How to crack a Personal Interview for MBA 2012

After first stage Group Discussion next comes the Personal Interview there are some common questions that are asked during a PI , one even knowns the Question but do not know the answer. As a very common and sure to ask question is Tell me something about yourself.

These are some questions which only you can answer no one else will be able to do it for you. In this article we would deal with PI questions one by one.

1. Tell me something about yourself now this is a question which cannot be avoided and more so glimpse of your whole personality is in this answer, so be very confident when you answer this question.

You should start in this sequence:

Your educational background

Your work experience, if any

Your strength & achievements

About family background

Where you come from academically professionally?

Why do you want to join this institute?

You should answer this question honestly and pragmatically.

You should actually know about the college in and out its affiliation, courses offered, fee, locations, facilities. You should also be aware about placement, specialization.

Which other institutes have you applied to?

Now this is a tricky question, where you have to know about the college you are giving your interview at the same time you have to be very much aware about other good institutes offering the same course you are interested in for eg: you have applied for a PG course in international Business, so you have to be aware of other institute offering the same course.This shows your seriousness and amount of research you have done towards it.

What are your strength & weakness?

Showcase yourself, let them note your achievements areas, but remember do not fake, you should have supporting document or situation to prove. Not necessary you have won prizes and certificates but even public speaking, or playing basket ball for your school/college team can be a strength. Fighting out a wrong situation is also a strength. List your strengths beforehand.

What about weakness?

Do not over do in honesty, it is not required here. Weakness, is to be identified and bring to your strength, say for e.g. your weakness is that you get along with situations and people and cannot lead. So you are a bad leader then say, my biggest weakness is that I am a team person. Leadership has never been my cup of tea but now I will be able to overcome this also, along with my course.

Hobbies section

Please remember there is a difference between hobby and liking, you like to do something but no passion involved is not hobby and if you have passion about a particulars thing then you must know it thoroughly atleast the main features, say for e.g.

You say that reading books is your hobby so you have to name at least a few books not that you have read. One book in 2 years does not makes it your hobby.Yes, it can be by one writer whom you follow or admire. If travelling is your hobby then you must be able to name a few places you have been to,also be able to describe a few things about those places, not one religious trip in a year makes it a hobby.

Keep these few things in mind, be calm, composed and confident while facing a PI.

All the best

Have a great day