INTERVIEW

The aim of an interview at the SSB is to assess the leadership or ‘Officer like’ qualities of the candidates by means of a directed or purposive conversation between the candidate and the Interviewing             Officer (IO). In addition to appraising the present level of the candidate, the IO tries to evaluate the training potential of the candidate. The question at the interview, therefore, will be so directed as to allow the candidate to automatically show his leadership ability in his answer.

                                            HANDLING QUESTIONS

The two important factors which play a decisive role in the selection of the candidate in the interview are the candidate’s knowledge and power of expression. In a group or a gathering the person who does the talking in a forceful and convincing manner dominates. Similarly, at the interview, the candidate who is able to speak fluently and express himself clearly, will score high marks. At the same time, a candidate cannot well unless he has good knowledge to generate ideas on a variety of topics. The interview, as already pointed out, will not be a mere cross-examination of the candidate, like questions and answers in school class room. The questions will be open ended. While answering the questions the candidate should take lead and cover as much of the relevant ground as possible. In other words simply saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a question will not suffice and the candidate must logically and forcefully substantiate his views with valid arguments.

Some Practical Hints

Question1: Where do you come from?

Answer: “Kewaplore”.

Comments:  This one –word answer is incomplete in the context of the interview. In all probability the interviewing officer has never heard this name before. A better answer would be-“I came from Kewaplore, a small village in Madhya Pradesh. It has population of some 10,000 people who are mainly engaged in agriculture.”(However these details are not required if you come from big city).

Question1: What do you think is the most pressing problem facing the country today?

Answer: “Achieving self-sufficiency in food production”.

Comments: Again, the answer is inadequate for the interview. Although the interviewing officer has not asked you specially to state why think so, still you must give the reasons for choosing this as the pressing problem. It would be better if you state some other equally pressing problems and then state as to why you have given priority to food production. This would , then, indicate your knowledge in both dimensions width and depth. Here is a better answer:

“In my opinion, gaining self-sufficiency in food is the most pressing problem facing our country today. I agree that there are other problems, like industrialization, un-employment, national integration etc., which also require to be tackled with equal urgency. But I had given priority to food, as it cuts the very root of our existence as an independent nation. What is more we have the resources and it only needs proper harnessing of modern scientific techniques to achieve self sufficiency in food grains. ”

                                   GENERAL TIPS

    

     Answer the question, “What is my point?” 

            Avoid the risk that IO will interrupt or simply tune you out before you get to       your major point. 

     Use body language as a part of your emotional expression.

      Avoid extreme emotions such as anger, sentiments etc.

      Keep up to date with current events.

      Discuss current events with your acquaintances. 

     Scan even the sections of newspapers and magazines that you are not                  particularly interested in, e.g., sports, finance, arts.

                                             
                                           SMILE
 

A smile is the most effective means to establish effective communications. It is facial expression that signals you are pleased or happy.  

     
     Use a smile to signal that you are in a pleasant mood, positive, and approachable.

     
     Practice smiling in front of a mirror to gain confidence. See how you look with a broad smile showing your teeth, a smile with lips together, and a smile teeth parted, possibly leading to a soft laugh.