CAT Interview Preparation, Mock Test, How to Face, Tips

What is a Personal Interview?

With context to CAT admission, a Personal Interview is a one on one real-time interaction between a interviewee and group of personnel called interviewer. CAT Personal Interview is a major tool used by institutes (at time of admissions) to gauge the abilities of an individual. In a personal interview not only the verbal responses are noted by the interviewer or panel, but also implied behaviour is carefully monitored.

What is asked in the PI?

Interviewers are curious to know everything about the interviewee. In a personal interview, there will be questions about your personality, your work style, work experience, psychological behaviour towards things and work interest. Always remember to bring out the positive side even if the interviewer has asked a negative question. While there are some questions that do not have any right or wrong answers, make sure to be specific about them and try to answer in a dominating manner.

Major Things To Be Kept In Mind For CAT 2023 Personal Interview

• Do not speak wrong if you are not familiar with the topic asked by the interviewer

• Speak only the actual algorithms. Do not try to bluff to look intelligent

• Avoid slang/jargon

• Be in a formal dress code

• Show your presence of mind

• Be prepared

CAT Personal Interview Preparation

Now that you know what a Personal Interview is and what you should not do. Let us now move onto the tips to ace Personal Interview.

• Do your research

• Do not be empty-handed

• Know the basic etiquettes

• Learn behavioural interview techniques

• Dress for success

• Demonstrate confidence

• Be an active listener

• Use illustrations

• Ask questions

• Stay calm and motivated

Let's look at the detailed tips to crack Personal Interview one by one carefully:

Do your Research For CAT Mock Interview

Learn about the institute or company in which you are about to give the Personal Interview. Take your time to research the institute or company. Doing good research will allow you to stay confident on this aspect and you will be ready to answer all related questions. Read the “About Us” section on the website of the institute or company. If you know people who have studied at the same institute or worked for the same company, go and ask out their opinion about the institute or company. Do not go unprepared.

Do Not Go Empty-Handed

Do not land up without any documents. Going empty handed may leave the interviewers thinking about exact qualification. Make sure to take the following listed documents.

For CAT 2023 Admission Personal Interview - Take class 10 and 12 certificates. In case of postgraduate admission take a Bachelor's degree as well.

For Job Personal Interview - Take certificates, a Few copies of your resume/CV, any additional educational certification.

Basic Documents - Some passport-size photographs, a pen, notepad/papers.

Know the Basic Etiquettes

Due to agitated state of mind, candidates make minor blunders and end up losing points. Candidates remain unaware of the basic etiquettes. Take your time and prepare yourself to know how to face personal interview. Some of the basic etiquettes that candidates must follow are-

• Be on time and don’t be late

• Do not use a cell phone during the personal interview preparation

• Pay attention to what the interviewer is communicating

• Talk only about what is necessary. Do not over-talk

• Do not badmouth any institute or organization

• Maintain a proper body posture

Learn Behavioural Interview Techniques

Apart from the basic CAT interview questions, candidates need to prepare themselves for some behaviour based questions as the Personal Interview also judges what is implicit. Behavioural interviews are aimed at judging candidates on how well they have handled their past situations. The best way to prepare for this is to make a list of your strengths and weaknesses and then try thinking of situations where you think you have applied them.

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Dress for Success

Be in formal attire and look confident. It is said that a well-dressed person is half prepared. Although, there is no proper dress code defined for the interviewee, do not try to be creative with the dress code. Wear a formal dress code. Do not wear heavy perfume. Avoid doing too much makeup if you are not interviewing for a creative company or fashion institute.

Be Confident

Be confident in how you look, speak and behave. Never let the interviewer feel that you are losing confidence through your answers. Remember that non-verbal communication is equally important and helps you portray yourself in a good manner. To look and stay confident maintain a positive body posture. Think positive during the interview. Your mood is reflected in your voice and hence is considered a factor of how confident you are.

Be An Active Listener

Do not force the interviewer to feel that you are losing interest and are being non-attentive to his questions. Listen to what he says and not hear what he says. Remember that “Listening is active” and “hearing is passive”. Hence, be attentive and an active listener.

Use Illustrations

If the interviewer asks you any questions, try giving the answer along with some examples. Make sure to showcase the positive aspects of the question. Do not exaggerate the examples as they make sound confusing and a part of storytelling. Prepare some illustrations in advance and imagine a situation. Make it sound like a real situation and above all speak it with confidence.

Ask Questions

As already known that a Personal Interview is conducted as interpersonal communication. Henceforth, the candidates also have the option to ask question/s from the interviewer with regard to the institute or company. Do not hesitate in asking something that you think can be relevant and support your decision to join that organization or institute. Take complete advantage of the opportunity.

Stay Calm and Motivated

In the case of nervousness, try using the washroom and make yourself at ease. Remember that it all shows on its face. Hence, be confident and remain calm. Prepare yourself in advance to see the after-effects. Take some deep breaths for freshening your mind and enchant that your personal interview will be successful.

Common Questions for the CAT Personal Interview

During the CAT personal interview, candidates are often asked about their academic background, work experience (if any), reasons for pursuing an MBA, strengths and weaknesses, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, future goals, and how they can contribute to the MBA program and the business world. Interviewers may also inquire about current affairs, industry trends, and situational questions to assess the candidate's analytical thinking and decision-making skills.

Do's and Don'ts for CAT Interview

Do's:

• Prepare Thoroughly -Research about the program, the institute, and current affairs.
• Practice Mock Interviews - Be ready to discuss your resume, experiences, and motivations.
• Stay Confident - Maintain good body language and eye contact.
• Answer Honestly - Be genuine and honest in your responses.
• Highlight Strengths - Emphasize your strengths and how they relate to the MBA program.

Don'ts:

• Don't Overwhelm - Avoid overloading your answers with unnecessary details.
• Don't Be Negative - Refrain from discussing weaknesses that are critical for the program.
• Avoid Clichés - Steer clear of generic statements and answers.
• Don't Guess - If you don't know an answer, it's okay to admit it rather than guessing.
• Don't Ramble - Keep your answers concise and relevant to the question asked.

CAT Personal Interview

Now that CAT 2023 result has been declared, candidates must prepare themselves for the CAT PI round. The best way to ace CAT Personal Interview is to follow all the personal interview tips above and be thorough with your research on CAT Personal Interview questions. Preparing for answers beforehand and being prepared for how you will react in a particular scenario will increase your confidence.

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