Students’ Speak: Top 10 parameters taken into account for assessment during PI

By: Ambika Sur

Personal Interview is an important step in the admission process to any good B-School. Ambika explains the parameters that play a major role in the successful clearance of a PI.

Personal Interview (PI) is one of the most crucial and final rounds of the complete circle of joining a B-School or acing a job interview. Here are the top 10 parameters that are taken into account when assessing a candidate in the PI round:

1. Personal grooming : The first thing that will get noticed as soon as you enter the room is your attire and how presentable you are. Any formal event it is mandatory to dress up in formals but during PI, more polished dress-up is required because it is a one to one interaction.

• • Wear washed and properly pressed clothes
  • All the buttons should be closed
  • Either it is a shirt, coat or pant it should fit you properly – neither too loose nor too tight
  • No hair on the forehead and nails should be trimmed
  • Very light and subtle makeup for girls
  • Don’t over-accessorize yourself

2. Communication: It adds an extra point and made a lasting impression. If you think your communication is comparatively poor then start working on it. It will always benefit you. Don’t get nervous, often nervousness messes up the flow of many good speakers. Stay calm and surely go prepared.

3. Knowledge: every skill and polish of attire will fade if you lake basic knowledge of concepts. Keep your basic technical knowledge clear. Unfortunately, if you fail to answer some question then it’s better to apologize than giving wrong or irrelevant answers.

4. Technical certifications: For the interviewer every student is the same, having the same qualification and degree. Certification is the way to stand out of the crowd. But keep good knowledge about the courses you have mentioned in the CV. You should be able to answer the questions related to your certifications.

5. Adaptability: your degree of adaptability is also a concern for the interviewers. Mostly they expect a high level of adaptability from the fresher students stepping into corporate so that they can mend them according to the office culture.

6. Knowledge about CV: Make your own CV and invest good time on it. Your CV should resonate with you and your personality. Prepare the answers for every possible questions chat can be asked by your interviewer from your CV.

7. Soft skills: Show off your interpersonal skill throughout the interview process. Keep on acknowledging the panellists and be humble. It will add value to your personal interview.

8. Body language: Good content and appreciative communication skill won’t make you gain all the points. The way you are presenting yourself while the interview goes on is equally important. Sit straight while the process goes on but be comfortable. Mentally be there in the discussion. Don’t be restless and show any hint of nervousness through your expressions. Just sit relaxed and listen.

9. Extracurricular activities: Activities apart from your studies tells a lot about you. You should be involved in some activities of your interest. Panellists do judge the candidates based on the level of effort they put on the activities they love to do. Your participation in other activities can add value to the company also and help you to manage stress.

10. Current affairs: Last but not the least, without a sound knowledge regarding current affairs your performance in PI will be incomplete. The only way to master in the field is reading newspapers and articles; there is no way out or shortcut. The more knowledge you will hold greater confidence you will radiate while keeping your points and ideas.

About the Author:

Ambika Sur is a student at Lovely Professional University pursuing her MBA with agriculture background. She is continuously working on her technical and managerial skills to achieve an exceptional career in the corporate world. She has completed a live project at Metro Cash and Carry and marketing intern at Agronxt.