How To Crack Personal Interview At FLAME

Clearing competitive entrance exams such as CAT, CMAT, XAT, etc. is just the beginning of an aspiring FLAME student’s journey. The actual test awaits you at the personal interview round where you have to prove your skills one on one with some of the key authorities of the institute. Although most of the students successfully clear the entrance exams with flying colours, they struggle to create the same impression in the interview session.

Personal interview is the final hurdle that will decide whether you will get selected for the program or not. It aims at understanding the candidate’s personality and achievements in an intricate way. It is the most important step in your selection process where you can market yourself as the most suitable candidate who deserves the admit card.

At FLAME, we emphasize on understanding various facets of a potential student apart from their academic records such as extra-curricular interests and achievements, work experience, statement of purpose, etc. The views expressed by you in the admission application will also be scrutinized. At this crucial juncture, students need to assert their experiences with ample conviction.

Interview experiences vary from person to person. It is also difficult to predict the outcome of the interview despite how well or poorly the student performed. However, there is one thing that can definitely give you an edge in an interview session- Confidence. The more confidently you portray your skills and potential in front of the interviewer, the higher are the chances of convincing them to select you. You should also be well aware about not crossing the thin line between confidence and over-confidence.

Apart from the aforementioned essential factor, there are many other important aspects that could make or break your journey in the selection procedure. The famous saying “Well begun is half done” fits appropriately in this situation. The experienced interviewers have the ability to judge candidates by observing them from the time they enter the room. The way you walk into the interview room, how you greet them, the initial conversation and your body language throughout it sets the tone for the rest of the interview and invariably, its output.

It is very important to understand yourself completely before you go for the interview. The maximum number of questions asked in a PI is related to your past or future plans. Hence, if you’re very clear about your ambitions in life, then your PI can be relatively easier.

Since FLAME’s environment revolves around holistic education, we look for potential students who not only possess knowledge from books but are also well aware of the world around them. Being well-read and updated about important happenings can be potent to create a good impression.

The interviewer aims to comprehend the candidate’s personality by evaluating them in the following areas:

• Strengths & weaknesses of the candidate

• Aim and objective behind pursuing management education

• Stress and Time Management skills

• Past performances and experiences which help to indicate future behavior

• Honesty and integrity

Being well prepared to depict these aspects effectively can be crucial to your final selection.

Here are some key areas you should understand and hone before the interview:

Knowledge about your field of interest: Since PGDM programs are strenuous and challenging, it is essential that you have a clear view and information about the course as well as the specialization you’re interested in prior to the interview. Also, don’t forget to research about the institute since some of the commonly asked questions include “Why do you want to pursue a PGDM in business?” and “Why did you choose this institute to pursue it?” The interviewers would like to gauge your potential to cope with the demands of the program, how it will cater to your career goals and how you will contribute to the institution in return.

Clarity of your goals: During a personal interview you have a chance to highlight your goals and give the panel an insight into your ambitions after pursuing the post-graduate program. You may be asked to state the objective of pursuing this program and describe how it will be fruitful for your career. In this aspect, the interviewer will be trying to understand your source and level of motivation. To ace it effectively, you need self-introspection to understand your motives properly.

Communication skills: This is the key to crack an interview. Personal interview is all about communicating your ideas, ambitions and motives to the panel who wants to know you better. Learn to speak clearly and be professional. Have confidence in what you say and answer to the point. Listen to what is being said and don’t be afraid to give yourself some time to understand it well before answering. Do not answer when you are clueless. You could rather ask the interviewer to enlighten you on that topic.

Body Language: Sit in a comfortable yet upright posture with your back resting. You can keep your hands folded in your lap or use them for gesturing, but do not rest them on the table. Maintain eye contact with the interviewers all the time. When a question is being asked, look at the person asking the question but while answering, you have to ALWAYS answer to the entire panel. You can start your answer by looking at the questioner, but move to others during your answer. Warm greetings, polite tone and a thank you at the end of the interview can do wonders to the final outcome.

Always remember that a well prepared candidate has higher chances to get the admit card with ease. The final result depends on how well you are aware of your abilities & goals and how dedicated you can be to achieve them. Focusing on the above mentioned factors will immensely help you not just now but in the long run as well.

Good luck!

Note: This is a sponsored article and has NOT been written by the PaGaLGuY Editorial Team. It is intended from an informational perspective only and it isupto the readers to research and verify the claims and judgements in the article before reaching a conclusion.