JIMS Rohini, Sec -5, organized a session on 11 th October, 2024, that was delivered by Mr. Amit
Poddar who is Senior Regional Head, Time Education Pvt. Ltd. He is a graduate from Sri
Venkateswara college and an MBA from Indian Institute of planning and Management. He is a
mentor to IIM call getters and trainer for IIT Delhi batches for CAT preparation. He has taken
career counseling/academic, vocab building, communication skills and GD/PI sessions at various
colleges.
Objectives:
The primary objective of the event was to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills
for successfully navigating personal interviews (PIs) during job interviews or admissions
processes. Key objectives included:
- Understanding the structure and flow of a personal interview.
- Learning strategies for handling frequently asked questions (FAQs).
- Enhancing confidence and communication skills in high-stakes interview scenarios.
- Providing real-world insights from an experienced resource person to help participants
perform well during interviews.
Address by resource person:
The resource person began the session by highlighting the importance of thorough preparation
for personal interviews, particularly in today’s competitive job market. They shared valuable
insights into how interviewers assess candidates based on their communication, confidence, and
relevance of answers.
Key points from the address:
- Understanding Interviewer’s Perspective: The resource person emphasized the
importance of understanding what the interviewer is looking for, including skills, cultural
fit, and problem-solving ability.
- FAQs: Common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your
strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why should we hire you?” were discussed in depth.
The resource person provided frameworks for answering these questions confidently and
succinctly.
- STAR Technique: They introduced the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to
structure answers to behavioral questions, which helps candidates present their
experiences effectively.
- Non-verbal Communication: Importance of body language, eye contact, and voice
modulation in conveying confidence and professionalism was discussed.
- Handling Difficult Questions: Strategies were offered for dealing with unexpected or
difficult questions, including staying calm, taking a moment to think, and providing
thoughtful responses.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the session, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of how to
approach personal interviews and handle commonly asked questions. The key learning outcomes
included:
- Increased Confidence: Participants felt more confident about facing personal interviews
after practicing with the tips and techniques shared.
- Structured Responses: Participants learned to give structured and relevant answers using
the STAR technique, improving their ability to handle behavioural questions.
- Effective Communication: Enhanced understanding of the importance of clear
communication, both verbal and non-verbal, during interviews.
- Preparation Strategies: The session provided practical preparation tips, including
researching the company, practicing answers, and preparing questions for the interviewer.
- Handling Pressure: Participants learned how to manage nervousness and maintain
composure in challenging interview situations.
Overall, the event was highly interactive and informative, providing valuable guidance to
participants as they prepare for their future personal interviews.