Andhra Pradesh

Hit it off with the Board

"Present your positive, confident self. There is no room for distraction here"

This is part two of the series on Group I interview

What happens when you enter the room? Usually, the Chairman of the Board will open the interview by reviewing the highlights of your education and work experience from your application - primarily for the benefit of the other members of the board. Don't interrupt or comment unless there is an error or misinterpretation. If so, don't hesitate.

Expect every member to participate in the examination. Each member undertakes the questioning on a particular area in which he is most competent.

Best foot forward

The board is obliged to make an appraisal of your qualifications for the job, and they want to see you in your best light. Remember, they must interview all candidates and a non-co-operative candidate may end up a failure. Here are some suggestions that will help you: Be natural. Keep your attitude confident, but not stubborn. If you are not confident that you can do the job, don't expect the board to be. Don't apologise for your weaknesses, try to bring out your strong points. The board is interested in a positive, not a negative presentation.

Sit comfortably. A careless posture may lead the board to conclude you are careless, or at least that you are not impressed by the importance of the occasion. Your hands may occasionally be useful to emphasize a point. But don't let them become a point of distraction.

Don't wisecrack or make small talk. This is a serious situation, and your attitude should show that you consider it as such. Don't exaggerate your experience or abilities. An experienced board is rather adept at spotting such a situation. Don't take the chance.

Don't dominate the interview. Let the board do that. Realise that the board has a number of questions to ask you and don't try to take up all the interview time showing off your extensive knowledge. Be attentive. You only have twenty minutes or so, and you should keep your attention at its sharpest throughout. When a member is addressing you, give him your undivided attention. Address your reply principally to him, but don't exclude other members.

Don't interrupt. Make sure you understand the question. Don't try to answer until you are sure what the question is. If it's not clear ask the board member to clarify it. Reply promptly but not hastily. A common entry on oral board rating sheet is "candidate responded readily", or "candidate hesitated in replies".

A brief answer is proper - but don't fire your answer back. The board member can probably ask questions much faster than you can answer them. Don't try to create the answer you think the board member wants. Don't switch sides in your reply merely to agree with a board member. Amember will take a contrary position merely to draw you out and to see if you are willing and able to defend your point of view. Don't start a debate, yet don't surrender a good position. Don't be afraid to admit an error in judgement if you are shown to be wrong.

Director

Brain Tree

Gopala Krishna V

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