The personal interview process is one of the most important hurdles in the IIM Group Discussion and Personal Interview process. The objective of the Interview panel is to determine whether your personality and ambitions match that of the IIM’s. Here are 3 simple steps to follow that can help in projecting a confident and ambitious personality.

1) Focus: For the interview, have 3 ready reasons why you chose to become an MBA. This is critical as the Interview panel wants students who see an MBA as a means to a higher end, and not merely to get a job in a blue chip organization. Suppose you are an Economics graduate. You could state your intention of doing an MBA is (i) Learn real life corporate policy making (ii) Applying your textbook knowledge of Economics in Corporate Administrative Policies (iii) Integrating understanding of economics to achieve social objectives of the organization. Having an idea of why you want to do an MBA sets you apart from the rest of the crowd and gives you a favorable grade in the B-School interview.

2) Contribution to society: If you have not scored well academically but managed to get a call from the top B-schools, and have an average extra curricular record then your entire objective must be talk about 3 important milestones (whatever they may be) you have achieved that you feel makes you a worthy candidate. Have you ever organized an event in your local community, perhaps some major religious or sports event. Perhaps you started a blog or website giving guidance on some topics such as tips for the IIT exam, tips for tourists on local tourist spots, or if you are an engineer a blog about tips on how to set up your router for self owned small business. You see – YOU MUST COME ACROSS as a person who has DONE SOMETHING GAINFUL for society, no matter how small the effort. Pick 3 such milestones that are related to your educational background and hobbies.

3) Contribution to growth: Why have you chosen your particular line of study and how can you use it to make a contribution to the growth of the economy. Suppose you are from an arts background. Find out through the internet and talk of the potential of professional event management, professional arts market, professional retail management in India, what you feel are its shortcomings as compared to the international scenario, and how having a background in arts gives you a flair for such a career which you intend to make more professional by becoming a qualified MBA.

Prepare 3 points to provide answers for each of these aspects. Practice and improve upon these aspects. Keep improving your replies and you will find that you will be able to exude the confidence of a goal seeking personality. Remember you must prepare for these questions especially when you don’t have significant achievements to boast of. Having answers to these questions may also help you in understanding your own personality and life-goals