Tips for Personality / Interview Test - Do’s and Don’ts

1. The board members are usually very senior and learned people, so give utmost respect to the board.
2. Don’t go by any stories/rumours spread by others. Avoid unnecessary details.
3. Don’t ask the previous candidate about his/her interview.
4. The board has no biases towards anyone.
5. Never make any sweeping statements/generalized descriptions.
6. Accept your mistakes boldly.
7. Speak honestly, truthfully and modestly.
8. Do not give a hasty reply.
9. Answer in an orderly and logical fashion and always maintain eye contact with the Board members while answering.
10. Be polite and courteous.
11. Don’t try to be too argumentative.
12. Be consistent in your views. Don’t change your views just because the Board differs in its opinion from your opinion.
13. Never make an attempt to present a made-up appearance or politically correct answers.
14. If you are taking an extreme view, you should also be able to justify the same.
15. Take tea or coffee, if any member offers the same to you. This will show you are relaxed and it will also help in lightening and relaxing further proceedings and give them an informal touch.
16. Avoid chewing gums and other munching items as it gives a negative and a careless image.
17. Try holding mock interviews in front of a mirror. Look out for unwarranted actions/emotions and try to rectify any shortcomings. If possible record your own answers and play them again for finding out errors.
18. Don’t criticize any government policies or even individuals.
19. Take a good night’s sleep. A good, sound sleep will keep you refreshed, cheerful and relaxed. Otherwise you will have a fuzzy head and you will betray a confused personality. You will neither be able to grasp questions correctly, nor be able to think clearly.
20. Do not speak rapidly. Speak slowly and clearly so that the Board members grasp what you are saying and do not have to interrupt you or ask you to repeat your views.
21. The Board will check you for certain traits – such as honest and integrity, logical exposition, balance of opinion, leadership skills, mental alertness, variety and depth of interest, social cohesion, moral integrity, acumen, your response to a peculiar situation, your views on varied topics.
22. At times, the Board members might pile pressure upon you. Do not panic – it is a strategy aimed at gauging the point till which you can maintain your cool under pressure and can think originally even in pressure cooker situations. Try to resemble tealeaves – show your true colours when in hot waters.
23. Form your views on a subjects in a logical and rational manner supported by data whenever necessary.
24. To be in touch with the latest happenings/events – nationally and internationally, candidates should read magazines and newspapers (at least two for interview), watch current affairs-based television programmes.
25. Assume that all questions are asked with a good reason and answer them accordingly.
26. Keep a file/folder to keep your certificates and documents in an organized manner. They are verified before you enter the interview room. (You don’t have to carry file/folder inside board room)