An
interview is the test of personality of a candidate as in a bank; it is of
utmost importance, sometimes, more than your knowledge. There will be occasions when you will not know the
solution to a problem but you can manage the situation with the help of simple
smile and polite behavior. This is what is intended to be judged by an
interview. So, what are the qualities they look for in a candidate?
- Behavior (Most important)
- Temperament
- Leadership Quality
- Ability to handle Pressure and also give your best under extremely stressful conditions
- Family Background
- Educational Background
- Knowledge about banking sector
We shall go ahead with very simple things regarding the preparation
phase for interview because that is what is required to become successful in
the interview. Some simple steps are there as explained below:
1. Get
all your documents in order:
The
most important thing since without proper documents, you are not even allowed
to attend the interview. Make a checklist of things to be carried along with
you well in advance and get all the things in place well before the interview
date
2. Revise
the Basics of your Graduation Subject:
This is an important part since the interviewers judge your sincerity
from the answers you give for the questions from your graduation / post
graduation subject. These subjects you have read but banking you have not read.
So, it is excused if you are not able to answer banking questions but subject
questions are expected to be answered by the candidates
3. Read
Newspaper Daily:
Reading
newspaper should be made a habit rather than a necessity. It is the goldmine of
current affairs, hence, this one month, read a standard newspaper as well as a
financial newspaper in order to be aware of the happenings around you. This
brings you brownie points in the interview if you are a newspaper guy or lady. Most
importantly, read the newspaper of the day of your interview positively without
fail
4. Get
to know Yourself:
Try to
rediscover yourself. What are your strengths, your weak areas, hobbies and
interests, your work experience etc. You should be sure of yourself that you
really want to be a banker (No matter, what your real goal in life is) in front
of the interviewers
5.
Learn to say “No” in a polite manner:
It is not possible for a human being to know the answer of each and
everything. However, how you express your inability to answer matters the most.
A polite “no” will fetch you extra marks whereas a wrong intonation will
attract penalty. Just make it sound like you are sorry not to know and you are
interested in knowing about that (No matter, if you are not even remotely
interested in knowing)
6.
Dress Well but not Lavishly:
An
interview is not a fashion show and hence, try to be dressed according to a
formal office. Males can go with light striped shirt with trousers along with a
tie (a suit is recommended but not mandatory). You shoes should be preferably
black in color and well polished whereas the belt should match the color of the
shoes. Ladies should go with a saree or salwar. If in case, somebody wants to
go in western, trousers along with light colored shirts are okay
7. Be
Yourself:
Because that is what
the interviewers are interested in, you as a person. No fake accent or fake
behavior. Just be yourself and answer as per your convictions and opinions.
Never ever say something you don’t know about or you don’t how to back that
with logic or examples
8.
Don’t Overburden yourself with banking terms:
Just have the basic idea about the banking sector
and do not try to go into in depth knowledge of anything. You are not expected
to know everything before joining the sector but an overall idea is what is
expected from a candidate wanting to join the sector..
9.
Sleep Well the Night Before Interview:
No burning of midnight oil the previous night, rather go to bed early
and leave the interview alone for the night. Sleep properly and adequately
Last but not the least, this is an interview and try to take it as that
only. No extra stress and no taking it too much casually. Enjoy the learning
phase and the experience of being interviewed. Just try to keep it simple,
simple and simple!!
All the
Best!
Sourin
Saha
PO
(Bank of Baroda)
