Before the interview

 Find out what form the interview will take – if you know how
many people will be interviewing you, and whether it will be
formal or not, you will know what to expect.
 Read the prospectus – have an idea about the course and
university to show you’re committed to studying there.
 Look over your UCAS form – it’s often the basis for interview
questions so make sure you can talk about the things you’ve
said on it in detail.
 Read over your A-Level subject notes – you may be asked why
you took a particular A-Level or what parts of your A-Levels
you enjoy.
 Read a quality newspaper or magazine related to your subject
– interviewers may ask for your opinions on current affairs or
developments in your field.
 Have a mock interview – get a teacher you’re not familiar
with to prepare a formal interview to give you an idea of what
it will be like.
 Speak to students who’ve already had an interview – ask
them what to expect or if they have any tips.
 Think of points you may want to make in the interview –
prepare specific things you want to say or subjects you want
to discuss if you get the chance.
 Prepare answers for common questions – for example, why
do you want to study this course or at this university?
 Think of some questions to ask in return – how is the course
assessed? What teaching methods are used? Although make
sure they’re not already answered in the prospectus.
 Plan your journey – take into account rush hour traffic and
finding the room/building so you arrive in plenty of time.

On the day

 Get a good nights sleep – be ready for your interview and

don’t stay up all night drinking or worrying about it.
 Arrive early – allow 20 minutes for traffic and finding the
place. If you have extra time, take a look round the university
or talk to other applicants.
 Contact the university if there’s a problem – if you’re going to
be late or unavailable due to circumstances beyond your
control you should be able to rearrange the interview.
 Dress smart but comfortably – formal clothing may be
uncomfortable if you’re at the university all day, and dressing
scruffily may give a bad first impression.
 Turn off your mobile – you don’t want any distractions in the
interview and it will not impress the interviewer.
During the interview

 Be aware of your body language – look at the interviewer,

make eye contact and try to smile from time to time.
 Be enthusiastic about your course – make sure you get your
interest in the course across to the interviewer.
 Take your time with questions – don’t feel pressured to
answer immediately, take a little while to develop your
answers to avoid saying the first thing that comes into your
head.
 Say if you don’t understand a question – interviewers don’t
expect you to know everything and will often prompt you or
rephrase a question if you ask.
 Give full answers – the interviewer is trying to find out about
you, so make sure you tell them something. Don’t waffle just
to make your answers longer though.
 Don’t try to bluff questions – admissions tutors will know a lot
more about their subject than you will. If you don’t know the
answer to a question be honest and admit it.
 Listen to the interviewer – answer the questions asked rather
than the ones you’ve prepared for.
 Ask questions – use ones you prepared earlier or new ones
you’ve thought of. It shows you’re enthusiastic and will help
you get more out of the interview.
 Try to relax – interviewers will expect you to be nervous and
will try to make you feel comfortable.
 Be yourself – interviewers want to know about you, not just
what tips you’ve read off the internet!

Know Yourself

“Tell me about yourself” is one of the frequently asked interview questions. Related to your personal statement, it
is a variation of many others which you will be asked. To even begin thinking about answering them, it is useful to
do a personal stock take.

 What are you passionate about?

 What are your personal strengths and areas for improvement?
 What are some experiences which show you are self-motivated with leadership qualities?
 What is one recent challenge you faced and what did you learn?
 What are your non-academic interests and skills?
 What are you currently working on?
 Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Know Your University

Visit the school website, check university ranking tables and scour news mediums to find out information about
your chosen place of study. How much you know is an indication of how committed you are to studying and
working there. They would also want to know what value you will bring should you be admitted.

 Why do you want to study at this particular institution?

 What is it about the place and culture that you find attractive?
  What are the notable achievements and traditions that contribute to the university’s reputation?
 In what ways can you contribute to the school?
 How will they benefit from having you in its student ranks?
 What are your views on public and/or industry opinions about this university?
 What other places have you applied to and how do you rank your choices?

Know Your Course and Subject

Read widely around the course you are applying to. Peruse the prospectus, course leaflets, news articles and
journals. Current students, alumni and industry professionals are also invaluable in giving you an idea of the issues
that surround your chosen subject and the possible applications of what you will learn.

SOME further common question

 Why business school?

 Why did you decide to apply to this business school?
 What makes you stand out among other candidates?
 What can you contribute to our program?
 What are your expectations of this program?
 How do you plan to use your degree?
 Where do you see yourself in ten years?
 Can you walk me through your resume?
 Can you give me an example of a time that you demonstrated leadership?
 What is your definition of teamwork?
 What would you say is your biggest weakness?
 What are your greatest strengths?
 How would your colleagues describe you?
 What are your hobbies?

What to Expect in an IIM Personal Interview?

The focus of a B-school interview can range from specific questions about your job to broad discussions on life.
Approach the interview as a conversation to be enjoyed, not as a question-and-answer ordeal. It may be about
your hobbies - your recent cross-country trip. This doesn't mean that the interviewers are not serious. It just
means that you're being sized up as a person and a future professional in all your dimensions.

Try to be witty, charming, natural self. Donot try to put on. The interviewers will be able to see your masks
through. Students, faculty, admissions personnel and alumni conduct interviews. Don't dismiss students as the
lightweights.

It is important to have a good idea of "What you consider to be your greatest strength, why and what are some
examples that show this", before you go into an interview. Although the interviewer will most likely ask some
pointed questions, you may also encounter something as broad as "So, tell me about yourself." These open ended
questions are usually the ones that help you lead the interview.

Either way, you should have in mind what you want to convey about who you are before you go into any interview.
Lack of preparation is a common complaint among interviewers, and if you are prepared, you will stand out among
your competitors.

First steps on how to approach an interview?

Do Your Homework

Have well thought out answers for questions such as "What are your strengths? Why are you right for that
particular business school? Why is that particular program right for you?"

It shows organization and forethought if you know some specifics about the program to which you are applying
and can explain why those features fit well with your career goals. For example, if you are applying to the Xavier
Labour Relation Institute (XLRI), through some simple research you will discover that they are strong in Human
Resource Development. Perhaps, you have worked with a recruitment company or have been a trainer in an
institute. Relate these in the interview.

Don't Waste Time

Don't waste time discussing things that are already indicated on your application. You can elaborate if the topic
illustrates something about your character and preparedness for the b-school experience, but do not be
redundant.

Remember that the first impression you create is very important. When asked to say "something about yourself",
most candidates just blurt out their schooling, college, marks and qualifications. All this is already there in the
application. Why tell the interviewer something he/she already knows. Ideally, you would want to use this
opportunity to show how you are different from the thousands of other applicants, not to blend in to the crowd.

A final word on approaching this question. After you have said what you have to say - don't venture any further.
Don't drone. You just might say something foolish. Sometimes interviewers don't interrupt in order to give the
candidate the impression that he has not spoken enough. This is just a stress/error inducing tactic. Don't fall for it.
If the pause gets too awkward for your liking, just add something like, "Is there something specific that you would
like to know about me.