CRACKING CSS INTERVIEW It wouldn't be incorrect to state that CSS interview is the most important assessment from among all t...
CRACKING CSS INTERVIEW
It wouldn't be incorrect to state
that CSS interview is the most important assessment from among all the tests
conducted to gauge a candidate in competitive exams. This 30 –minute exercise
determines the candidate's final merit, or more rightly his or her future. It
is so because almost all candidates appearing in interview have scores between
600 and 700 at their credit and these 300 interview marks could be an impetus
for you to get an edge over others, if you manage it well. Written part
requires a lot of hard work and so does the interview. Only a meticulous
preparation will make you exceptional and shall prove decisive.
INTERVIEW: THE REAL TEST
Candidates, who have qualified
the written part, will now be appearing before a panel for an interview. Since
the interviewers have to determine a candidate's suitability for the Civil
Services, they lay special emphasis on candidates' moral and ethical qualities,
their intelligence, spontaneity/reflexes, communication skills, personality
traits, and leadership qualities. Remember those who fail to secure a minimum
of 100 marks shall not be eligible for appointment.
A STEP–BY–STEP GUIDE
Step 1: The first step you must take for interview preparation is
to map out a viable strategy. You must know the areas you have to hit. Let it
be very clear that in these 300 marks, are contained all your optional and
compulsory subjects, general knowledge, questions from your educational
background, extracurricular activities, hobbies and national and international
current affairs. The interviewers can ask you anything from anywhere.
Step 2: Anticipate questions you might face during the interview.
Jot them down and then prepare their answers. Practice your answers in front of
someone who could give you honest feedback. This would serve three purposes:
1. It would make things easy especially for those who shy away from public speaking.
2. It would enhance your communication skills.
3. You would be able to generate a good discussion on these
questions if asked on the ‗D– day‘.
Step 3: Ask your friend to give you a real account of your
performance.
Step 4: Interview preparation is inextricably linked with
newspapers. Waste no time and read the Dawn newspaper daily to get yourself
equipped with the knowledge of every significant national and international
issue so as to present a deep analysis, if asked. Do keep a notebook with you
to note anything important you come across. You can also take a cutting of that
very piece for an easy reading later.
Step 5: Do keep a notepad with you at all times to note any
question that may arise in your mind.
Step 6: As you prepare your questions, start recording your voice
in a device. Read out your answers so that you yourself listen to your answers.
You are the best judge of yourself. So, evaluate yourself with extreme honesty.
Do the drill again and again if you are not fluent in communication. In a
week's time you would be able to mark a clear difference between your first
recording and the last one.
Step 7: Once you begin to feel confident enough to go for the
interview, start giving mock interviews. This would boost your confidence and
would give you a fair idea of what to expect. This step is particularly
important for shy and nervous candidates. Two or three mock interviews would
definitely boost up your confidence.
QUESTIONS ASKED
Besides questions related to your
academic background, extracurricular and hobbies, etc., the most expected
questions for a general interview are from current affairs.
They can also ask questions
related to your preference or career.
INTERVIEW DAY TIPS
1. HAVE A GOOD NIGHT‘S SLEEP
On this most important day of
your life, your mind must be absolutely clear. So, have a good night‘s sleep
because being awake the whole night can adversely affect your performance.
2. DRESSING
They say first impression is the
last impression; so wear a professional business suit but do avoid flashiness
and wearing too much cologne. Girls should also be neatly dressed and there
should not be too much jewelry or excessive makeup. Do remember
the dress should make you feel
comfortable. Also keep in mind that not only your knowledge but your whole
personality will be judged.
3. GOING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Before leaving for the interview
venue, go through the newspapers, especially the headlines — newspapers are
also available in the interview room. Most of the times they ask you a question
on the news headline of that day.
4. DOS OF THE INTERVIEW ROOM
1.
Do enter the interview room
by greeting all in one go, not one by one.
2.
Do keep your reflexes sharp
and speak with conviction.
3.
Do excuse if you do not
know the answer
4.
Do be confident
5. Do let the member finish the question before you answer it. This
would also give you crucial 2 – 3 seconds to decide the answer in your mind.
5. DON‘TS OF THE INTERVIEW ROOM
1.
Don‘t move towards the seat
before the members gesture you towards it.
2.
Don‘t try to be overly smart
3. Don‘t pretend that you know more than the Board does; this might
prove embarrassing for you.
4.
Don‘t be overconfident and
never lie.
NOTE: In previous years, debaters have been made to speak
extempore, so be careful with the information you furnish about yourself.
LEAVE THE ROOM
When the interview is over, the
panelists would most probably wish you luck. Say a word of thanks to them and
leave respectfully. There is no requirement to shake hands. It‘s a formal day
and should be treated as such.
