GD/Interview Tips #1.   By:Rahul Reddy VistaMind

Each day will try and explain how to tackle common Qs asked in Bschool interviews. Please feel free to share with any fellow aspirant.

About Yourself
This is an open Question, so anything you say is not technically wrong. But the key here is to use this Question to our advantage. So focus on three things.

1. Is it relevant? We are in an Entrance interview to a Bschool, So i have to include things which are relevant in this context. So your Strengths and achievements, both in terms of knowledge and skills are relevant. Your plans for your career? Why MBA? What sectors of the industry and what kind of roles you would like to take up etc.

2. Does it enhance your chances of selection? What are the Bschool's looking for?
Motivated students with a clear cut career plan.
Curiosity and desire to learn and understand.
Good people skills, Planning, Implementation and Communication skills.
All round personality with range of extracurriculars and hobbies.
Please try to showcase these strengths and skills with EXAMPLES. Please don't make claims without supporting achievements.

3. What Areas/topics would you like to be discussed in the interview?
Since this Q is one of the early Qs, the answers to this Q may give direction to the interview. And if the interview goes into areas that you are comfortable with, then you will perform better. So raise topics that you would like to be asked on.
You are always better off discussing your Work Exp, your projects, Events that you handled etc. Areas that you should ideally avoid are Management subjects: Finance, Marketing Ops because they are the experts and you are the novice.

In total, prepare for an answer lasting upto 90 seconds. But obviously stop if you are interrupted.

VistaMind GD Interview Tip # 2

Why MBA?

Again there is no standard answer. But i will try to provide some pointers on how best to structure your answer.

1. Management as compared to other fields especially Mtech/MS is a broad field which provides sector independent careers. A good Marketing manager or a finance manager can work in any sector from Hotels to IT to FMCG. On the other hand Mtech or MS is a focussed field where you gain depth of knowledge, expertise in a limited field.

2. Connect it to your Interests: I am interested in learning the business functions and processes (esp for Tech Work Exp candidates) so that i can find solutions to business problems. I am interested in understanding how people can work effectively in a team, and how teams are led. How long term plans are made and implemented etc.How data is analysed to get business insights and how decisions are taken etc

3. Connect it to your abilities: I have some competence in mathematics and logic (give achievements, as can be seen in...). I have been actively involved in organization of events and held positions of responsibility where I have tried to learn about planning, team management, effective communication etc. Other qualities like Initiative, Time management, etc can also be used.

4. Those who have more work exp (18 months + ) need to more specific. Ideally they should talk about coming back to the same industry but in a managerial role. For example a candidate with IT work exp can come back as BA, BDM Consultant etc. VistaMind students, a detailed video presentation is available on your home page on Post MBA roles in IT. Those who are freshers or low work exp can be a little vague.

5. Do not use jargon, it will be your downfall. Remember they are the management experts and you are the novice. So don't toss around words like TQM, 6 Sigma, Strategy, Brand Equity, Investment banking and other things that you know very little about.

6. Write down your answer (plan for a 90 sec answer) and then thoroughly check what follow up Qs can it lead to and whether you can sustain it under grilling. Use it in Mock Interviews and take feedback.

Hope that Helps. Will be back again with more tips. Again please feel free to share the insights with any MBA Aspirant.

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