In the previous article, we discussed the pattern, nature and scope of an interview and the requisite traits. In this article, we will discuss possible questions across categories that may be asked and the strategy to tackle such questions.
Being well-prepared is key to smoothly sail through this phase. So, let us go through the major areas in detail.
Introduction:
Your profile gives a basic outline but your introduction is your first impression.
- Posts in the SSC offers include both desk jobs as well as field jobs. These posts, especially those with field work, require candidates to be swift in administration and to have good leadership skills.
- A few posts require public relation skills i.e. these test a candidate’s interpersonal skill.
. So, before preparing your introduction try to answer the following questions.
a) How do you see yourself as a person?
b) What are your hobbies and interests?
c) What are your strengths and weaknesses?
d) What is your perspective about the life you have lived and your future aspirations?
e) How do you usually tackle challenging situations? Any example?
. After listing out answers for these questions, make a proper flow chart and analyse it once thoroughly. After this, ask yourself if this person seems interesting to you?
. If not, then take time and dig out some more information about yourself. Put this information in such a way that the interviewer wishes to know more about you.
. The introduction should only include salient details about yourself. Keep it simple and brief, else you risk making it boring. After all it is a two-way conversation and you are not there to give a speech. Use your time wisely as interviewers are not interested in irrelevant details.
. Be confident while introducing yourself in front of the panel. For this, you need to be thoroughly prepared and trust your abilities.
. Many times creating a strong first impression alone compels the interviewer to select you for the job. So a good introduction is half the work done.
Personal Questions:
This could be the set of obvious questions after your introduction is complete. Interviewer might take a cue from the facts you presented and ask more questions related to yourself and your personal life. S/he may also wish to cross-check facts you stated earlier.
So, let’s now see what to expect in such type of questions.
. Be prepared for questions pertaining to your hobbies, interests, activities etc. For example: if you state reading as your favourite hobby, then some of the immediate questions may be:
Who is your favourite author?
What do you like about his writing?
What is your favorite genre?
Why do you read books of this particular genre?
. The interviewer might ask questions related to something you are passionate about and your endeavours in the same. This is when you can share some of your interesting experiences.
. You may also be asked about your family background and hometown.
. Note that it is very beneficial to make a flowchart of questions based on your personal life before going for the interview. This enables you to review your answers and further identify possible questions.
. Carry certificates you have been awarded for excelling in hobbies or your field of choice so as to substantiate your claims. For example: if you state painting as your hobby, carry a few sketches/paintings along with certificates you have received.
. Do not worry if you do not have such certificates or proofs. Your knowledge of the field will be sufficient enough.
. Make a flow chart of your strengths and weaknesses. Your strengths are what differentiate you from other competitors. However, be realistic while stating them and keep them relevant to the job. For example: your athletic stamina is not relevant to succeed in the desk jobs but it is surely required in field jobs. Whereas in desk jobs, your endurance matters a lot.
. State your weaknesses only if you are asked to do so. Mention minor weaknesses that can be easily overcome.
. Have a few examples to support your claims regarding such questions as they are usually asked to test your rational thinking and self-awareness.
Academics:
Academic qualifications are highly focussed on in the interview as they are crucial to the position you are being hired for. Questions on academics test your knowledge about the course you have pursued and your career choice.
. In this category, questions might differ for beginners and candidates with prior work experience.
.Create a strategy by reexamining important aspects of your educational and vocational decisions to convey only relevant points.
. Go through textbooks and revise definitions, formulae & concepts. In addition, keep track of recent developments related to the subject of your graduation as it proves that you have a genuine interest in the field.
. You can also present your major academic projects and assignments, internship certificates, etc. to the panel.
Job Experience:
. Be prepared for questions related to your job profile, skill set, and responsibilities in your previous company. Be sure to bring out a clear picture of the importance of your work in your previous job.
. Interviewers judge your ability to tackle challenges and complete the tasks given based on your performance in the previous job.
. Refrain from giving clichéd answers because it may reflect badly on your sincerity and dedication regarding your future position.
. Avoid presenting your previous role, the company and co-workers in a negative light. Maintain a positive attitude about your overall past journey as a professional.
. You can carry project work/assignments, awards & certificates that you have received in your previous job in order to corroborate your claims regarding your job profile and achievements.
. Keep track of recent developments with respect to your previous field of job. You should be ready to discuss the positive/negative impact of these developments.
In this article, we discussed different questions that may be asked across categories and strategies to tackle such questions. In the next article of this series, we will discuss more such areas & general tips for interviewees.
To get other articles in the series follow :
Part 1 :
https://www.pagalguy.com/articles/ssc-cgl-2015-how-to-prepare-for-ssc-cgl-interview-part-1-40340776
Part 3 :
https://www.pagalguy.com/articles/ssc-cgl-2015-how-to-prepare-for-ssc-cgl-interview-part-3-40341029