If you have been called for an interview its assuming that your have cleared your entrance examination , it generally works this way for competitive entrances in India .So you have already passed your test of intelligence and now its your smartness that is being tested.
Few tips that will help you to succeed in you interview for college entrance exams
- Understand the requirement
This is the singular most import point which is generally misunderstood, the interview is taken to see how well you fit in the requirements . Its is not a place to show all your talents and skillsets .
People tend to prepare for interview by a thought to impress the panel by narrating what all good they think about themself and consider worth sharing. This is just incorrect . What the panel wants here is from you is how and why you are apt for the role.
As an example if I am going for an interview for a fashion management course , the panel would mainly expect clarity on the below How’s and Why’s
Why I am opting for this course only , not any other
What all do I think I can lean from the course , that will eventually help me achieve my career goal or how can this course can help me find my career goals if I am still unclear at this stage.
How my current knowledge is relevant to the course being offered
You discussion should always be in and around topic of relevance , nothing about singing, dancing or you athletic excellence, you can proudly mention them in your hobbies if its asked of you .
- Be a story teller
What makes the a good interview great is how well you tell your story. Interview is just not a game of questions and answers , it’s more of a two way discussion centered around you.
Prepare your story well , practice it many times so it’s absorbed in your system .
Its a story about you that tells others whats interest you , where you are at this moment and where you are heading , where you want to go ,what do you think you will need to get there.
- Have impressive body language
Whats impressive ? is very simple , sit straight , be relaxed not stiff , look in peoples eye when you are responding to them ,you regular expression with a casual smile here and there, your tone of voice neither high or low and no quick jerky motions.
You will function best when you in you most natural state , but since its a formal conversation with a person or a panel you are meeting for the first time so you just need to be in you best . Thats its , nothing extra required.
- You 3 minute opening introduction
Think about relevant information all the time when you are preparing
Try to start with yourself ,name ,family, education and your domicile etc
Then go to your interest areas with a forward thoughts on how and why you decide to opt for the course/college.
Then if you have some work experience or have done some projects in the past, carry you portfolio explain it in details , and tell them how and what all you would like learn to take it to next level.
- No one word answers
Your responses should not be in a word or a very short sentence, even if the question in very straight forward . It should be elaborate ,try to answer the question in few sentence , alway remember its a conversation,
For an example , if someone asked you which brand will you choose Adidas or Nike ?
And say you choose adidas , Then give an answer like , I like both the brands , but I am definitely an Adidas person , Its the complete vibe of the brand that I can relate to, right from design , colors to the image what I have in mind it just sync with me.
Also you can alternately say none , I am not a sports fan at all , I consider both of the brands very mass market ,overhyped and don’t relate to them at all. I prefer other brand like …. , and think it fits my style better .
- If you don’t know any question
If you don’t know any direct question , admit you don’t know , don’t take a wild guess . It’s goes wrong if you carry on speaking and it’s not correct.
Just simply say sorry I am not aware about the question , but surely would like to read and explore about the topic more. Smile and say this is the type of new learning and exposure you are looking for from a profession college to take you to next level
- Prepare the obvious question very well and build them in your story.
Few cliche question , few of them would definitely be asked in some variation
Tell us about yourself ?
What are your strengths and weakness ?
You accomplishments that you are proud of ?
Your goals in life ?
Describe your personality in few words?
Whats or who inspires and motivates you ?
Tell us about the course/college you are applying for and why are you applying for it ?
How will the course/college help you achieve you goal ?
Why this college/course only as others similar alternatives will help do the same ?
Whats next if you are not selected ?
What is your plan B ?
In which areas of fashion jobs, do you wish to work ?
What will make you best in your job ?
What trends/brands/people in fashion/designers you follow ?
- Prepare industry relevant informations
As you have shown some interest in the college/course , its expected you will have some idea on industry you are planning to enter , Its very much recommend to read on below topics
College Prospectus ? (you need to read and understand the all about college , course offerings , and potential job sectors from it very well ). It has it all , try understanding the meaning , google what words you don’t understand.)
India designers and brands ?
Global designers and design house ?
Retail brands in India ?
Influencers and popular trends
Omni channel and Ecom ?
Your take on A.I.
Sustainability ( This is the current hot topic in GD and PI) ?
Governmental policy and rural developments programs in news ?
Magazines, newsletter, websites and blogs , social media , what interest you and what you follow ?
Its very normal to have butterflies in the stomach , before the interview. but relax , prepare and organize ,practice and I am very sure you will do very well.
