With the process of clearing written examinations over, time has now come to groom yourself to crack the Personal Interviews during the entrance procedure at various B-Schools you would apply. Here are some tips that could help you.
We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. An interviewer often asks students one question- What are your weaknesses. Here are some ideas on what the weaknesses that you can feel free to tell your interviewer-
1) “I studied in vernacular medium and did not have the opportunity to work on the English language. However, I have been working on it for the last couple of year”- All B-Schools look for aspirational candidates and projecting yourself as a learner will give you an edge over others
2) While I am happy to work in teams, I am at my best when I work alone- B-Schools follow a study method which requires you to work in teams and groups. Showcasing yourself as an individual who can work in teams (even if you prefer to work alone) is important.
3) I have a big picture understanding and sometimes miss details/ I have attention to detail and sometimes miss the big picture- The B-School will prepare you to for bigger goals in life and hence be confident to share your weaknesses with them transparently. Do not project yourself as a perfect student.
To help prepare you for this important ‘conversation’, let us discuss what not to say-
1) I have no weakness….- This is a clear case of display that you lack self-awareness and to assume that having spent no time in understanding yourself, and make them assume that you will be unable to accept feedback and work on self- improvement. A B-School works on making students better and hence would want to accept students who are open to learning.
2) A common question in your interview would be- Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are your long term plans?’. Answering the question with ‘My long term goal is to be married’ is not advisable. While personal goals are very important, it is recommended that these remain in personal space, unless specifically asked.
3) I cannot handle pressure.- B Schools and Management curriculum are known for their tiring schedules, round the clock classes and presentations. Displaying your inability to handle work demands and deadlines is therefore a strict no-no.
4) My weakness is that I am too emotional/ nervous- We all are human beings and we are all emotional ( that is our strength as a race) which allows us to have compassion for others. Make sure you do not project yourself as a very emotional or complacent individual since students with sound emotional quotient always make better managers
We hope these points help you plan your interviews better