IIMA PGPX Interview tips
Hi friends, I have been receiving quite a few requests for help with interview prep. Sharing some of them here in the interest of the greater good. Interview experiences are very different and it is difficult to predict how an individual's interview will go. However, it is good to go in with some preparation and a lot of confidence. So, here goes.....
- Procedures and process:
a. Before the interview: You'll be asked to write one essay or two (I dont remember, not relevant because it could change from year to year). Some profs would have read these documents and some would not have. Choose a location of your preference.
b. During the interview: I will not talk about the logistics but of what happened during interview (at least in our batch). You walk in, profs give you a topic and ask you to prepare for a couple of minutes and then give an extempore for around 5 mins (may or may not ask questions). Then follows the regular MBA interview of going through the resume, future aspirations, knowledge about the industry and so on.
- Is there any preference for a venue ?
There is no edge at all as far as I know, the profs really dont see any such difference. However, it would be a good experience for you to visit the campus and understand the program better (to a small extent). You could also get to meet some of the participants as well if we are available.
- What kind of things panel would like to see in me.
The panel likes to see the same things in all participants as far as i understand:
a. Good conversationalist
b. Hold clear views on any topic and able to articulate them well. c. Show aspects of learnability and not require much spoonfeeding. This is a very independent institution when it comes to learning
d. Explain achievements (and not roles and responsbilities) without becoming too pompous
e. Not being argumentative and confrontationalist.
- Any tip that worked for you in winning panel heart.
a. Portray your profile uniquely. Show aspects of leadership (not defined by being team lead or manager or any other titular responsibility)
b. Take hints from the panel when they offer it to you.
c. Do not be negative, angry, loud or low spirited even if the panel puts you down. Some profs may try methods of stress testing but that is really to ensure that they do not get bored (think about it, they would be interviewing applicants from the morning so may be looking for some fun some time in between). Most of them are sweethearts and in campus are extremely approachable and willing to help.
d. You will meet a lot of dickheads in interviews who act as if their profiles and resumes alone will ensure they get a seat. I have seen enough of such people being chased out of these interviews because their attitude sucked. During the interviews, dont get overawed by anyone thinking their profiles are better than yours.
e. Most of us had no clue as to whether we would get in or not. It is very hard to guess, so dont waste any time doing it. If you are good and have performed well in the interview, forget about the results till you actually get them.
f. One tip is to understand who will be the profs in your panel (especially if you arrive well before your interview time, they would have allocated panel numbers to you and you would get a chance to see who the profs are in that panel but wont know their name obviously). Take a look at the faculty profile at the link below (some profs have pictures in their profile) and figure out which areas these profs are from and try to steer your way accordingly in the interview. In my panel, I had an economics prof and an ops management prof. The ops prof totally fell in love with me because I had worked with Toyota and in Japan as well for them, and I mentioned a lot of economic history (the impact of the way the British East indian company conducted their business in India). This gives you a bit of confidence which shouldnt be portrayed as overconfidence though.
https://www.iimahd.ernet.in/faculty-and- ... ofile.htmlExtempore topics:
1. Do Governments trust enterpreneurs ? (my topic)
2. Toilets are the new temples.
3. Define India
4. Pen is mightier than the sword.
5. Reservation in public jobs.
Are the extempore topics alllocated to the candidate by the panel or is the candidate free to choose one?
17 Oct 2016, 04:53
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