Interview-UPSC Board Interview And SSB Interview:

Interview-Ten Golden Tips To Top In The Interviews:

Appreciate the wisdom of being clean, neat and tidy when you present yourself before the interview panel

Interview Board: See that you have good haircut and that your nails are clean. Comb your hair well. Remove sweat, oil, dirt, etc., from your face and forehead. Make sure that no bad odor or smell emanates from your face. But you can certainly do a lot to improve it. Your appearance should show that you are an orderly person. Therefore, do take care of your grooming.

Mind your clothes: You should dress well suited to the occasion. Your clothes should not be gaudy or showy. You must present yourself in a suit, preferably of dark or somber colors. Your collar must be clean, well pressed and starched. Similarly, your shirt handcuffs should also be clean. They should not be frayed in the ends. You must wear socks and shoes. See that the socks are pulled up. Shoes must be well polished. You make the first impression with your clothes and the way you dress yourself up. If your clothes create an initial unfavorable impression you will be hard put to neutralise it during the interview. Similarly, with some care for your clothes you can begin the interview with your right foot forward. It is therefore very essential that you turn up for the interview, smartly dressed.

Etiquette, manners and courtesy can help you a great deal in tilting the interview in your favor: Before entering the room, gently knock at the door and announce yourself. You can politely inquire whether. You could go in. You must enter only when you are bid to do so. Enter calmly with confidence. After entering, greet those present according to the time of the day, e.g. 'Good morning, Sir,' 'Good afternoon, Sir', and so on. It would be ideal if you could stand to attention while greeting them. While paying compliments and later while addressing the Chairmen, or the Members. Generally address yourself to the Chairmen as he represents the entire Board. Wait till you are offered a seat. Then thank the person who asks you to sit down before you are offered a seat. Then thank the person who asks you to sit down before you take your seat. If you are not offered a seat, continue to stand and answer the questions from that position.

Avoid mannerisms: Sit straight and look up. Do not keep shaking your knees, tapping on the floor and so on. Stop coughing or adjusting your throat every now and then. Atop playing with your tie, collars or coat buttons. Do not lean on the table and rest your elbows there. In fact, you should cur out all unnecessary movements. You can and must be relaxed.

Smile and be cheerful: While entering the room, while greeting the Chairman and Members, while thanking them and while listening to them keep your smile on. See that you do not start yawning during the interview. You should look keen, interested, pleasant and enthusiastic. A smile helps you in all these.

Speak distinctly and audibly: Do not either shout or mumble. Pronounce your words full and give emphasis to the syllable where required. Speak in such a way that all those present could hear you without straining themselves. Speak with interest and enthusiasm. Your voice must sparkle and vibrate with spirit. Do not drag or sound monotonous. Speak to the Chairman or to the Members and not to the floor, roof, table or wall. In other words, look into their eyes while you speak.

Be attentive and look attentive when the Chairman or the Members speaks to you: Listen carefully to what they say and do not ask them to repeat themselves often. Do not close your eyes while you want to concentrate. Also do not interrupt while they talk. Allow them to complete the question or remarks before you give your reply or comments.

You must avoid arguments: Do not challenge the opinion of the Board Members or the correctness of their statements. Express your views with tact and consideration. Avoid criticising others. Do not find fault with others. If you are in the wrong, admit it and apologise immediately. Never give excuses. While giving your conclusions, proceed in a logical manner and adduce valid reasons. Do not be self-opinionated.

Do not bluff, boast vainly and shoot lions: State the fact accurately and be modest while describing your achievements. When you do not know the answer, be frank and tell them so. Never generalise or make vague guesses. See that you do not waffle. While you speak, you must be able to hold the attention of your listeners with interest. You should never become a bore.

Act with confidence, hop and assurance: Be positive and optimistic in your outlook. Remember, it is not so much what you say, but how you say, that mostly determines your success in the interview.