Personal Interview For MBA | How To Prepare For CAT Personal Interview

What is a Personal Interview?

Personal Interview is a one-on-one, in person meeting between an applicant and a group of interviewers. When it comes to admission for an MBA (Masters In Business Administration), it is considered as a crucial component in the selection process. 

Usually, the MBA personal interview aims to assess the candidate's suitability for the program beyond their academic qualifications. During the IIM Personal Interview, the admissions committee evaluates a candidate's communication and interpersonal skills, as well as their general fit for the MBA program. This gives the committee access to more information than what is contained in the written application, including the recommendation letters, essays, and CV.

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Format Of An IIM Personal Interview

An MBA aspirant who is appearing for the WAT-GD-PI rounds for any top B-school in India must keep in mind the following pointers about the MBA personal interview:

• Duration: 25-30 minutes
• Weightage: 10-50% of the overall selection process
• Stage: Final stage, along with Group Discussion or Written Ability Test
• Panelists: 2-3 jury members
• Purpose: Assess your intellect, fit for the program, and potential for success

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Important Questions Asked During MBA Personal Interview

• Generic: About your background, motivations, goals, and skills
• Candidate-specific: Based on your resume, work experience, and academic record
• Extempore: 5-minute speech on a social topic (in some cases)
• Written problem: Short problem-solving task (in some cases)
• Psychometric tests: Personality and aptitude tests (in some cases)

Additional Notes:

• Personal interviews can be conducted with GD or WAT rounds.
• The format and specific questions may vary depending on the B-school.

Important Questions for MBA Admission

Here are some of the top questions you should prepare for your CAT personal interview:

• Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses?
• What do you consider to be your biggest achievement?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What are your career goals?
• Why do you want to specialize in marketing, finance, or HR?
• What hobbies and interests do you have?
• Who do you look up to as a role model?
• What has been your biggest challenge so far?
• How do you think you can contribute to the class and the school if you are selected?
• What are your expectations from this MBA program?
• Have you ever shown leadership? Please share an example.
• Which other MBA colleges are considering you for admission, and which one would you choose, and why?

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Purpose Of Conducting A Personal Interview By Top B-Schools

In addition to the written application, a personal interview is a comprehensive tool that helps the admissions committee at IIMs and other B-schools determine whether or not a candidate is qualified for the MBA program. It offers a more comprehensive understanding of each applicant than just their professional background and academic accomplishments.

• Starting the Conversation: To get the conversation going, start with a brief opening or a provocative query. When expressing your opinions, use statements like "In my opinion" or "I believe" with assurance.
• Evaluating Interpersonal Skills: During the interview, the admissions committee might assess a candidate's communication skills, interpersonal skills, and general manner.
• Getting Additional Information: Although a candidate's academic and professional background is briefly summarised in the written application, a more thorough examination is possible during the interview. The admissions committee can investigate particular experiences, get clarity on certain parts of the application, and develop a more thorough picture of the applicant. 
• Evaluating Program Fit: A candidate's suitability for the MBA program is largely determined during the interview. Admissions committees want to know how well a candidate's objectives fit with the business school's distinctive offers and core principles.
• Testing Communication Skills: During the interview process, the committee assesses a candidate's capacity for clear and concise thinking expression as well as their ability to effectively provide an  answer to the questions asked. 
• Assessing Motivation and Passion: Another method of determining a candidate's drive to obtain an MBA and the rationale behind their career choice is through an interview.
• Verifying Authenticity: Interviews also offer the chance to verify if the data included in the application is accurate.

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Weightage Given To Personal Interviews In The IIM Admission Process

Following the CAT exam, all older IIMs have their own admissions processes. On the other hand, nine IIMs have established a Common Admission Process (CAP) that makes the selection process common. The scores of PI and WAT rounds along with other factors create a final score based on which the final merit lists are released. The weightage of PI in the final score is given for each IIM:

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CAT Personal Interview Preparation Strategy

It can be intimidating to prepare for a CAT interview, but don't worry! By using the appropriate strategy, you can increase your chances of success. You can increase your chances of doing well in your CAT 2024 interview and getting into the program of your choice by heeding these guidelines. The following tips will help you get ready:

• Be Thorough With Your Resume: Expect questions related to your resume, experiences, and achievements. Be prepared to discuss your academic and professional journey in detail. Emphasize how these experiences have contributed to your decision to pursue an MBA.
• Research About The Institution: Applicants should spend some time researching the prestigious institution they are aiming for as well as the particular MBA program. Interviewers frequently evaluate how well you fit with their beliefs and how genuinely interested you are. Knowing the program information demonstrates your excitement and dedication.
• Practice Interview Questions : Practicing questions like, "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want to pursue an MBA?" and other common interview questions like, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" can benefit candidates by increasing their confidence during the interviews.
• Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: During an interview, scenario-based questions may be used to gauge your problem-solving skills. Candidates should practice evaluating circumstances, coming up with solutions, and expressing their ideas clearly. 
• Be Ready for Behavioural Questions: Be prepared for questions concerning your actions in particular situations. Think back to times when you showed resilience, teamwork, or leadership. Write gripping tales that showcase your abilities and principles.
• Stay updated On Current Events: Current affairs are frequently discussed in GDs. Keep up with the most recent news, particularly in the fields of business and economics. This information presents you as an informed candidate and shows that you are aware of the situation.
• Practice Mock Interviews And GDs: Participate in practice sessions to be ready for GD-PI. This aids in stress management, communication skill improvement, and constructive criticism. To acquire a variety of viewpoints, practice with mentors or peers. 
• Brush Up on Basic Etiquette: Simple yet often overlooked, basic etiquette can make a significant difference. Maintain eye contact, listen actively, and be respectful towards others' opinions. These subtle gestures contribute to a positive overall impression.

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Types Of Candidates Attending IIM Personal Interviews

Candidates with and without job experience are the two main categories for which personal interviews are intended.

Applicants with prior work experience

The following are the most typical inquiries made to candidates who have previous work experience:

• The duties and job description you have.
• The work environment and your interactions with supervisors and colleagues.
• Your accomplishments and the challenges you faced at work.
• Your career aspirations, including both short-term and long-term goals.
• Examples of innovation and leadership can be shown through instances where you took the initiative and built relationships.
• Your desired business or industry, as well as familiarity with your present industry and its rivals.
• If you are currently employed, make sure you are well-versed with your company's history, competitors, and your own profile.

Candidates with Little or No Work Experience

For those with limited or no work experience, there is a broader range of topics that could come up:

• Questions about your undergraduate studies: Be very familiar with the courses you took, as the interview panel may ask detailed questions about basic statistics, number theory, and geometry.
• The inevitable question: “Why MBA? Why not gain some work experience first?”
• Questions about current affairs and general awareness: Be ready to share your views and ideas for improvement.
• Questions about your hobbies or extracurricular activities: If you mentioned any, be prepared to discuss them. If you say you enjoy watching movies, be ready to talk about different genres, famous directors, and the impact of films on society.

Practice Mock Personal Interviews

We at Career Launcher not only support our students with CAT and other MBA entrance exam preparation, but we also boost their confidence with their GD-PI preparation through our marquee mentors and top B-school alumni with our Personality Development Program (PDP).

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Handling Difficult Questions In A CAT Personal Interview

Handling criticism and personal inquiries during a CAT personal interview can be challenging, but there's no need to worry! Here are some great strategies on how to deal with disagreement and conflict in the course of your interview. Following these tips will surely make you ready for even the toughest questions asked by an interviewer. It's also a good time to prove how well you can work in a team and cooperate with other members. 

• Managing Open-Ended Questions: You should reflect and take a moment to answer a question of this sort. Giving examples to strengthen your argument can be a helpful way to showcase your skills and how you've implemented them in real life. 
• Addressing Strengths and Weaknesses: Use concrete examples to highlight your strengths and link them to the requirements of an MBA program. When discussing your weaknesses, focus on your areas for improvement and the steps you've taken to overcome challenges. 
• Handling Difficult Questions: Remain calm in the face of difficult or unexpected inquiries. It's okay to pause and gather your thoughts before answering if you're not sure.

By incorporating these strategies and practicing responses while preparing for PI, you'll enhance your performance in personal interviews, increasing your chances of making a lasting impression during the MBA admission process.

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Common Mistakes To Avoid During A CAT Personal Interview

It's important to avoid these frequent mistakes during your CAT personal interview to make a positive impression:

• Not Being Confident: To seem confident and engaged, sit up straight, make eye contact, and try not to fidget or cross your arms.
• Going in Unprepared: Failing to prepare can really hurt your performance. Take the time to research the institution, practice with mock interviews, and get ready for common questions.
• Lack of Clarity: Make sure your answers are clear and to the point. This shows you’ve prepared well and understand what’s being asked.
• Not Listening Well: Show respect by actively listening to the interviewer. Don’t interrupt them; let them finish speaking before you respond.
• Being Inauthentic: Be honest and genuine to build trust. Show your real interest and passion during the interview.