion/comments have to be given, it is essential to analyse the proble m.This involves:

Full understanding of the problem. Correct understanding of the comments / opinion asked. Mental analysis of the problem in hand will require time which must be taken. Do not rush; nor do try to sit on it. Once the process mentioned in (c) above is completed, then offer your answer in steady manner. Do not get rattled by the time pressure or irrelevant questions.

Right/Wrong answers to problem already tackled should NOT affect the tackling of problem in hand.

Other points the intervie wing officer looks for

It is not the academic excellence alone which contributes towards the evolution of successful officer. Individuals with cross- functional interests, knowledge and skills, and broad vision would be more of a success, rather than focused specialists. There are several other personal traits that argument the effective performance and which the interviewing officer tries to find in a candidate, which he observes during GTO (Group Testing Officer) tasks.These are:

Inquisitiveness

The attitude, which does not hesitate to say, I do not know with a view to understanding what is happening within and outside the organization and to link up with the effect of these developments on the organization.

Initiative

Both in problem solving and decision-making. It also implies the ability to take well considered risks which will bring long term benefits to the organization. Instant personal decisions can at times make or mar a situation.

Inte r-personal skills

These encompass the manner of speaking, personal presentation, including basic etiquettes, encompassing all personality aspects which make inter-acting with other individuals an altogether productive effort.

Integrity

It is fairly well hidden characteristic, which will surface over a period of time when actions have an opportunity to speak louder than words. It is essentially a conviction to uphold and act on cherished values within the framework of unavoidable red tape. Loyalty to the organizations ambitions and facilitating those objectives is important.

Inte rdepende nce

The ability to take responsibility and perform the task at hand within a committed time frame. The element of self-discipline and operating within the framework of a teams parameters is a significant factor. A simple habit like arriving punctually for work in order to avoid making an impediment in the teams operations is a small but consequential habit.

I factor

"I" Factor or, preoccupation with himself/herself, is a common but highly resented characteristic in an individual. The ability to submerge ones ego, in the larger interests of the organization is a much appreciated attribute.However,this does not imply that assertiveness is not to be encouraged. It only implies the avoidance of hindering aggressive or brash behaviour.

Courage

Physical courage is observed during individual and group tests / obstacles, whether a candidate is hesitant, cautious, calculating or rash while going over various obstacles. These are deduced from the facial expression and body language of the candidate. Moral courage is rather difficult to deduce but it can be discerned through carefully constructed questions and various group discussions that the candidate participates in.

For the resume format, Use the latest layout. Highlight the strong points/areas of your achievement. All testimonials and papers must be properly checked before proceeding for interview and filed so that the same can be easily located and detached for presentation. The papers have to be arranged starting with the latest. Sleep well the night before because lack of sleep can cause weariness with unavoidable results. Eating sensibly. Getting hungry with butterflies already in your stomach may mean loss of concentration.

Newspaper headlines of the day plus the obvious details as editor of the paper, circulation etc. Greetings. Once inside the room, greet appropriately every one, use a mode of greeting, maam, Sir/Sirs. Being Pleasant but not smiling inanely with a vacant smile plastered on your face. Sitting Postures Neither withdrawn, nor tense, nor nonchalant. Try forward lean to show enthusiasm.

Further Tips

Think fast and even anticipate questions. Be brief, concise and cogent. Articulate clearly and effectively, and Stay cool, calm and collected.

Remembe r

There is no place for self doubt in the interview room. NVC is very important.Non-verbal-communication is difficult to counterfeit and so never lie.Body language needs monitoring The deceptively easy questions could be your undoing. Go with the idea that you will be successful and in any case, maximum that can happen to you is rejection.Learn to cope with rejection in the interview by turning it into a learning experience.

Finally to land in a job of your choice, you need to have an edge over the others who are as well qualified as you are. So it is never enough just to possess facts, information or skills, you must constantly develop the know-how of projecting yourself. Self projection techniques are rooted in your ability to communicate what you know, feel and want. The buzzword is preparation. In other words the interview begins before it actually takes place.