1. Updated with Current Affairs

CAT applicants should keep themselves updated with the latest news around the world. Reading newspapers on a regular basis and watching news channels 1-2 hours daily is what candidates should need to do. Students who keep a regular track of news will have an advantage when an interviewer will ask them about their opinion on a current news topic this will create an impression on the panelist.

 

2. Stay Calm

Candidates should be calm, especially during a personal interview. Try and be more confident when you’re sitting in front of the interviewer. You will also be judged on how you react to the questions during the interview.

 

3. Try Giving Uncommon Answers to Common Questions

Keep in mind that every candidate who comes for interview is well prepared to stand out among all other aspirants. You can do the same by giving uncommon or out of the box answers to some common questions like, “Why MBA ?” or “Tell me about yourself”. Always be prepared to give unique answers to such questions. This will increase your chances of selection.

 

4. Never Appear Rehearsed

Make sure that you never sound rehearsed or monotonous to the panelist. Modulate your voice while answering, instead of appearing like a robot. There are many questions that are common and you can prepare for them in advance. However, you must ensure that you frame your answers in a most interesting manner to break the monotony. Approach the interview as a conversation, and not as a question-and-answer ordeal.

 

5. Answer Precisely for ‘About Me’ Questions

One of the most frequently asked questions in CAT interviews is “Tell us something about yourself”. You can use this opportunity to tell the interviewers the things that are interesting about you.   Aspirants usually talk about their qualifications and skills, which are already mentioned in the application forms. However, it will be a good idea if candidates drive the interview to the topics they are more comfortable with. Make a map of your life and list out any life changing moments, any inspirations, any passions, hobbies, achievements, failures, etc.

 

6. Prepare Well for Your ‘Strengths/Weaknesses’

Another frequently asked question is “Tell about your positives/negatives” and students should cautiously answer these questions as these might attract the interviewer’s attention to your weak points. Try to involve interviewer in your answer and avoid telling false strength.

 

7. Know Your Course

The most important answer that an interviewee should know is why he/she is interested in taking up a particular course, and this answer usually helps the interviewer in making the final decision. A candidate should not come across as a complete misfit for the course. He/she should be prepared to give a logical answer to this crucial question.

 

8. Don’t Waste Time

Applicants are recommended not to waste time thinking about answers, Bering spontaneous is the key here. Keep in mind that the interviewer is secretly noting the time being taken to answer a question. Once the question is out, try to answer it within 5 seconds. Clarification about a doubtful question is always suggested, but don’t overdo it.

 

9. Understand the question before answering

Candidates usually make this mistake by directly jumping on answering the question without even understanding what the interviewer actually wants to know. Therefore, students are generally advised to understand the question first and then answer it to avoid giving a wrong answer.

 

10. Don’t Brag About Yourself

Many candidates make this mistake of bragging about themselves that makes them sound self-obsessed. Sometimes interviewers don’t interrupt in order to give the candidate the impression that he/she has not spoken enough. This is just a stress inducing tactic. Don’t fall for it!

 

Important Tip: At the end of the interview, leave the room with a smile on your face with a goodbye and a thank you note.