The results are out, and as usual there are many shocks that make us believe that the theme of UPSC happens to be “uncertainty”. Here I just have one thing for those deserving candidates who have failed to make it – something much bigger is waiting for you. Just take time out, and get ready for the next onslaught at the exams. Success is just a matter of time.
Here we will see what is to be done during the high decibel days – from the time of the mains results to the day before interview. To save my time as well make it more readable for you this is given in a kind of FAQs format.
Should I join coaching?
Yes and no. Yes – if you are looking forward to taking some mock sessions. No – if you are going to solely rely on the coaching to understand what is happening around you. Though the rapid current affairs classes are useful in making you aware of where to focus and where not to, they are not useful in terms of the depth of coverage. In fact it is not possible for the institutes to do that within the short time frame. The coaching classes are done under the presumption that you have done your groundwork well. Also try avoiding religion/caste-based coaching institutes.
“I do not feel confident, I’m overloaded with facts”
Unless one utters these statements, one is not going in the right track! Given the nature of the interview it is very normal to feel pressurised, insecure etc. Take it in the right spirit; the following steps might help boost your esteem levels.
• Be thorough with your mains form
• Be systematic in acquiring and absorbing information
• Take time out, think about key issues like – women empowerment, terrorism, corruption, democracy etc. (this would help in handling the third category of questions confidently)
• Maintain a positive outlook
• Visualise/Mentally create the interview environment while practising answers for the expected questions like Tell me about yourself, why civil services after BE-MBA? etc
• Give quality mock interviews
• Just have in mind that this is not a knowledge test
About mock interviews?
Never be afraid to appear in mock interviews. In fact mock sesions form the backbone of the preparation. One should definitely give 4-5 mock interviews. Do a benchmark mock interview in the next 3-4 days. Take another 2-3 mocks in the last week of March, depending on your interview date. And the final mock about 2 days before the actual D-day. Take the help of quality coaching institutes, seniors, and those who have appeared in the interview earlier.
Ensure that your first and the last mocks are with top quality people. A bad feedback can spoil your career! Take the last mock in your formal/interview attire – especially if you are not used to wearing tie, blazer etc – for men, and sarees – for women. (Am making it so explicit just to avoid some ridiculous comments from CosmicNoises)
How to improve communication skills?
This is something that is totally under our control, as we often see people from villages around towns like Tirunelveli start speaking US English within a few weeks of joining a call centre. If they can, why not you? The next two weeks are enough to significantly improve one’s oral communication skills / spoken English. Also, just remember that the interview is being conducted to recruit civil servants not news readers or receptionists – you need not have any hi-fi accent; just clear, confident, communication is expected.
• Read aloud for about 20 minutes daily. This can be a news item or the editorial. If possible record it once and hear it. This will come a long way in helping you.
• Speak slowly, do not rush while speaking.
• Rehearse/Visualise/Voice out. Especially answers for the expected questions like How will your hobby, watching films, be useful to you as a Police officer?, Why should you be made an IFS officer? etc.
During the interview -
DOs:
• Smile. Be pleasant
• Maintain a confident posture
• Listen the question carefully
• Take 2-3 seconds before you start answering. In fact, even for the questions like What is your name? take some time to answer
• Be flexible. If you really see a point in what someone else is saying, accept it
• Maintain eye contact with all the members from time to time
• Feel free to say "sorry I don't know", when you actualy don't know something
DON'Ts:
• Enter the room without the Board’s permission
• Take your seat without being offered
• Place your hands on the desk
• Speak fast
• Have a casual attitude. Don’t utter words like – ya / ok / cool etc
• Make bold body gestures
• Guess answers without the Board’s permission
• Argue with the Board. If you have to disagree with someone, do it politely
• Compromise on values
Just remember these points over the next two weeks, use in your mock sessions and by the time of your interview, these will be a part of your habit. Else one is likely to flounder under pressure on the D-day.
Keep head cool! Good luck!
Here we will see what is to be done during the high decibel days – from the time of the mains results to the day before interview. To save my time as well make it more readable for you this is given in a kind of FAQs format.
Should I join coaching?
Yes and no. Yes – if you are looking forward to taking some mock sessions. No – if you are going to solely rely on the coaching to understand what is happening around you. Though the rapid current affairs classes are useful in making you aware of where to focus and where not to, they are not useful in terms of the depth of coverage. In fact it is not possible for the institutes to do that within the short time frame. The coaching classes are done under the presumption that you have done your groundwork well. Also try avoiding religion/caste-based coaching institutes.
“I do not feel confident, I’m overloaded with facts”
Unless one utters these statements, one is not going in the right track! Given the nature of the interview it is very normal to feel pressurised, insecure etc. Take it in the right spirit; the following steps might help boost your esteem levels.
• Be thorough with your mains form
• Be systematic in acquiring and absorbing information
• Take time out, think about key issues like – women empowerment, terrorism, corruption, democracy etc. (this would help in handling the third category of questions confidently)
• Maintain a positive outlook
• Visualise/Mentally create the interview environment while practising answers for the expected questions like Tell me about yourself, why civil services after BE-MBA? etc
• Give quality mock interviews
• Just have in mind that this is not a knowledge test
About mock interviews?
Never be afraid to appear in mock interviews. In fact mock sesions form the backbone of the preparation. One should definitely give 4-5 mock interviews. Do a benchmark mock interview in the next 3-4 days. Take another 2-3 mocks in the last week of March, depending on your interview date. And the final mock about 2 days before the actual D-day. Take the help of quality coaching institutes, seniors, and those who have appeared in the interview earlier.
Ensure that your first and the last mocks are with top quality people. A bad feedback can spoil your career! Take the last mock in your formal/interview attire – especially if you are not used to wearing tie, blazer etc – for men, and sarees – for women. (Am making it so explicit just to avoid some ridiculous comments from CosmicNoises)
How to improve communication skills?
This is something that is totally under our control, as we often see people from villages around towns like Tirunelveli start speaking US English within a few weeks of joining a call centre. If they can, why not you? The next two weeks are enough to significantly improve one’s oral communication skills / spoken English. Also, just remember that the interview is being conducted to recruit civil servants not news readers or receptionists – you need not have any hi-fi accent; just clear, confident, communication is expected.
• Read aloud for about 20 minutes daily. This can be a news item or the editorial. If possible record it once and hear it. This will come a long way in helping you.
• Speak slowly, do not rush while speaking.
• Rehearse/Visualise/Voice out. Especially answers for the expected questions like How will your hobby, watching films, be useful to you as a Police officer?, Why should you be made an IFS officer? etc.
During the interview -
DOs:
• Smile. Be pleasant
• Maintain a confident posture
• Listen the question carefully
• Take 2-3 seconds before you start answering. In fact, even for the questions like What is your name? take some time to answer
• Be flexible. If you really see a point in what someone else is saying, accept it
• Maintain eye contact with all the members from time to time
• Feel free to say "sorry I don't know", when you actualy don't know something
DON'Ts:
• Enter the room without the Board’s permission
• Take your seat without being offered
• Place your hands on the desk
• Speak fast
• Have a casual attitude. Don’t utter words like – ya / ok / cool etc
• Make bold body gestures
• Guess answers without the Board’s permission
• Argue with the Board. If you have to disagree with someone, do it politely
• Compromise on values
Just remember these points over the next two weeks, use in your mock sessions and by the time of your interview, these will be a part of your habit. Else one is likely to flounder under pressure on the D-day.
Keep head cool! Good luck!
4 comments:
Giving a tough fight to Ravindran of Vajiram ?
Good post. Will definitely help a lot. :)
hey thanks!But all of us know that he is the boss.
hi sir
i have a query regarding cse interview and since you have first hand experience you can tell me more clearly. i just want to know is that english medium students have to give their interview in english only???
since my verbal english is not that good...i am bit nervous for my interview.
do let me know whatever information you have.
thanks.
Hi.. I am sorry. I am not sure.
...but pls check out in March. It shud be mentioned in the Intvw form that is sent to those candidates who wud be selected for the Intvw...Thanks.
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