Interview Preparation Shivam Palan-1-65

Getting Interview Ready (GIR) Batch Notes
BY CA SHIVAM PALAN
Om Namah Shivaya
CA MONK’S
Getting Interview Ready

Reading Material
Complete Guide to Crack an Interview
By CA Shivam Palan (IIMI)

Trained More than 8000+ CAs
Reading Material for CA Monk Getting Interview Ready

Website: - www.camonk.com
Title: Getting Interview Ready Reading Material
Author’s Name: Shivam Palan
Published by: Shivam Palan
Publisher’s Address: CA Monk, Near Sri Shivam Hotel Ring Road Lohiya ward, Gondia-
MH- 441614 (Mobile No: +91 8767613647)
Publisher’s Details: CA Monk, Near Sri Shivam Hotel Ring Road Lohiya ward, Gondia-
MH- 441614 (Mobile No: +91 8767613647; email id: shivam.p@camonk.com)
First Edition
ISBN No: (Application under process) Copyright: © CA Monk
I would like to Thank My Mom, Dad, Umang Palan, Jinal Palan, CA Monk Team & Palan
family.
Price: Rs. 3999
All rights reserved. No part of this book should be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, or
otherwise, without obtaining the prior permission in writing from the authors.
Every effort has been made to avoid errors or omissions in this publication. Despite this, errors
may creep in. Any mistake, error or discrepancy noted may be brought to our notice which
shall be taken care of in the next edition. It is notified that neither the publisher nor the author
or seller will be responsible for any damage or loss of action to anyone, of any kind, in any
manner, therefrom. It is suggested that to avoid any doubt; the reader should cross-check all
the facts, law, and contents of the publication with original Government publication or
notifications. No part of this book may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means
[graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information
retrieval systems] or reproduced on any disc, tape, perforated media or other information
storage device, etc., without the written permission of the publishers. Breach of this condition
is liable for legal action.
All disputes are subject to Gondia jurisdiction only.

Index for Getting Interview Ready Workshop
Particulars Page no.

Basic Interview Preparation 1
How to Network 2
Checklist for Interview 3
Resume Building 4
-List of Action words 4
-Sector Details 6
-Domain-wise Keywords 6-9
-Extra-curricular activities 10
-Chat GPT Prompts for Resume 10
-Checklist for Resume 12
Email Writing & Cover Letter
-Cold Email 13
-Cover Letter 16
Linkedin
-Profile Photo 17
-Headline 17
-Head Image 17
-About Section 17
-Feature 18
-Experience & Education 18
-Licenses & Certificates 18
-Skills & Recommendations 18
-Honors & Award 19
-Linkedin Checklist 19
-Keywords for Search bar & Job Search 19
-How to write Linkedin Post 19
-Linkedin Viral Topic for Posts 20
-Cold Messages to be used on Linkedin 21
-Hacks of Linkedin 22
HR Questions 23
Business & Case Study Questions 29
Logical Questions 33
Pre-Screening Call Questions 35
Group Discussion 38
-List of Important Topics on which GD happens frequently 42
-GD Practice Sheet 43
Extempore 49
Salary Negotiation 52
-Salary Negotiation Questions 53
- How to grow Fastrack in career? 54
Business Case Study 55
Domain wise Guidance 58
-Summary Table 58
-India Firms vs. Global Firms 59
- Statutory Audit Domain 60
-Financial Due Diligence Domain 62
- Internal Audit & Forensics Domain 64
- Investment Banking Domain 66
CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan (IIMI)

Index for Getting Interview Ready Workshop
Domain wise Guidance

-FP&A/Business Finance Domain 68
-Finance Domain 70
-Direct Tax Domain 72
- IDT Domain 74
-Management Consulting Domain 76
-TRAS Domain 78
- Banking Domain 79
-Software Domain 80
- CFO Advisory/Ind AS Accounting/ CMAAS Domain 82
-Fund Accounting/Accounting 83
-Off Beat Track 84
Elective Session 85
Space for Class Notes 88
CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan (IIMI)

Complete Guide for Interview Preparation || CA Monk
I ________________ whole heartedly commit to giving my absolute

____ % in interview preparation, as I relentlessly pursue my dream
company i.e., ___________________ & my dream domain i.e.,
__________________.
Basic Interview Preparation & Resume Building

Want to ace your next Interview? It's all about effort, preparation, and communication skills. CA
Monk Team will guide you through the key points to succeed in interviews and equip you with the
skills needed to make a lasting impression. Let's get started!
1. How to sit
The way you are sitting across the camera is very important.
 First, you need to position yourself so that there is enough headspace.

 Try to keep one arm's distance from the laptop.
 Once you are adjusted, you must next check whether you can show the hand gestures. Just check
whether both of your hands are visible on the screen or not. This is extremely important as it will
be required while learning about group discussion or GD.
2. Avoid the door
3. Lock the door and update your parents
4. Wear complete formal
5. Put the phone in silent mode
6. Follow Google Calendars
7. Unsubscribe to unnecessary emails
8. Internet Connectivity
9. Install important applications & test this before interview.
 Zoom
 Google meet
 Microsoft Teams
 Webx
10. Start Reading Newspaper (Economic Times preferred)
CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 1

Networking
"Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care."
The Golden rule 1 or an essential point you must remember while networking with a friend
is "finding something common."
How to find out common things?
1. Name, place, Animal, Thing: You can directly ask Person A where they are from and try to
find common ground. For example, if they are from a historical place, you can also connect with
A with some historical events related to your area.
2. Food (any food you are interested in).
 Bengaluru: Masala Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Pak.
 Chennai: Idli and Dosa, Chettinad Chicken, Filter Coffee.
 Delhi: Butter Chicken, Chole Bhature, Parathas.
 Hyderabad: Biryani, Haleem, Hyderabadi Biryani.
 Jaipur: Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas, Ghewar.
 Kolkata: Rosogolla, Kathi Rolls, Machher Jhol.
 Mumbai: Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri.
3. Movies (if Person A is a fan of a certain franchise or genre).
Hollywood Movies Bollywood Movies

 The Shawshank Redemption  Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
 The Godfather (DDLJ)
 Pulp Fiction  Sholay
 The Dark Knight  Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (K3G)
 Forrest Gump  Kuch Hota Hai
 Star Wars (original trilogy)  Dil To Pagal Hai
 The Lord of the Rings (trilogy)  3 Idiots
 Titanic  Lagaan
 Jurassic Park  Dil Chahta Hai
 Back to the Future  Kal Ho Naa Ho
 Jab We Met
Hollywood Webseries Bollywood Webseries

 Game of Thrones  Sacred Games
 Breaking Bad  Mirzapur
 Stranger Things  Delhi Crime
 Friends  Paatal Lok
 The Office (U.S. version)  Made in Heaven
 Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)  The Family Man
 Narcos  Kota Factory
 Black Mirror  Aarya
 The Crown  Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta
 Suits Story
 Criminal Justice

4. Sports (if Person A is into football or cricket or any other sports).

5. Books (find out the best books in the market and watch their summary video atleast).
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill
"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl
"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear
"Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki.
6. Observe the surroundings in which they are sitting.
Let's Learn the art of networking practically in Class.
Checklist before you go to any interview:
Things to be done before the Interview Done/Pending

Check the internet connectivity
Ensure that pen, paper & water bottle is handy with you
Avoid door behind
Lock the door and update your parents
Wearing a complete formal dress
Put the phone on silent mode during the time of the Interview
Follow Google Calendars for meeting links and invite
The meeting link app is installed on phone and laptop
Do complete research about Company, Domain, HR & Interviewer
(Linkedin)
Don't forget to prepare for the ending question i.e., do you have any
question for me.
Have spoken to someone working in the same company before giving
the Interview. (Follow guidelines of the Linkedin Session)
Send a thankyou email to HR and Interviewer for taking the Interview
(use the format shared in an email writing class)
Ensure that you have the email id and Phone number of HR so that you
can take the follow-up for your Interview.
Space for Class Notes

Resume Building:
Some qualities that every company looks for in the CV of a Finance candidate:
 Problem-Solving Skills
 Leadership Experience
 Impact Driven
 Diversity or Entrepreneurial Mindset
 Communication
 Technical Skills
 Good Academics
 Big Brand Names
Check if your Resume is ATS-friendly or not?
ATS stands for application tracking system. The Resume that the companies receive will be fed into
a system, and some of the important keywords will be run through the Resume. They will check
whether the Resume can pass the check or not. The companies rank the Resume based on ATS results.
Action words
For each quality discussed above find out the action word which you will put in your Resume.
Changed or
Leadership Relevant Saved time or Relevant Improved Relevant
money Something
Chaired Conserved Centralized
Controlled Consolidated Clarified
Coordinated Decreased Converted
Executed Deducted Customized
Headed Diagnosed Influenced
Operated Lessened Integrated
Organized Reconciled Merged
Oversaw Reduced Modified
Planned Yielded Overhauled
Programmed Efficiency Relevant Redesigned
Led Accelerated Refined
Initiated Relevant Achieved Refocused
Devised Advanced Rehabilitated
Founded Amplified Remodelled
Engineered Boosted Reorganized
Established Capitalized Replaced
Formalized Delivered Restructured
Formed Enhanced Revamped
Formulated Expanded Revitalized
Implemented Expedited Simplified
Incorporated Furthered Standardized
Initiated Gained Streamlined
Instituted Generated Strengthened
Introduced Improved Updated

Launched Lifted Upgraded

Pioneered Maximized Transformed
Spearheaded Outpaced
Administered Stimulated
Built Sustained
Charted
Created
Designed
Filed
Note: Check the file which CA Monk team have shared in Day 1 section of GIR which contains
detail list of action words.
List of Action words used in Resume:
Sentences which will define your CA Firm in a Better Manner

Most renowned CA firm in Jaipur well known for Statutory Audit, Tax audit, GST Audit, and Bank Audit
with 250+ clients.
Leading CA firm headquartered in Surat with 5 branches and 100+ employees.
Associates of XYZ, a leading CA Firm headquartered in Chennai with 4 more branches, 400+ clientele
and 500+ staff.
Leading CA Firm with 6 Partners and 4 registered/branch offices at prime locations, providing a plethora
of services for more than the last 38 years in diverse areas ranging from corporate taxation, Advisory
services and international taxation etc.
Leading CA Firm having over 40 years of experience with 5 Partners servicing 100+ Clients.
A well-known firm in the field of taxation in Ajmer with a clientele of 50+ companies.
Desai Haribhakti & Co. (Network Firm of Baker Tilly International)
Leading CA Firm with 7 partners in Hyderabad with 300+ clients and 40 employees.
Please frame the sentence for your Resume:

Decide the sector in which you have worked:

Sector Worked Sector Worked
(Yes/No) (Yes/No)
Agriculture Media; culture; graphical
Chemical industries Mining
(coal; other mining)
Commerce Oil and gas production; oil
refining
Construction Shipping
Education Public service
Financial services
(Banking, Insurance, Asset
Management, Investment Banking, Postal and Telecommunications
Securities and Trading & NBFC) services
Food; drink; tobacco Textiles; clothing; leather;
footwear
Forestry; wood; pulp and paper Transport (including civil
aviation; railways; road
transport)
Health services Transport equipment
manufacturing & Automotive
Hotels; catering; tourism Utilities
(water, gas; electricity)
Mechanical and electrical
engineering Other
Domain wise Keywords
(Request you to write the domain-wise keywords which are discussed in Class even if you don't want
to go into that domain)
Statutory Audit Domain Keywords

FDD Audit Domain Keywords
Internal & Forensic Audit Domain Keywords
Investment Banking Domain Keywords

FP&A/Business Finance Domain Keywords
Finance Domain Keywords
DT Domain Keywords

TP Keywords
IDT Keywords
Other Domain/Area
Note: Whatever keywords which we have discussed in the Class please don't copy past in the Resume,
put it only if you have knowledge of the same. Also, run your Resume in tools.camonk.com and get
the resume feedback.

Extra-curricular activities offer opportunities for students to engage in activities beyond the
traditional academic curriculum. Here are some things that can be included in extra-curricular
activities:
 Sports: Participation in team sports such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball, or individual
sports like swimming, tennis, or athletics.
 Clubs and organizations: Joining clubs focused on various interests such as debate, drama,
music, dance, photography, chess, coding, or environmental conservation.
 Community service: Volunteering for community service activities like organizing fundraisers,
participating in charity events, or engaging in social initiatives.
 Leadership roles: Taking up leadership positions in student government, student council, or
club committees, and organizing events and initiatives.
 Performing arts: Involvement in activities such as theatre, choir, orchestra, or dance
performances.
 Academic competitions: Participating in academic competitions, quizzes, science fairs, or math
competitions.
 Publications: Contributing to school newspapers, magazines, or yearbook committees as
writers, photographers, or editors.
 Language clubs: Joining language clubs to explore and practice foreign languages.
 Entrepreneurship and innovation: Engaging in activities related to entrepreneurship,
innovation, or startup initiatives.
NGOs that you can be part of:
 Teach For India

 Goonj
 Akshaya Patra
 CRY (Child Rights and You)
 HelpAge India
 Wildlife SOS
 Pratham
 Smile Foundation
 Snehi
 SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society)
 Robin Hood Army
Chat GPT Prompts for Resume:

Space for Class Notes:

Checklist for Resume:
Task Remarks
Is your Resume 1-pager?
Use a standard font (Arial/Calibri/Times New Roman/Cambria)
Use standard font-size: 10 - 12 pt (word)
Prepare the Resume based on Domain & Company wise.
Use of 5 sections: Personal Information, Education, Work experience,
Extra-curricular achievements and Additional skills
Arrange intra-section content in recency-wise, impact-wise descending
order.
Email id should not be funky.
Customise LinkedIn profile link
Do not write objective; Family info.
Try to start work experience pointers with an action verb.
Quantify the impact of your work and achievements.
Avoid client names, but give context.
Make Resume jargon-free
Highlight soft skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving etc.
Use highlights, italics and capitalization to uplift important parts of your
Resume.
Double-check points to showcase diversity / extra-curricular / leadership
activities in your profile.
0% plagiarism check (the act of copying another person's ideas, words or
work and pretending they are your own; something that has been copied
in this way)
Optimize Resume for the job role (use tools.camonk.com to do this)
Take and incorporate feedback from at least 3 people.
Proofread the whole Resume at least 2 times, word by word.
Save the Resume in PDF format. Save the Resume with the appropriate
name: Name Surname - Resume - Company - Role.pdf.

Email & Cover Letter Writing

Email writing:
Before writing an email, you need to have certain things like
 Email ID of the sender

 Subject line
 Body (which will contain the content of the mail)
 Signature
Important Terms:
To: You need to enter the email id of the person to whom the mail is addressed.
Cc: keep the email id of other relevant persons to whom you’re sending the mail in CC. Try to put
the reference person in CC.
BCC: You select BCC when you want to email someone, but you do not want others to know, i.e.,
a hidden person.
How to find the relevant email ID?
 A
 A
 A
 A
Here is a list of important email types:
1. Cold email
2. Normal email for Job application
3. Email to thank the interviewer for their time
4. Email to thank the recruiter for scheduling the interview
5. Email to follow up
6. Salary negotiation email
7. Email for delayed start
8. Email for not this job but a different role (like if you have been given XY role but you want AB role)
9. Email for not joining or rejecting
(Refer to GIR course reading material for reading different types of emails.)
What is cold email?
A cold email is an email to an unknown person requesting something. Note that sending an email to
a known person won’t be considered a cold email.
(The intention and purpose of sending an email is known to you, not to another person)

Subject line for Cold Email

The subject line acts as clickbait. Therefore, it has to be unique and catchy. When approaching a
person like a senior manager, you must be very creative with your subject line. Your emails will be
ignored if you write job requirements or job applications or need a job.
Sample Subject line for Cold email for Job Interview: A
 A
 A
 A
 A
 A
 A
 A
 A
The Golden Rule 2 to succeed in communication is to
"Create a bond, nurture it & convert it."

Type 1: Write a cold email to VP of Goldman (Gaurav).
Email
To:
CC:
Subject:
Body:

Type 2: Write a cold email to VP of Goldman (Gaurav).
Email
To:
CC:
Subject:
Body:
Note: Cold email will not have value until you write the follow-up email at least 2 times.
Follow-up Timeline  Within 3 days of writing the email.

 After 7 Days of writing the first follow-up email.
Also, maintain the email trail.
Golden Rule 3: The reply rate of anything will be 10X times faster if you can
attach the Reference of right person known to the other party.
How to find out reference:
1. Professional Network: Identify former supervisors, colleagues, clients or Linkedin.

2. Academic Contacts: Consider professors, advisors, or mentors.
3. Volunteer or Community Involvement: Seek references from coordinators or fellow
volunteers.
4. Personal Connections: Use personal connections as references when appropriate.
5. Contact and Request: Reach out to potential references and ask for their willingness to serve
as a reference.

Cover Letter
A cover letter is a brief document that accompanies a resume or job application. It introduces the
applicant and highlights their qualifications and interest in the position. It provides additional
information not included in the resume and helps the applicant stand out to potential employers.
• It should also focus more on your story and why you fit the role well.
• The cover letter should be much shorter (maximum three paragraphs) since it's most likely an
equivalent of an email.
Things cover letter should talk about.

1. Why this industry? Showcase your passion and alignment.
2. Why this company? Highlight your knowledge and enthusiasm.
3. Why you? Emphasize your unique skills and experiences.
Try to write down the answer for Why You?
Space for Chat GPT prompts for Email & Cover Letter writing:

LinkedIn Mastery: Let’s Building Your Professional Brand || CA Monk
LinkedIn
A. Profile Photo
Things one needs to check:
Particulars Check
Smile
Composition
Brightness
Contrast
Sharpness
Colour
Size and Formatting (400 X 400)
Professionalism
B. Headline:
It should spell out what you do, and it needs to captivate them.
Whenever you write the headline, think about what people will gain from working with you that
they don’t get with others.
Try to include some numbers.
Best Headlines for Chartered Accountant or CA Students:
 a
 a
 a
 a
 a
 a
C. Header Image
Use this for a Call to Action or virtual representation of your professional work. (Try to showcase
both things)
The trick to pick the right photo:
 Photo of you speaking in front of people.
 Group photo
 Show some achievements or photos with some power you have.
 Or a Simple motivational quote.
D. About Section
 Best way to show your Call to Action.
 Say something which will make the other person ready to covert.
 Place the content information in a short sentence so it blends well with the rest of the text.
You Need 1 Right Reference to get into 1 Right Company.

 People are going to read only the first couple of lines.

 You should add achievements and relevant information. It’s kind of like a landing page, where
small chunks of information make your landing page more actionable.
Note: Each paragraph should not have more than 3 lines.
Things one should Include in about Section:
Write your sample about Section:
E. Feature
 Add one viral post you have.
 Write one article which you have published.
 Add some good posts.
F. Experience & Education

 Explain the experience of work done in Detail as you have done in your resume.
 Try to put the logo of the company or firm where you have worked.
Note: Having a big brand name will always work.
G. Licenses & Certificates
 Show that you have a good skill set.
 Putting GIR Certificate will help you get a reference from a company, and you can easily
connect with our alum students.
H. Skills & Recommendations:

 Skills & Recommendations add credibility, validate your expertise, and help you build a
professional network.
 This is also mapped to the Jobs section.
Strive for greatness, leave your mark

I. Honors & Award
Honors and awards are important additions to your LinkedIn profile as they highlight your
achievements, recognize them, and enhance your professional reputation.
Checklist for Linkedin Profile:
Sr. no Linkedin Profile Section Checklist
A Photo
B Headline
C Header Image
D About Section
E Featured Section
F Experience & Education
G Licenses & Certificates
H Skills & Recommendations
I Honors & Award
Key words for Search Bar:
Keywords for Jobs section:
Linkedin Post
Length
Hash Tag
Tag
Photo
Numbers
Frequency
Timing

Linkedin Viral Topic for Posts

Tell me about a time when you.
1. Moved to a new city to pursue a big opportunity
2. Made the hardest decision in your life
3. Lived like you only had three months to live
4. Received the most important piece of advice about your career/business
5. Should’ve said “no” but didn’t
6. Demystified a myth about your profession
7. Faced the biggest struggle you’re having right now
8. Saw where your industry was going before everyone else
9. Followed 10 steps to succeed in your industry
10. Followed 10 steps to FAIL in your industry
11. Endured a major life change (moving to a new city, quitting job, starting a new business)
12. Went through a significant life event (birth, death, marriage, divorce, etc)
13. Overcame a severe case of sickness
14. Changed your routine to a huge effect
15. Got rid of a bad habit (alcohol, etc)
16. Kept a promise/commitment in the face of consequences
17. Made choice on a whim/gut feeling
18. Faced rejection (not being hired or being fired)
19. Hustled for a big opportunity
20. Made a major mistake
21. Changed a common misconception about you/your company
22. Made the biggest mistake of your career
23. Hired your first employee
24. Met a mentor who helped you get started
25. Made significant sacrifices to get where you are
26. Learned from a big loss
27. Took a huge risk on someone and it paid off
28. Overcame something outside of your control
29. Dealt with a horrible boss
30. Encountered a horrible client
31. Lost a big business deal
32. Hired a bad employee or team member
33. Had to start over again with nothing and no assets
34. Write down your daily routine
35. Made a short-term sacrifice for big gain
36. Started from the bottom and clawed your way up
37. Quit a company because of terrible culture
38. Successfully balanced work and life
39. Went against tradition or culture
40. Faced the difficulties of starting a new business
41. Busted a myth around your own story and explain why the opposite is true
42. Gave the best advice to someone
43. Had biggest regret, but it made you who you are today
44. Listed what’s on your bucket list and why
45. Made the best purchase under $20 (or FREE) and why
46. Moved to a new city and then moved back home to be with family
47. Reunited with a childhood friend
48. Made 3 decisions that led to your success (or failure) today
Source: Linkedin Bibal by Houston Golden

Cold Messages to be used Linkedin:
Message Type Message

Hacks of Linkedin:
1. Email id Hack:
2. Profile Search:
3. Power of Linkedin Groups:
4. Celebrations:
a. Job Changes
b. Birthday
c. Work Anniversaries

Pre-Screening, HR & Logical Questions || CA Monk
HR Question:
H1. What's your parent's Occupation?
Hint:
Answer:
H2. How much time do you spend with your Family?

Hint:
Answer:
H3. Do you consider yourself a smart person?

OR
Why should we Hire you?
Hint:
Answer:
Your potential knows no bounds. Dare to unleash it

H4. How important is job security to you?

Hint:
Answer:
H5. Do you get bored doing the same work over and over again?
Hint:
Answer:
H6. Do you prefer to work in a team or alone?

Hint:
Answer:
H7. 3 Books that you have read in past?

Hint:
Answer:
The only limit to your success is the extent of your determination.

H8. Can you recommend anyone else for this job?
(Interviewer has given a hint that he has rejected you)
Hint:
Answer:
H9. 3 Things that motivates you?

Hint:
Answer:
H10. What are your strengths and weakness?

Hint:
Answer:
H11. Where do you see yourself 5 years down the line?

Hint:
Answer:

H12. Tell me something which is not there in your resume?

Hint:
Answer:
H13. What are your major learnings during COVID time?

Hint:
Answer:
H14. What do you do in Your free time?

Hint:
Answer:
H15. How do you feel about working late nights & weekends?
Hint:
Answer:

H16. Are you willing to relocate?
Hint:
Answer:
H17. Introduce Yourself?

Hint:
Answer:
H18. Do you have any questions for me?

Hint:
Answer:

H19. What are the key takeaways from your articleship experience?
Hint:
Answer:
H20. How will employment with us contribute to your career plans?

Hint:
Answer:
Only writing of answers won’t help you until you practice this in GIR!
So, Join the live batch and practice it in class!

Business & Case study Questions

C1. A manufacturing company is experiencing a significant increase in raw material costs.
Analyse the potential impact on profitability and propose strategies to mitigate the cost
increase.
Answer:
C2. A company operates in a highly volatile foreign exchange market. Assess the financial risks
associated with currency fluctuations and recommend risk management strategies.
Answer:
C3. A retail business is facing inventory management challenges, leading to excess stock and
cash flow issues. Identify potential solutions to optimize working capital and improve
profitability.
Answer:

C4. A technology startup is experiencing declining revenue growth and increasing operating
expenses. Analyse the financial performance trends and propose actions to enhance
profitability.
Answer:
C5. Two companies in the pharmaceutical industry are considering a merger. Evaluate the
financial and strategic benefits of the merger and discuss potential integration challenges.
Answer:
C6. A company is considering raising capital for expansion. What all things company need to
consider before raising capital.
Answer:

C7. If you were presented with two investment opportunities with identical returns, how would
you determine which one is more favourable?
Answer:
C8. Can you explain the concept of diversification and its role in managing investment
portfolios?
Answer:
C9. How would you assess the impact of macroeconomic factors, such as inflation or interest rate
changes, on a company's financial performance?
Answer:

C10. Imagine that you are CFO of top FMCG company having turnover of 1000 Cr. A new
customer comes to you saying that he wants to purchase goods worth Rs. 80 Cr. What all things
you will consider before you are selling goods to him.
Answer:
Only writing of this answer won’t help you until you practice this in GIR!
So, join the live batch and practice it in class!
Logical Questions
L1. A bat and a ball together cost Rs. 1.10. The bat costs Rs.1 more than the ball. How much
does the ball cost?
Answer:
L2. If it takes 6 workers 6 days to complete a project, how many days would it take for 4
workers to complete the same project?
Answer:
L3. In a certain code language, "Pencil" is written as "FLHXKP." How would "Paper" be
written in that code language?
Answer:
L4. You have a 3-liter container and a 5-liter container. How would you measure exactly 4
liters of water? You have infinite amount of water supply.
Answer:

L5. You are asked to determine how much a pear costs if an apple is 40 rupees, a banana is 60
rupees and grapefruit is 80 rupees.
Answer:
L6. In A Group Of 15,7 Have Studied Latin, 8 Have Studied Greek, And 3 Have Not Studied
Either. How Many Of These Studied Both Latin And Greek.
Answer:
L7. You have a glass of tomato soup. You have to give it to two children. How would you divide
the soup into two so that both of them are satisfied that they have got equal share of soup?
Answer:
L8. There are 9 black socks and 9 white socks mixed in a bucket and the bucket is in dark room
, you can’t recognise the colours. So, you need to wear one pair of socks which should be
either white or black not white and black . What is the minimum number of socks that you
can pic for one absolute pair.
Answer:
L9. What is the angle between the hour hand and minute hand in between 2:20
Answer:

Pre-Screening Call Questions

P1. In How many attempts you have cleared CA Final?  Can you tell me group wise.
Answer:
P2. From where you have completed your articleship?

Answer:
P3. What % of work you have done in respective domain?

Answer:
P4. Are you ready to travel?

Answer:
P5. Which all sector you have worked?

Answer:

P5. Have you worked on any listed client?

Answer:
Let’s listen to Pre-screening call-in class and note down the mistakes done by the
candidate.
Feedback for Pre-Screening Big 4 Stat Audit:
Feedback for Pre-Screening Relocation:

Feedback for Internal Audit Role:

Group Discussion (GD) & Extempore || CA Monk
Group Discussion
Different Types of Topics You Will Get in a GD
Details Abstract Topic Case Study Based Technical or General

Topic
What this
Topic is all
about?
How to face it
in GD?
Opportunity knocks, be ready

Success favours the prepared mind

Judging Parameter for Group Discussion:
 A
 A
 A
 A
 A
 Aa
 A
 A
Golden Rule for Group Discussion:

General Knowledge for Group Discussion
S No Particulars Data
1 Current Population of India
2 India Population to world population
3 Total males
4 Total females
5 Population Density
6 Total land area
7 Urban population in %
8 Urban population in total
9 Median age
10 Life expectancy at birth
11 GDP of India
12 GDP growth rate
13 Sex ratio
14 Total Covid cases
15 Total Covid deaths
16 Percentage of the population vaccinated
17 Literacy rate
18 Two-wheeler sales per year
19 Total Registered 4-wheeler
20 Total Smartphone users
21 Avg. monthly data usage
22 Avg Internet speed
23 Unemployment rate
24 Water Consumption per Person per day
25 % of indian wearing specs
26 Indian households using ACs
27 Annual avg. temp. of India
28 Annual avg. water temp. in India
29 Smartphone sale per year
30 Credit card user
31 Total Users of mobile payment apps
32 Total no of families in India
33 Non vegetarian persons
34 Registered Income Tax taxpayer
35 Registered GST taxpayers
36 Population below poverty line
37 Indian earning more than Rupees 50L
38 No of Company registered

Let’s practice 5Ws & 1H
Topic
List of Important Topics on which GD happens frequently:

1. A
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. A
6. A
7. A
8. A
9. A
10. a

GD Topic (V.IMP):
(Listen Carefully)
Start Time: End Time: GD Duration:

Do you know the Topic? (Y/N):
(If you know the Topic, try to start the GD)
Starting Lines (Use Facts/Data, Quotes, Question or some short story)
Think on these lines (Identify which one of these 5W1H needs to be answered for the Topic)
What? Who? Where? When? Why? How?
Your speaking points (remember, rule of 3,4,5,…)+ 2 Rule

SN Turn 1 (Find our answer of 5W1H) Turn 2 (need not fill at the start)
1
2
3
4
5
6
What others spoke (Write Names at the start & write key points during GD)
SN Person Name Points in FAVOUR of the Topic Points AGAINST the Topic
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Conclusion

GD Topic (V.IMP):
(Listen Carefully)


1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Conclusion

GD Topic (V.IMP):
(Listen Carefully)


1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Conclusion

GD Topic (V.IMP):
(Listen Carefully)


1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Conclusion

GD Topic (V.IMP):
(Listen Carefully)


1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Conclusion

GD Topic (V.IMP):
(Listen Carefully)


1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Conclusion

Extempore
Points to be kept in mind when you are doing extempore.
 A
 A
 A
 A
 A
 Aa
 A
 A
 A
 A
 A
List of Topics:
 Case Study 1: Should Retail investors invest their money in companies like Adani?
 Case Study 2: Imagine you are the CFO of a company, and the company has decided to go for
liquidation; prepare a small 1 min speech to convince employees to leave the company.

 Case Study 3: You are an auditor of a company; while doing an audit, you found some mistakes,
and you highlighted these mistakes to the client; being an auditor, it was your responsibility to
talk in a board meeting; however, the client was not happy that you would highlight this mistake
in meeting because it will increase his work. The client came to you and asked you not to
highlight this mistake in the board meeting. As an auditor, prepare a speech for 1 min, which
will be delivered in the board meeting highlighting the client’s mistake but should be highlighted
so that the client doesn’t get offended.
 Case Study 4: You are heading a finance controller function of the company, where you have
close the books of accounts on the 7th of every month and present the same at the board meeting
on the 10th. Also, you have a board meeting with your foreign subsidiary on the 15th of every
month. What things and points should you consider when planning for the month closing
activity?
Hint: Division of work, time is the bottleneck here, subsequent events.
 Case Study 5: Explore the importance of designing AI systems with a focus on human needs,
values, and user experience, and discuss the role of human-computer interaction in AI
development.

Other Topics:

Salary Negotiation || CA Monk
Salary Negotiation:
"Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth.
Negotiate your worth with confidence."
What all things can be negotiated:
Salary Component How can it be Negotiated

Basic, HRA, LTA &
Other components
Location (Relocation)
Bonus
Variable Pay
Fixed Pay
Joining Bonus
Leaves
-PL
-SL
-CL
Probation Period
Notice Period
WFH
ESOPs
Health Insurance
Role
Joining Date
Places where you can research salary, Range.

 A
 A
 A
 a
 a
 a
 a
 a
Know your worth, negotiate your value.

What to answer if HR asks you “What is your salary expectation?”
Type 1:
Type 2:
How do salary negotiation with HR?

Pro Tip:
Type 1:
Type 2:
Golden Rule of Salary Negotiation:
Confidence speaks in salary negotiations

How to grow Fastrack in career?
Know your worth, negotiate your value.

Business Case Study Solving || CA Monk
Business Case Study:

Case 1:
Space for Case Solving:
In case studies, lies the key to mastery.

Sr. Fields Excellent Good Average Below

no Average
1 Preliminary Questions
2 Overall approach
3 MECE Structuring
4 Synthesis
5 Business Insight
6 Communication
7 Presentation
8 Mathematical
Calculation
9 Sanity Check
Case 2:
Space for Case Solving:
Dive deep, uncover insights, conquer cases.

Business Case Study Solving || CA Monk
Sr. Fields Excellent Good Average Below

no Average
1 Preliminary Questions
2 Overall approach
3 MECE Structuring
4 Synthesis
5 Business Insight
6 Communication
7 Presentation
8 Mathematical
Calculation
9 Sanity Check
In case studies, lies the key to mastery.

Domain Wise Guidance || CA Monk
Domain-wise Comparison Table

Dn Domain Interview Exit Options Rank Elective Capstone Masterclass
Level Session
1 Statutory Audit
2 Financial Due
Diligence
(FDD)
3 Internal &
Forensic Audit
4 Investment
Banking
5 FP&A/
Business
Finance
6 Finance
7 DT/
International
Tax/TP/
M&A (TAX)
8 IDT
(GST, Customs,
FTP)
9 Management
consulting
10 TRAS/ IT
Audit
(Technology
Risk Assurance
Services)
11 Banking
12 Software Side
(SAP, Oracle,
Dynamics 365)
13 FAAS/CFO
Advisory/ Ind
AS/ CMMAS
14 Fund
Accounting/
Accounting
Roles
15 Off Beat
Tracks
Your dreams are within reach if you have the courage to chase them.
Difference Between India Firms & Global Firms

Particulars Indian Firms Global Firms
Name
Working Style
Working
Timings
Global Opp.
Attempt
Package
Exit Option
The only limit to your success is the extent of your imagination and willingness to work for it.
Domain-wise Guidance Session

Statutory Audit Domain (D1)
Mentors Name
Do you have an interest in this
Domain (Also, Mention the
Reason and why)
(To be filled at the end)

Space for Mentors Session & Class Notes:
Your dreams are within reach if you have the courage to chase them.

Interview Preparation Shivam Palan-1-65

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Getting Interview Ready (GIR) Batch Notes

Getting Interview Ready

By CA Shivam Palan (IIMI)

Reading Material for CA Monk Getting Interview Ready

Author’s Name: Shivam Palan

Published by: Shivam Palan

ISBN No: (Application under process) Copyright: © CA Monk

Price: Rs. 3999

All disputes are subject to Gondia jurisdiction only.

Particulars Page no.

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan (IIMI)

Domain wise Guidance

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan (IIMI)

I ________________ whole heartedly commit to giving my absolute

Basic Interview Preparation & Resume Building

 First, you need to position yourself so that there is enough headspace.

2. Avoid the door

3. Lock the door and update your parents

4. Wear complete formal

5. Put the phone in silent mode

6. Follow Google Calendars

7. Unsubscribe to unnecessary emails

9. Install important applications & test this before interview.

10. Start Reading Newspaper (Economic Times preferred)

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 1

How to find out common things?

Hollywood Movies Bollywood Movies

Hollywood Webseries Bollywood Webseries

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 2

4. Sports (if Person A is into football or cricket or any other sports).

Let's Learn the art of networking practically in Class.

Checklist before you go to any interview:

Things to be done before the Interview Done/Pending

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 3

Check if your Resume is ATS-friendly or not?

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 4

Launched Lifted Upgraded

List of Action words used in Resume:

Sentences which will define your CA Firm in a Better Manner

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 5

Decide the sector in which you have worked:

Domain wise Keywords

Statutory Audit Domain Keywords

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 6

FDD Audit Domain Keywords

Internal & Forensic Audit Domain Keywords

Investment Banking Domain Keywords

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 7

FP&A/Business Finance Domain Keywords

Finance Domain Keywords

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 8

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 9

NGOs that you can be part of:

 Teach For India

Chat GPT Prompts for Resume:

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 10

Space for Class Notes:

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 11

Checklist for Resume:

CA Monk GIR Batch Notes || By CA Shivam Palan 12

Email & Cover Letter Writing

Before writing an email, you need to have certain things like

 Email ID of the sender