Interview Tips – india vidya

Visa interview is the most crucial phase in your efforts to fly overseas for higher education. Your chances of success in Visa interview will significantly increase if you get ready yourself scrupulously for the interview. The homework for successful visa interview consists of the following precautions:

1. The most important thing what a student has to be cautious about is that he has to convince the Visa officer that he will come back to India. So when posed with the question, he has to make sure that he explains about the opportunities available in India and also his genuine intentions of going to the USA. He has to be clear that he is mainly going to the USA for studies and not settlement.

2. During studies, the student doesn’t have work permit rights. So, the student is not allowed to work part time. So, when asked about these questions, he has to be clear that he will not work during studies.

3. The students have to be honest in their answers. If they have a sibling or other relatives in the USA, there is no need to hide the information. They can mention about the same and this information will not effect their visas. Rather if they are trying to hide the information and fumble while answering, their visas stand a chance of getting rejected.

4. Most of the students would be facing the interview for the first time and they are generally tensed. The student has to make sure that he is answering the questions confidently and to the point. If they are not answering to point or giving very lengthy answers, there are chances that the visa officer might reject their visas.

5. Candidates should also be clear of the reason for opting to the USA. When asked about the other options available including India, the student has to make it clear why he is opting to the USA and his reasons for opting the same.

6. The student also should be very clear about their career goals and his career options. When asked about what he would want to do after Masters, depending on the course he is taking up at USA, he should be having a clarity on the Job options available and also having clear Aim in life.

7. The candidate should have clarity on the funds available for his studies in the USA and also about who is sponsoring if any other than his parents.

8. The student should be having clarity on his course curriculum and also on his Qualifications. When asked about the course being taken up, he should be able to explain the connection of the same.

9. Candidate should make clear to the Visa officer that he has no intentions of working in the USA even after the studies and his primary reason is to get exposure and studies.

Prominent B-Schools conduct Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI) as part of the selection process. Students are selected for GD and PI based on your past academic record, work experience and performance in the entrance test. During GD a candidate is assessed for his communication, articulation, initiation, and qualitative interaction and leadership skills.

Process of Group Discussion

1. Normally groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, and are given a specific situation to analyze and discuss within a given time limit.
2. The group has to finalize the modalities for deliberating on the topic.
3. The candidate who takes initiative and facilitates the discussion would have an edge over others.
4. The relevance of points contributed during discussion, etiquette, attitude and kinesics are observed by the evaluators.
5. The candidate who seizes the opportunity to summarize and conclude the discussion would also have an edge over others.

Tips to be successful in Group Discussion

1. The candidate should attempt to stand out in the group in a positive manner through the initiative, leadership, strength of the arguments presented and be noticed by the evaluator.
2. The contribution made should be focused towards the topic.
3. Bringing new perspectives would be appreciated, rather than making the discussion mundane.
4. Consensus building among the group would be appreciated.
5. Do not criticize, dominate the discussion and get into heated arguments.
6. Ensure that after your turn is over, others are given a chance to express themselves.
7. Treat the other participants with respect.

Personal Interview :

The focus of personal interview is on the candidate’s suitability for the MBA program. The panel of interviewers will assess the knowledge of the candidate, presence of mind, creativity, out of box thinking, tricky questions, aptitude towards business, etc.

Tips to be successful in Personal Interview :

1. The focus of a B-school interview can range from specific questions about your previous 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 does not mean that the interviewers are not serious. It just means that you are being sized up as a person and a future professional in all your dimensions.
2. Try to be witty, charming and natural self. Do not try to put on. The interviewers will be able to see your masks through. Sometimes institutes invite their alumni as a part of interview panel. Do not dismiss them as lightweights.
3. 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 one’s that help you lead the interview.
4. Either way, you should encompass in your mind as to 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.

9 Tips for Success in Visa Interview

GD and Interview Tips for B-School Entrance Tests