The candidate is tested not only for his/her intelligence but also for his/her overall personality development, his/her ability to take quick decisions and the ability to act under stress and handle crises.
Preparation for the Interview demands proper planning. Here are some points you would do well to keep in mind to succeed in the Interview:
1 Know yourself
2 Game of elimination
3. Ability to communicate is the key — verbal and non-verbal
4. Say what you want to say and not what you don't want to say: Choose the right words.
5. Direction of Interview: More often than not decided by you
6. Sell yourself: Why you, why not the others?
7. Know the organisation you want to join
8. Clarity of aim: Why IAS
9. Brief and to-the-point answers are better
10. It's okay to be nervous
11. If in doubt, seek clarification before answering a question
12. ‘Dare-to-bare' attitude for your Personality Test: Given the extremely short time (25-30 minutes) in which your personality is assessed, it is your responsibility to bring out your very best in front of the board. This should be done in a modest way and should not appear as if you are boasting.
The risk in baring yourself in front of the board is that you will also be exhibiting your weakness. So do it in a well-planned way.
13. Interview: Interview preparation does not require one to stuff oneself with facts, ability to analyse and to critically examine an issue is what actually counts. There may be facts you may not know and there is no harm in saying so to the Board, but you must be able to think laterally and analyse all dimensions of the topic under consideration. Speak honestly, truthfully and with modesty. Understand the questions before answering them and clarify the question if you do not understand it. Many a time your answer gets misinterpreted; do not hesitate in clarifying it. Framing your own questions and answering them (especially recording them on to a tape and listening to them) is a very useful technique. It is also extremely helpful in making a correct choice of words while answering a question.
14. The UPSC prospectus mentions that a board of competent and unbiased observers will assess the candidate's mental alertness; critical powers of assimilation; clear and logical exposition; balance of judgment and a sense of proposition; variety of depth of interest; ability for social cohesion (inter-personal relationship skills) and leadership; and humane attitude and due sensitivity towards people's suffering.
A delicate balance of traits
1. Self-confidence without any shade of arrogance or cockiness.
2. Warm personality without being excessive.
3. Smiling and pleasant without overdoing it.
4. Sincerity which reflects keenness and desire to learn.
5. Conviction and firm stand without being argumentative.
6. Willingness to admit mistakes without making a mess.
Avoid absolutely
1. Arrogance
2. Bad body language.
3. Casual attitude.
4. Any obnoxious loud distractions: Gaudy or jangling jewellery, outlandish watches, cell phones or any alarms set on your watch which may accidentally go off.
5. Picking up arguments with any board member.
6. Trying to score an ideological point.
7. Becoming cynical and critical of the government.
8. Criticising individuals, organisations or institutions condemning them when you are not fully aware of the facts
9. Excessive hand movement or body movement.
10.Fidgeting and leg-shaking.
11.Extreme viewpoints.
12.Making any sweeping statements
Must dos
1. Formal dressing — Men: Full sleeve shirt, formal trousers, black leather shoes, tie if you wish, empty pockets (no bulges or tinkling coins). Women: sari (avoid garish ones, preferably a light coloured one), minimal jewellery, light make-up if necessary, well-groomed hairstyle, clean, trimmed fingernails, no nail polish, minimal cologne or perfume, No rings other than wedding ring.
2. Positive attitude and faith in the system: No cynics wanted in IAS
3. Openness to ideas
4. Pleasant personality
5. Sit upright, do not slouch
6. Remain thoroughly professional throughout the interview: Keep your cool no matter what
7. Utmost regard for the Board and no bias against them, no matter what you have heard
8. Ability to analyse situations in all its entirety
9. Moderate views are essential
10. Even if you know the answer, pause to formulate your reply rather than blurting it out immediately. Remember you are not on a rapid fire round of a quiz show.
11. Be honest.
12. Non-verbal communication: Eye contact is probably the most important of all-non verbal communications.
If you look away while listening, it shows lack of interest and a short attention span. If you fail to maintain eye contact while speaking, it shows lack of confidence in what you are saying.
Do not just assume you have good eye contact. Ask others if you ever lack proper eye contact. If they respond that they did notice, ask if it was during speaking or listening. Some people maintain excellent eye contact while listening, but lose eye contact when speaking or vice-versa. Next, watch yourself on videotape. Sit down with a friend and practise until you are comfortable maintaining sincere, continuous eye contact.
Facial expressions: Many of us are totally unaware of the sullen, confused, expression plastered on our faces. Take a good, long, hard look at yourself in the mirror. Look at yourself as others would. Then modify your facial expressions. First eliminate negative overall characteristics that might exist, then add a simple feature that nearly every interviewee forgets to include — a smile! A true and genuine smile that shows that you are a happy person and delighted to be interviewed. You do not need to keep the smile plastered on for the full interview, but remember to keep coming back to it.
Posture: Posture shows your confidence level. Stand straight, walk straight, and sit straight. When standing, stand up straight. When you are seated, make sure you sit straight and do not slouch.
Gestures: Gestures should be kept to a minimum during the interview. Do not use artificial gesture. When you do use gestures, make sure they are natural and meaningful.
Common traps to avoid
1. The pause trap: Know to stop when your answer is over. Never try to fill the silence.
2. The stress trap
3. The ‘Heads I win and Tails You Loose' questions: “What is your biggest weakness?” Interviewers frequently ask candidates, “What are your weaknesses?” Conventional interview wisdom dictates that you highlight a weakness like “I'm a perfectionist,” and turn it into a positive. Interviewers are not impressed, because they have probably heard the same answer a hundred times. If you are asked this question, highlight a skill that you wish to improve upon and describe what you are doing to enhance your skill in this area. Interviewers don't care what your weaknesses are.
They want to see how you handle the question and what your answer indicates about you. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: “I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter.” Questions like “So much workload and no time for family isn't it an injustice to your family?” should be handled like, “I'm fully committed to performing my job well. My career is important to me, and I have a strong support system at home.”
What to do when ‘disaster' strikes
1. The chairman leaves in the middle of the interview.
2. You made a statement which to your horror you realize to be absolutely incorrect: Only plain simple honesty can only save you. Admit the error or mistake you have committed and leave it at that.
Finally remember
1. IAS exam is not the end of life if you could not succeed, but it would be a great beginning if you can.
2. After your best shot have faith in God. But do start preparing for the next round.
3. Be patient and maintain your pace. This examination is all about tenacity and perseverance. Work hard and do not lose heart. Your efforts are bound to succeed.
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