Some most frequently asked interview questions

Interview questions may vary but in essence they are all trying to establish the following:

1. Your skills and experience to get admission or do the job

2. Your enthusiasm and interest to get admission or for the job
3. Whether you will fit in

If you can answer these questions, using real-life examples to illustrate your points, then you should be
able to answer most of the questions that arise including the following frequently asked questions.

1. Tell me about yourself?

This question or something similar usually starts every interview. Your answer should be well-
rehearsed, confidently delivered and last between 2-3 minutes. It should also :

If you are fresher, tell them about your qualifications, your hobbies and interest
If you are having any work experience then

Focus on the areas of most relevance to the job in question

Include some impressive achievements e.g. improvements made
Convey your enthusiasm for the job
Avoid personal or irrelevant information e.g. your children, un-related jobs

2. What are your key skills/strengths?

Focus on what you know they are looking for, even if it has been a smaller part of what you have
been doing to date. The job advert or person specification form will give you the information you
need about their requirements.

3. What are your weaknesses?

Choose a weakness that: Doesn't matter for the job e.g. languages for a UK firm. Is a positive e.g. "I
like to make things happen and get frustrated if too long is spent sitting around discussing it without
action"
Used to be a weakness but which you have improved upon e.g. presentations

4. What are your hobbies and interests or what do you do in your free time?
5. Tell me about your achievement of which you are proud?

As a fresher tell them about your academic achievements or something more.

As an experience holder: Choose work-related examples that shows a tangible benefit to the
business. Personal achievements should only be included if they are very impressive or prestigous.
More experienced candidates looking for a specific roles eg Sales Director Jobs should focus on
closely related areas eg driving an increase in sales or building a successful sales team

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
 6. What were your two favourite subjects?

Prepare any two subjects you are confident about.

7. What are your career goals?

They are checking if you are likely to stay and if so, for how long. Reassure the interviewer that the
role you are applying for fits your career plan and your longer term commitment to the college.

8. What will you do if you are not selected?

Prepare a backup plan and tell them.

9. Where do you want to see yourself after 5 years or 10 years?

Tell them about your future plans.

10. Why should we select you?

11. Why do you want to join this college?
You need to know the college structure, staff, courses, foundation group, their ranking, facilities,
placements records etc.
12. What questions would you like to ask us?

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TIPS FOR INTERVIEW

(1) For how long will a typical interview last?

Bank interviews last anywhere from 5-6 minutes to 30-40 minutes. However, you should not come to any
conclusion about your chances based on the duration of the interview. A short interview is not necessarily
bad. A long interview is not necessarily good.

(2) What is the size and composition of the interview panel?

The size of the interview panel normally varies from one to three. Some top banks may also have a
psychologist on the panel.

(3) What should I carry with me to the interview?

You must take copies of your resume. Carry all the original certificates (starting from 10th standard) with
you when you go for an interview. Please also carry one set of attested photocopies of all the certificates
(which you can give to the interview panel in case they ask for it). You should also carry any certificates
that you may have pertaining to your extra-curricular activities (indicating awards won, participation in
various events/games/sports).

(4) What is the appropriate dress code for an interview?

An interview is a formal occasion and you are expected to attend the same in formal wear. Casual wear
like jeans, sneakers, etc. are ruled out. If you are a male, you should tuck your shirt in, (preferably, have a
tie) and wear formal shoes. Shave on the morning of the interview do not go for the interview with
stubble. If you are a female, you can wear a dress or a saree or skirt and shirt. If you have long hair, neatly
plait it or tend to it in a manner that it does not look unkempt.
Before you go into the interview room, make sure that you take a couple of minutes to comb your hair.

(5) How should we enter the interview room? What should we do after we enter the interview
room?

Normally, when your turn comes, either one of the panel members or an assistant will come and call you
into the room for your interview. Whether the door is open or net knock gently on the door. At the door,
clearly and loudly say, "May I come in, sir" and walk in without any trepidation. Once you reach the
interviewers' table, wish the panel members (by saying "Good morning" or "Good afternoon"), and wait
for the interview panel to ask you to be seated.

(6) What type of language should we use in the interview?

As already discussed, an interview is a formal occasion. It requires formal language and that too, English.
Do not switch to vernacular in the middle of your conversation in an interview. However, you need not
worry about the fluency of your language. Go ahead and communicate your ideas in as simple a language
as possible without worrying about any language errors you may make.

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
(7) What role does body language have to play in an interview?

Use body language sitting posture, eye contact, movement of hands, head, etc. in a manner that
conveys confidence and has a positive impact on the interviewers. Do not overdo your hand movements,
etc. Gesticulate only to the extent necessary.

(8) What does the interview panel look for in a candidate in an interview?

The interviewers will look for a candidate who has an aptitude and skill required for the job and who can
be moulded to take up higher levels of responsibility in future. The suitability is established by looking at
the knowledge and behavioural dimensions. Knowledge, aptitude, willingness to learn, ability to adapt to
situations, ability to be a part of a team, logical flow of ideas, balanced thought process and a very clear
goal orientation are some of the parameters that interviewers will check on. The candidate should also be
able to apply his skills in tune with the ethical and moral framework of the society.

(9) What are the qualities assessed ?

The different qualities assessed are:

Level of knowledge the candidates possesses
Conceptual understanding of issues
Clarity of thought
Communication skills
Planning of career
Basic personality
Reacting to a situation

(10) What are the different types or categories of questions?

The nature and type of questions also vary from one candidate to the other for the same Bank.
Hence, a candidate should prepare on a range of areas/questions like.

(a) Self introduction: Like,

Please, introduce yourself. (or) Tell us about yourself; Tell us about your family, Etc.

(b) Subject Knowledge/specialization/ achievement/ extra-curricular activities: Like,

What are your achievements?, What activities were you involved in in college? Etc.

(c) Awareness about general banking related knowledge: Like,

What is RRR?, What is SLR?, What is CRR?, What is the present interest rate for savings account?, How
and when is the Savings account interest calculated? Etc.

(d) Career related questions: Like,

Why do you want to get into the Banking sector?, Why our bank; why not any other bank?, Where do you
see yourself 10 years from now?, Whay are you changing from IT sector to banking? Etc.

(e) Personality related questions: Like,

What are your strengths/weaknesses?, What are your hobbies?, What is your attitude towards life? Have
you overcome any great difficulty in the recent past?, Give us an instance to prove your strength? Etc.

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
(f) Situational questions: Like,
if you (and only you) discover your colleague, who is also your close friend, steal in the bank you both
are working at, what will you do?

(11) What should be the answer for the question "Tell us something about yourself?"

First of all, note that there is nothing like "the answer" or "the correct answer" for any question except
for questions which require a fact to be given as the answer.

"Tell us something about yourself" is the first question asked in a number of interviews. This question is
asked for two different reasons. The first is that it puts you at ease, as it is a fairly easy question to deal
with. The second reason is that the interviewers get to know some basic details about you, while at the
same time, getting a little bit of time to go through your application/bio-data.

Nevertheless, it is an important question. This often lays the foundation for the entire interview a
number of subsequent questions can be based on what you say in response to this question.

You should cover your social and educational background very briefly and then emphasize on your
technical skills and favourite subjects. Highlight your achievements be it academics or otherwise.
Mention hobbies and extracurricular activities and a few details on the kind of person you are likes etc.
Family background is not essential. In case you cover this, do so very briefly.

(12) What are the typical questions that the interviewers ask in the area of "personality related
questions?"

Personality related questions basically include two types of questions. The first type is about your
"Strengths and Weaknesses." Strengths and weaknesses are asked very frequently and this is a fairly
important question. It requires prior thinking and proper preparation.
The second type of questions on your personality relate to your value systems. The interviewers may ask
you about the values you believe in. There can be questions on honesty and integrity. Very often, the
interview panel members may create a situation involving compromise of values and ask you to react.

(13) What are the strengths/weaknesses that we can talk of?

Do not look at a "standard list" of strengths from which you can pick up your strengths. You have to
assess your own personality and come with your strengths. Typically, they may pertain to hard working
nature, congeniality, convincing ability, discipline, punctuality, goal-oriented approach, analytical
approach to problem solving, working well in a group, etc. Make it your list of strengths and not what
somebody else has told you. Also, after you tell the interviewers about your strengths, be ready to face a
follow-up question asking you to give a situation where your strengths helped you or to explain how you
realised that you had these strengths. You should be prepared to give an example by narrating a short
incident which highlights your strengths.
For weaknesses, tell anything that you are genuinely not good at; also, immediately mention what action
you are taking to overcome such a weakness. Don't say that you don't have any weakness. Almost every
one of us will have one or more of the weaknesses like lack of punctuality, impatience, impulsive
decision-making, etc.

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
(14) What are the typical questions that the interviewers ask in the area of 'career related
questions'
Typically the questions will focus on what you intend to do in life, how you envisage your career taking
shape, why you chose your branch of study, how do you plan to use the knowledge acquired in work, why
you want to choose a particular bank, alternate career plans, why you intend to join a particular banking
sector, which domain/area you wish to work in, how you will contribute to the bank, where do you see
yourselves in 5/10 years from now etc.

Most interviewers expect you to have a goal or a career objective. You may not be in a position to spell
out your plan in detail. Nevertheless, you should have a broad framework and alternate plans in mind. If
you indicate that you have no idea about your future plan, it could mean that you are a drifter and this
could work against you.

For questions on 'where you see yourselves 5/10 years from now' get details from employees of the bank
beforehand, seniors or friends working in the banking sector and from websites of leading banks. This
will help you to understand how careers of people progress in the banking sector.

(15) How to tackle a question "why do you want to join us?".

Before the interview, prepare specifically on the bank by gathering information about them from
magazines, seniors and friends working there and the bank website. Check out basics like turnover,
revenue, net profit, growth, spread across countries/states, take overs, domains/areas of specialisation,
products, awards won, latest news, corporate governance etc. This will give you ample information to be
prepared for this question.

(16) How should we prepare for questions asked about my hobbies and interests?

Normally, the interviewers will ask you questions on your extra-curricular activities, hobbies and
interests. In case you have none, tell them that you do not have any. But if you have any, then you should
be ready to deal with them in some depth. For example, if cricket is one of your extra-curricular activities
or hobbies, then you should be able to deal with past statistics, current happenings in cricket including the
names of players in the teams of various countries.

(17) How much time will we get to think before we start answering a question?

The general rule that you should observe is "Think before you answer any question." Do not be in a
tearing hurry to give a reply. You need not start your reply the moment the question is asked. You can
take 2-3 seconds to answer the question. This valuable time helps you collect your thoughts before you
answer the question. This is particularly useful if the question is slightly "uncomfortable."

(18) Should we give short and crisp answers to the questions asked or should we give elaborate
answers?

You should avoid giving "Yes" or "No" as the responses to questions that you are asked in the interview.
You should also avoid one-word answers. While you should not end up giving a very long answer to any
question, give a long enough answer to communicate clearly your thinking on the issue that is under
discussion. Remember, the interviewer would like to know your personality, clarity of thought, etc.
Hence, you should look at every question as an opportunity to let the interviewer know more about you.

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
(19) If we do not know answers to some questions, can we guess? Aren't there chances that the
interviewer himself may not know the answers?

Do not underestimate the calibre or the intelligence of the interviewers normally they are very learned
people. It is in your interest that you do not work on the premise that the interviewer may not know the
answer. If you do not know the answer, say that you do not know. However, if you want to guess, do so
by saying that you would like to guess the answer. You can say, "Sorry sir, I do not know the answer.
However, can I make a guess?"

Your making a guess will work only for questions that are fact based and not opinion based. If the
interviewers ask you for your opinion on an issue, you cannot obviously say that you do not know.

(20) Should we always be completely honest in an interview?

In general, "honesty is the best policy" in an interview. Be your natural self as far as answering questions
is concerned. However, in our day-to-day interaction with anybody, all of us wear a "mask" to show a
different identity form what we are. The type and level of mask may vary from person to person. You
should try to have a genuinely pleasant expression on your face. Smile often.

(21) What should we do if the interviewers ask irrelevant questions?

Do not ever believe that the interviewers are asking you questions that are not relevant to the selection
process. In an interview, there is nothing like an irrelevant question. Remember that the interviewer is
trying to assess you based on how you react to situations. As discussed already, look at every question as
an opportunity. Tackle it keeping in mind that your thought process is under scrutiny the issue under
discussion is not relevant.

(22) What is a stress interview?

Very seldom does one come across stress interviews.

Right from the word "go," the interviewers shoot questions at rapid-fire speed. They will probably not
give enough time to the interviewee for any question before the interviewee can complete an answer,
the next question is asked. Sometimes, the next question is asked even before the candidate starts the
answer. The interviewers also tend to make fun of the candidate almost throughout the interview
making comments that the candidate does not know anything, etc. They can ask very personal questions
in a stress interview which can make the candidate very uncomfortable.

While stress interviews do not form a significant proportion of the total number of interviews conducted
for any institute, it is not uncommon to find a stress interview here or there. You should be mentally
prepared to face a stress interview.

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
(23) How should we tackle stress interviews?

On the basis of how the interview progresses, you can make out whether your interview is a stress
interview in the first half a minute itself.

The most important thing in a stress interview is that you should keep your cool. Since the panel members
are putting you under severe stress, they will give you the benefit of doubt in case you are not able to
answer the questions at all or you give a wrong answer. They will not hold it against you as much as they
would in a normal interview.

Do not react to their taunting remarks. If they make a caustic remarks, just smile and say, "I understand
that that is your view, sir, but my view is ." Do not sitting there cursing yourself for getting into that
mess. Focus on the question that they are asking next.

Overall, a candidate who can keep his/her cool will come out in flying colours from a stress interview.

(24) At the end of the interview, how will the interviewers indicate that the interview is over?

They will make a clear statement like, "Thank you, Mr. ---------. Wish you all the best." Sometimes, the
interviewers may ask you question like, "Would you like to ask us anything?" Such a question also
indicates that they are through with their questions.

(25) In such a case, can I ask them any questions?

You certainly can. However, ask questions that are relevant. Please do not ask questions like "How did I
perform in my interview?" or "How did I do in my written test?" or "Will I get selected?"

You can use this opportunity to highlight your interest in the company. For example say, "you have been
consistently growing at the rate of 30% annually. What helps you to maintain such a high growth?"

If you don't have any specific questions just say "Thank you sirs. I don't have any questions to ask'

(26) What should I do before I leave the interview room?

Stand up, push your chair back a little, wish the interviewers by making statements like, "Thank you, sirs"
or "Good day to you all, sirs, " turn

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
 Some do's and don'ts of interview

Interview Dos
1. Dress appropriately for the college; err on the side of being conservative to show you
take the interview seriously. Your personal grooming and cleanliness should be
impeccable.
2. Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there,
park, find a rest room to freshen up, etc.
3. Arrive early; 10 minutes prior to the interview start time or earlier if the event or college
instructs you to do so.
4. Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you might
be solicited during hiring decisions.
5. Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are
greeted by your interviewer.
6. Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer's name and the correct pronunciation.
7. Maintain good eye contact during the interview.
8. Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.
9. Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples
whenever possible.
10. Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.
11. Be thorough in your responses, while being concise in your wording.
12. Be honest and be yourself your best professional self. Dishonesty gets discovered and
is grounds for withdrawing job offers and for firing. You want a good match between
yourself and your employer. If you get hired by acting like someone other than yourself,
you and your employer will both be unhappy.
13. Treat the interview seriously and as though you are truly interested in the employer and
the opportunity presented
14. Exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is evaluating you as a potential co-worker.
Behave like someone you would want to work with
15. Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Having done your research
about the employer in advance, ask questions which you did not find answered in your
research
16. Do expect to be treated appropriately. If you believe you were treated inappropriately or
asked questions that were inappropriate or made you uncomfortable, discuss this with a
Career Services advisor or the director.
17. When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye
contact. Depart gracefully
18. Write a thank-you letter to your interviewer promptly.

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
Interview DON'Ts
Don't make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.

Don't treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview
for practice. This is an insult to the interviewer and to the organization.

Don't give the impression that you are only interested in an organization because of its
geographic location.

Don't be unprepared for typical interview questions. You may not be asked all of them in
every interview, but being unprepared will not help you

Don't go to extremes with your posture; don't slouch, and don't sit rigidly on the edge of
your chair.

Don't assume that a female interviewer is "Mrs." or "Miss." Address her as "Ms." unless
told otherwise. (If she has a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree or medical degree, use "Dr.
[lastname]" just as you would with a male interviewer. Marital status of anyone, male or
female, is irrelevant to the purpose of the interview

Don't chew gum or smell like smoke

Don't allow your cell phone to sound during the interview. (If it does, apologize quickly and
ignore it.) Don't take a cell phone call. Don't look at a text message

Don't take your parents, your pet (an assistance animal is not a pet in this circumstance),
spouse, fiance, friends or enemies to an interview. If you are not grown up and independent
enough to attend an interview alone, you're insufficiently grown up and independent for a
job. (They can certainly visit your new city, at their own expense, but cannot attend your
interview

Remember: Interview purpose is to select not reject. You are capable thats why you have
been called. Because you have cleared the written test and you have beaten other.

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
(Imp: This is a sample CV for your reference, dont just copy the same
details, make relevant changes wherever required.)

YOUR NAME (Font: Aachen-16 pts)

Phone: 01662-267546, 9896394532 (Font: Arial, 10 pts)

putyouremailidhere@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE (Font: Aachen-12 pts)

I aspire to become a management professional by learning the nitty-gritties of management at a premier

B-School.

ACADEMICS

Degree/Diploma Year of Passing College/Univ/Board Marks Achieved

B.Com. III 2007 Kurukshetra Univ. 678/800

B.Com. II 2006 Kurukshetra Univ. 678/800
B.Com. I 2005 Kurukshetra Univ. 678/800
Senior Sec. (10+2) 2005 CBSE (Commerce) 432/500
Secondary (10th) 2003 CBSE 446/500

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Sports

I was a member of the college Football team from year 2005 to 2007
I enjoy playing Table Tennis and Swimming

Dance/Dramatics

I was a member of the college Dramatics society and I played the leading role in a Haryanvi Skit,
based on the theme of Child Marriage
I have taken part in group-dance performances in school and colleges

Quizzing/Debates

I have been actively taking part in Quiz, debate and declamation contests in School and College

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)
PROJECTS AND SUMMER TRAINING (For Engineering Students)

Mention your projects in the final yr. and the Summer Training Details including your work profile during
training and the major learinings.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Mention you certificates and awards, aligning with the extra curricular activities mentioned above:

Example:

I represented my college football team in the Inter College Sports championship organized at the
MM College, Mullana (Ambala), from 12th to 16th December 2006. We were the runners up in
Football. (The month and year are important to mention)

COMPUTER SKILLS

I can comfortably work with MS Office, Internet and can type with a speed of 30 wpm without looking at
the keyboard.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

I love surfing the internet, reading books and cooking

PERSONAL DETAILS

Name in Full: Write your name here

Date of Birth: 15-1-1985

Gender: ----------------

Fathers Name: ----------------

Fathers Profession: ----------------

Mothers Name: ----------------

Mothers Occupation: Homemaker (Do not write Housewife)

Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi

Permanent Address: ----------------

T.I.M.E.
Below Yes Bank, Sheela Shoppee, Near Sanjay Chowk, Panipat. Ph. 9896349959 (Rajnish)