CAT Personal Interview Preparation Guide

If you limit your CAT preparation to the exam without giving Group Discussion and Personal Interviews the attention they deserve with the help of best teachers for CAT preparation, your preparation will be marked as incomplete. The personal interview round tests you in a variety of ways, so simply walking into a room and being yourself will not work if you haven't practiced enough to refine your skills and put your best foot forward.

However, if you've prepared for those challenges by using the strategies that work for you, you'll leave the room with your eyes beaming with confidence.

Communication Skills

You make a great impression when you can choose the right words for your thoughts and say them out loud without making grammatical errors. That is exactly what you need to ace the personal interview round! Your efforts are focused on persuading the panelists that you are a good fit for a fine institution, a great business school. And if you communicate your ideas well, your voice will have more conviction.

Your fluency, grammatical accuracy, and word choice will matter more than you think during your personal interview!

Listening Prowess

It is critical to say the right things in the right way. However, listening carefully and comprehending the questions before speaking is also essential. During your PI, you will be evaluated on how well you listen. So, resist the urge to listen to respond and instead practice listening to understand. You don't miss any details when you are aware of all the components of the question asked!

Academic Knowledge

It is critical to be well-versed in your subjects. You don't want to make a bad impression during the interview that will shape your career due to a lack of knowledge. So, don't overlook this aspect and make sure you can confidently answer all of them.

Confidence

We've already used the word, so why not elaborate? In a personal interview, confidence can act as a shield against all challenges. And a lack of it can negate the impact of all your knowledge and skills. Confidence does not develop overnight, and advice like "stay calm" does not work when you are under pressure to perform well during an interview. To gain confidence, you must work on staying current, improving your communication skills, and participating in mock interviews.

Analytical Thinking

When you walk into a room to demonstrate that you are a suitable candidate for an institution that brings out the leader in you, your analytical thinking is evaluated. Your responses must demonstrate that you approached the situation with care and did not simply say what felt right at the time.

General Awareness

You must be aware of the issues affecting Indian citizens, the developments taking place around the world, and critical updates from various parts of the world. Being aware allows you to form opinions and express them confidently. The best business schools are looking for strong personalities and teachers for MBA Exam who can lead. And staying informed is an important part of that.

Dressing Etiquette 

When you only have one interaction to impress complete strangers in order to gain admission to one of the best MBA programs, how you dress matters more than you can imagine. Wear formal attire and conduct yourself professionally. You don't need to make appointments with makeup artists or grooming experts; all you need to do is dress to make a good impression. Your clothing should reflect your goals and your dedication to achieving them.

Some Common Questions for the CAT Personal Interview

1. Do you think an MBA is essential to becoming a successful businessman?

2. Why have you chosen this path? Why MBA?

3. Why do you want to study at this business school?

4. How will you add value to this institution?

5. How is the course/field chosen the right one for you?

6. Walk us through your resume.

7. What are your strengths?

8. What are your weaknesses?

9. What are your hobbies?

10. What did you learn in your graduation?

11. Why are you planning to do an MBA now?

12. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

13. Tell us about the things you learned while working at ..(name of the company)?

14. (If inexperienced) Since many of your peers are experienced. How will you compensate for your lack of experience and compete with them?

15. Do you think you are a good leader? If yes, justify your answer by sharing an example.

16. How do you differentiate between a leader and a manager?

Do’s and Don’ts for CAT Interview

• Practice by attending mock interviews.

• Fill your vocabulary with useful words, but avoid using uncommon words.

• Maintain a cheerful demeanor throughout the interview.

• Your responses should reflect your personality.

• Don't plan long speeches. Keep your responses brief and to the point.

• Your responses must be spontaneous.

• Allow the interviewer to finish the question.

• If you don't understand a question, politely request that it be repeated.

• Make sure your resume is well-structured and that you are familiar with the topics mentioned.

• Don't be contradictory.

• Some interviewers may appear intimidating. In such cases, focus on providing relevant answers rather than being intimidated.

• Improve your communication abilities. You sound confident when you are grammatically flawless and fluent.

• Language of the Body

• Keep eye contact.

• Provide a firm handshake.

• Try not to fidget.

• Don't mess with your hair.

• Maintain a straight back.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets.

• Avoid slouching.