INTRODUCTION

We know you all are preparing hard for your interviews. Well you should after all it is an Opportunity for which
you all have been working hard for.

So how do we make the most of this opportunity and convert it into a job?
Before we get there we need to understand the answers to a few questions.

 What is the purpose of taking an interview?

 What are the questions that the interviewers usually ask?
 How to be the driver of the interview?
 How much to say, what to say and when to say?

See the main purpose of these interviews is to have a look at the candidate's mindset, abilities, confidence
and clarity of mind.
To see whether the person is fit to fill the position, is the person able to handle the pressure of the interview
and at the same time hold his own in side the room..

The interviewers do not have a list of questions per say that they stick to, infact they like to keep the
interview very organic, i.e they like it when the candidate themselves drive the interview. This gives them an
insight into the candidates mind. They usually frame their questions based on the words and answers that the
candidates use, keeping a close track of what you say.

So how can you be the sole driver of the interview?

You need to frame your answers in such a way that YOU lead the interviewer to the next question
that YOU want them to ask and not what they would ask you . So basically use those words and topics which
you are sure of and can easily handle questions on them.
Say for example- they ask you about your hobbies.

Suppose You like listening to music ,

Now on an average there are 2 types of people:
One Who are very passionate about music, i.e the know everything about what they listen to, be it the singer,
the music director, etc. If you fall in this category, then feel free to confidently frame your answer in a way
that they ask more about this field.

Now for the 2nd category of people who just like listening to music, should frame your answer in such a way
that it becomes clear to them that you just enjoy good music be it from any genre.
By saying this you give direction to their mind, silently you make them aware of your preference.
This should be the case for every other question. Basically you have to take charge of your interview silently ,
yet humbly.

Now what should be your role in an interview?

 Your role is basically to go out there and market yourself, have to prove them that you are the
person for the job. But this does not mean that you go out and boast. Rather you have present
your qualities in a way that they get a glimpse into your persona through your eyes.
 Prepare well but speak in a limited way.
 Also never assume anything in advance, listen to the interviewers carefully, trying to analyse the
intention of their question, and what is it that they want to hear.

We understand that many of you face the problem of nervousness, under confidence and other issues.But dear
friends you need to keep in mind that this interview is a very important opportunity for you , and it is not
worth it to lose out despite having the capability, just because you get nervous.
Remember friends you are just one step away from becoming a PO, so might aswell prepare yourself for the
post.

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/interview-zing-for-po-introduction.html#ixzz4aBkY1ycB

INTERVIEW ZING FOR PO: Tips On Appropriate Dress
Code

Dear BA'ians,

A candidate’s attire plays a supporting role in the interview as it is the first thing observed by an
interviewer. Some people dress up for an interview as they would dress up for a party or a date
which is a big turn off for the interviewers.

 Your attire at work place should be as per the environment and work culture.
 The work environment at a bank is very formal where you may need to deal with a lot of
customers as well.
 Your dress up should be appropriate and comfortable for you to deal with them.
 Interview is the perfect time to convey your readiness for the job and your attire conveys a
lot. You are not expected to wear very expensive clothes in the interview. All that is
important is, you should be wearing clean and well ironed decent clothes.

Attire for male candidates at a bank interview

 A two piece matched suit is the best and safest choice. However, don’t combine a suit
jacket with pants that don’t match.
 Avoid wearing a very costly suit to the interview, let it be decent and nominal.Choose a
solid or very subtle weave pattern or plain.Black, Navy blue and dark grey are a good colour
choice.
 If you can’t afford a suit, its OK to wear a light coloured full shirt paired with dark trouser.
 If not wearing a Blazer, then stick to a full sleeve sweater. Avoid half sleeve sweater, as it
does not come under formal attire.
 Pair the suit or shirt with a good tie – prefer it to be plain. Do not wear floral or ties with
character prints. Observe whether people from the bank are wearing a tie or not. In case
they are not, you can avoid it too.
 The belt should be dark in colour too.Avoid wearing any material with a glossy finish to the
interview.
 Wear dark socks with mid-calf length so that no skin is visible even when you sit down.
 The candidate should wear black or brown coloured formal shoes.
 Sport shoes to an interview are a big “NO”
 Never try a new look before going to the interview.Take hair cut at least 3-5 days ago.
 The male candidates should only wear the watch. If you have got pierced ear, remove the
ring.
Attire for female candidates at a bank interview
 Female candidates should try to find out about the culture of the bank before they go for
the interview & dress accordingly.
 The female candidates can choose from trousers paired with shirts with a formal blazer or a
sweater, sarees and salwar – kameez.
 If you choose a trouser, it should be dark colored paired with a light color formal shirt.
 Candidates wearing salwar-kameez should choose simple cotton suit in light shade. Wear a
formal sweater over it
 The suit must be simple and not filled with too much embroidery or other work.
 Do not wear a party wear salwar suit.
 Keep the make-up conservative. Use a little make-up just to give a polished look. Avoid
wearing dark color lipstick or nail colors.The nails must be clean and well groomed. If you
are wearing a nail color it should be light in colour which is even and applied on all the
nails. Chapped nail polish looks bad. The hair must be neatly tied up. They should not
bother you in the mid of the interview.
 Trousers should be paired with dark color formal shoes Females
 Wearing saree or salwar kameez can wear flat or lightly heeled chappals. Avoid wearing
high heels to the interview. If plan on wearing a Chudidaar, then go for a cotton one, and
not the slacks type.
 If you are carrying a purse it must be simple and small.Avoid carrying large bags. Don’t use
red, green, blue,yellow purses. Black and brown are the good choices.

In the end you have to keep in mind that it is your confidence that matters most, no matter what
you wear to the interview. The best attire should be your self belief, smile . If you are confident (
not overconfident) then it takes away the attention from your clothes, and the interviewers will sit
up to listen to you.

This will be all for today dear BA'ians, feel free to start you own interview discussion right below in
the comment section. Nothing else will be allowed for the next 1 hour.

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/interview-zing-for-po-tips-on.html#ixzz4aBlxvPpB

NTERVIEW ZING FOR PO: Body Language and

Presentation
Dear BA'ians,
We will be discussing the importance of body language and the best way to introduce yourself to the panel.
Candidate's body language and introduction plays an important role in creating an impression in the interviews. How
you present yourself, how you talk to them , how you keep them engrossed, etc. Your impression at the entry point in
the interview is of utmost importance.
Behaviour scientists and communication experts have concluded that it takes ten seconds to form the first impression
and it takes another four minutes for the impression to undergo a change of 50% towards positive or negative side.

Important Things to take care of before entering the Room:

 Prior to entering the room, adjust your attire

 Before entering, enquire by saying,"Please may I come in".
 If the door is closed before you enter, make sure you shut the door behind you softly.
 On entering the room face the panel confidently and wish the members.
 If the members of the interview board want to shake hands, then offer a firm grip first maintaining eye contact and
smile. Always make sure that your hand shake is firm and it fits well in the other persons hand.
 Sit down only when asked to do so by the Panel. If the interviewers are standing, wait for them to sit down first
before sitting.
 An alert candidate would diffuse the tense situation with light hearted humour and immediately set rapport with
the interviewers.

Note: We understand that many of you students face an issue regarding confidence, face trouble in having a
conversation, or are not comfortable in initiating a conversation, get butterfly in your stomach when you face an
interview.
Well that's because you have a set image about the panellist in your mind, you are scared of their judgement and are
not very sure about your own self.

So how to deal with this situation?

Trick is to have a formal conversation just as you would have with your uncles and aunties, not thinking of what they would
think of you. remember the members of the panellist are not from another planet, rather people like you and me, have
had similar journeys like you from a student to now esteemed bankers.

 So prepare your answers to all questions possible before hand,

 Teach yourself to talk to the point and without beating around the bush.
 Be smart with words.
 Once you are prepared, have faith in your self.
 Last but not the least, once in the interview room, forget about all your inhibitions and just go ahead with full
confidence (but stay away from overconfidence, be humble always).

FOLLOW THE SEE PRINCIPLE -

S-SMILE
note: does not mean you start smiling and giggling unnecessarily.
E-EYE CONTACT
note: its very important that you maintain eye contact with the interviewers. While talking look at
all the panellists, they should feel that your are involving them in your conversation.

E-ENTHUSIASM
note: be enthusiastic while telling them about yourself, you should not come across as dull, or
lazy. Remember you are there to sell yourself.

ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM:

The interviewer normally pays more attention if you display an enthusiasm in whatever you say.
You should maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview i.e. a pleasant countenance holds the interviewers
interest.
Again don't over play your enthusiasm part, rather it should look effortless.

HUMOUR

A little humour or wit thrown in the discussion occasionally enables the interviewers to look at the pleasant side of your
personality. If it does not come naturally do not force it.
Injecting humour in to the situation doesn't mean that you should keep telling jokes. It means to make a passing comment
that , perhaps, makes the interviewer smile. Basically just be yourself, make your self comfortable and the others too.

EYE CONTACT

You must maintain eye contact with the panel, throughout the interview. This shows your self confidence and honesty.
Maintain interviewees while answering, tend to look away. This conveys you are concealing your own anxiety, fear, and
lack of confidence.
Maintaining an eye contact is a difficult process. As the circumstances in an interview are different, the value of eye contact
is tremendous in making a personal impact.
relaxed, thoughtful, caring, or concerned look
normal blinks, genuine smile, relaxed mouth
Have an eye contact while speaking to someone or listening to someone.

VOICE:

Resonant, firm, pleasant

Select the appropriate pitch according to the audience

BE NATURAL:

Many interviewees adopt a stance which is not their natural self. It is amusing for the interviewers when a candidate
launches into an accent which he or she cannot sustain consistently through out the interview or adopt mannerism that are
inconsistent with his or her personality. Interviewers appreciate a natural person rather an actor. It is the best for you to talk
in natural manner because then only you appear genuine.

BODY LANGUAGE:

 Walk into the room with energy (does not mean you start galloping like a horse)
 Sit straight comfortably without craning your neck. Do not slouch. Shoulders straight neither drooping nor
elevated
 Look attentive, keen and interested.


As you sit across the interviewer(s), look confident and relaxed.

 In most cases the interviewers themselves will try to put you at ease.
 Talk clearly, maintaining a pitch that is comfortably audible to the person(s) around.
 Do not get overexcited even while describing your achievements and strengths.
 Listen to the queries attentively, constantly maintaining polite eye contact with the interviewers.
 Nod your head to show that you are listening, interjecting appropriately with ‘Yes Sir/Madam’,
absolutely, definitely etc.
 Lean forward a little as you speak and backward as you listen.
 Do not touch your face, or shake your legs.
  Keep your arms either on your sides or in your lap. Do not fold your arms, as it is a sign of rudeness.
 Use short simple sentences while talking.
 Do not make unrealistic tall claims during

the interview.

 Never get too arrogant or aggressive in front

of the interviewers.

 Do not show your disappointment and disinterest.

 Maintain your

poise till the end.

 Always thank the interviewers as you leave.

 Animated hand movement- Whenever you talk it is always good to use your hands to express yourself, it
is a sign of self surety and confidence. Then again it does not mean you start throwing your hands all
over the place. Slight movements, thats it
 Basically the whole idea of giving these tips is to make you realise the importance of being yourself,
being human and not stiff as a robot. Practice remaining calm and composed.

For today work on these points and make sure in these days you go out and have conversations with random people, be it
in a bank or anywhere. This will help increasing your confidence level.

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/interview-zing-for-po-body-language-

and.html#ixzz4aBkmWbrI

INTERVIEW ZING FOR PO: Some Introductory And

Commonly Asked Questions
Q1. Introduce yourself.

First impressions are important, so take some time to hone your introduction, and then tweak it
depending upon the audience. This question is often asked in interviews, so prepare for it.

Nailing the introduction will break the ice and improve your chances of moving to the next steps.
I've interviewed hundreds of people over the years, and often I can tell in the first few minutes if
I'm interested in hiring a person.

Your main goals in the introduction are fairly simple. You need to show that you:

 Have the ability and desire to do the job

 Will fit into the company culture, and be good to work with
 Won't quit shortly after being hired
 First off, you want to keep your introduction positive and simple. Don't ramble on for too
long. For instance, highlight aspects of your career, interests, accomplishments, education,
and / or hobbies that match that of the company and interviewer.
 Focus on what is directly relevant to the job you are interviewing for and for the person
interviewing you. Keep in mind an interview is generally not about how smart you are, or
how great of a person you are. It is about your fit for a specific job.
 Most interviewers don't have long attention spans, so use this time wisely. Don't assume
that your interviewer has read your resume. However, don't simply recite your resume
verbatim to your interviewer. Sadly many interviewers are not that well prepared, and
don't let that sidetrack you.
 You can answer this question by giving a brief introduction of yourself - including your
name, how many family member are there in your family, family profession, about your
education and professional qualification if any, brief work experience if any, and career
interest.

Q2. What is the meaning of your name?

This is a very common question that the candidates face at a bank interview. You must know the
meaning of your name and mythological importance of your name. In fact, if the name of any of
your family members has a special connection, you must know about that also.

Q3. What is the speciality of the place you belong to?

 You must be aware of the good/ bad things related to their home town or the place they
live.
  You must know the history of the place like - what is the meaning of the name of your city,
what is the history behind it.
 what was the old name of your place etc. or anything special that the city is/ was famous
for like sarees, bangles, marbles etc.
 If there’s nothing special about the city, try to explore famous places nearby. For example
if a person belongs to any village in Rajasthan, then he/she can give a view of Jaipur or
Jaisalmer or any other famous place near to his/her town or city or village.
 It can be the nature’s beauty, food, clothes, industries etc.

Q4. What are your hobbies?

Hobbies give an insight into your personality. So, mention them carefully and once you have
mentioned them, you must know well about them.
For example if the candidate says that playing cricket is his/her hobby, then the candidate must
know about the number of players, rules and regulations, about the recent cricket match, a little
about cricket players also and all current news related with it.
Mentioning a hobby just for the sake of doing it without a proper knowledge about it will be
disastrous.
If you do have a hobby, but you are not very intense about it, then make it clear to them.
Like you like playing cricket just for recreation, but do not like watching it , or a die hard fan of it,
then make it clear to them very subtly. So that they do not question you further.

Q5. Tell us something about your self or narrate your CV.

Objective:These questions are most significant in an interview. These questions are posed right at
the beginning of the interview and act as ice breakers. Among all questions put in the interview,
these questions require the longest answer. The answer sets the stage for further questions, rather
sets the agenda for the interview. Hence a smart interviewee will tactfully give a slant through his
answer so as to steer the interview to a favorable direction.
The answer should be scripted before hand and practiced at home.
Your answer should be customized according to the situation.
Why this question?
The interviewer want to check your communication skills, confidence, self-view, recall,
sequencing, choice of words, attitudes and your emotional mood. hence this question deserves a
very structured and accurate treatment. Each word should be properly weighed and delivered with
the right intonation(pitch) and modulation of voice. The order of information should be either
logical or chronological or a proper mix of both.

Suggested guidelines:

 Build your answer on four points, without repetition, in a logical, a sequential and
chronological manner overplaying your high points.
 family background
 Schooling and academics
 training / article-ship and skills development
 Road map for future

-Try to give a particular flavor to your answer overplaying your high points of family, education,
schooling, training and article-ship. You have a good opportunity to mention your strengths. But
instead of mentioning your strengths directly, appreciate your parents, teachers, seniors ans
principal by highlighting their qualities which you learned from them.

-Approximately you should have around 20 sentences of information. Low points of your
candidature should be downplayed.

-Try to close your answer at a point where the interviewer is provoked to ask a question on the
topic related to your closure point.(i.e you should be the driver of your interview, you should steer
it in the direction you want the interviewers to go in) make sure you navigate the direction of your
interview.
Will giving your introduction, you may be stopped by the interviewer in between, then be prepared
to close at a high and a positive note like mentioning your road map for the future.
Basically be prepared for all kinds of situations and at all points you should be in control( does not
mean that you become domination, it should be done so subtly that the interviewer does not get to
know.

Remember it is not what you say that matters, but How you say matters. You are there to sell
yourself, and make them like you and eventually choose you from the lot.

Q6. Tell us something that is not given in your CV.

Objective:
This question is different from the above question. The question is intended to check your
articulation, value system, analytical power and discriminating abilities.

Suggested Guidelines:

 Tell briefly 1 or 2 things you learned from your teachers, seniors and parents.
 Mention the assignments you enjoyed most during your studies / training / article-ship
suiting the job profile.
 Tell something related to your hobbies, extracurricular activities or special interests. But
the answer should be in conformity to the requirements of the job. Avoid giving any
negative traces in your answer like your disliking, failures or events which show you in a
negative light.

Q7. Tell us some joke or a humorous incident from your life.

Objective:
They usually ask this question to check your sense of humor, communication skills, narration and
spontaneity.

Suggested Guidelines:

 Do not push or narrate something in an unnatural manner. In case you are comfortable,
share the incident. Be careful that you do not lose your dignity. Otherwise politely with a
smile, brush off the question by saying, "Sir, many amusing things happen but I cannot
recall anything right now".
 It will be desirable to avoid the answer to this question politely and smilingly because even
if you have a good sense of humor, interview is not the right platform to narrate a joke. In
all likelihood you will not be able to present the joke and after the poor narration your
confidence will dip down.

Q8. How was your experience at the last job?

Objective:
The purpose of this question is to check your relationship and attitude with others. What in specific
de-motivated you?

Suggested guidelines:
Never speak anything negative or derogatory for your past employers or past superiors.

Q9. Tell us 3 news of today.

Objective:
This question is asked to check your general / current awareness, communication skills, narration
and spontaneity.

Suggested Guidelines:

 Make sure that you have a good glance on the today's newspaper. briefly narrate all three,
otherwise one or two will also do. the kind of news you read first gives an idea about your
lickings and your personality orientation.
 Try to cover the current issue, political, sports, and business news thus giving the
impression of a balanced person.
 Avoid giving frivolous, provocative and disgusting happenings in the society.

10)Where do you see yourself after 5 / 10 years?

11)Why do you want to work in the banking industry?
12) What is more important to you, money or work or family?
13) What drives you in life?
14) What are your career goals?

Answers to questions 10- 14

Objective:
The aim of such questions is to take out your focus, vision, motivation, objectivity and desires for
the future. A person who has no focus for himself will not be able to create a focus for the
organization. Today the ability to foresee your own future and the forecast for the organization is
considered to be a skill of high order.

Suggested guidelines:
Question number 6 is an extremely relevant question in the interview. The interviewer wants to
find out whether you have a road map for your future or not. the answer will reveal that whether
your personal goals are in alignment( in sync) with the organizational objectives.
Your answer should comprise the following steps:
STEP 1:
Looking forward to a position of responsibility in the functional area of banking / audit / accounts /
HR etc, and prove my credential as a professional.

STEP 2:
My contribution to the organizational objective should increase year after year.

STEP 3:
I look forward to lead larger teams which are multi functional, multi business and multi-location.(
As per your comfort)

STEP 4:
I look forward for a greater responsibility and accountability of key result areas and resources.

STEP 5:
I look forward to a participation in strategic planning and decision making of the organization.

These 6 steps should be remembered and customizes by each participant and can be
appropriately used in copy / paste manner for various question / occasions.

Suggested Guidelines for question 10:

State only step number 1 and any other from step no. 2-6.

Step number 1 & 2: Short term goals

Step number 3 & 4: medium term goals
Step number 5 & 6: Long term goals
Suggested guidelines for question 11:
7)Why do you want to work in the banking industry?
State step number 1, add further with an optimistic tone and emotion that you see a good future of
the banking industry or organization and your role as a significant contributer, hence you seea long
term relationship with the organization.

Suggested guidelines for question 12:

8) What is more important to you, money or work or family?

Discussion:

 In such questions never take an extreme stand, you cannot justify. taking a position in favor
of one will put you into trouble, hence take a conciliatory / balanced view.
 Money and work will go together. Without good work one cannot make good money. your
preference has to be work first and money second as you feel that a good work always
attracts more money while more money with less work is neither in your interest nor in the
interest of your employer.
 Family and career are complimentary to each other. you need a good family to support you
in your career and you need a good career to have a happy family.

Suggested guidelines for question 13:

9) What drives you in life?

DISCUSSION:

 A professional organization will prefer a self driven employee. An externally driven

employee only performs in response to carrots and sticks offered by the organization.
 Hence your driving force should be internal like achieving higher standards for
understanding the growing and changing needs of the organization and result orientation.
 Use step number 2 with suitable expansion and modification, say that you need to
understand the growing and changing needs of your organization and keep contribution to
the organizational objective as you consider your growth to be a part of organizational
growth.

Suggested guidelines for question 14:

14) What are your career goals?
Step number 5 & 6 are useful with suitable expansion. Emphasize the team playing at the top. Do
not insist that you are keen to become the CEO / CFO. This is a common mistake made by many.

Make sure you use these points to make your own answers, and not use them exactly. they
should be modified to suit your personality.

TAKE TIME TO DELIBERATE,

BUT WHEN THE TIME FOR ACTION HAS ARRIVED,
STOP THINKING AND ACT!

Good luck

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/interview-zing-for-po-some-introductory.html#ixzz4aBl2iXqG

INTERVIEW ZING FOR PO: Questions Related To Your
Qualifications
Hello Readers,

In continuation to our Interview Zing for PO series, today we are discussing about the "Questions
related to your qualifications". This is a very crucial segment which can make or break your interview,
hence we request you to concentrate on this segment. In addition to our inputs, we recommend you to
compile your own questions as well.

1) Do you have any questions for us?

Discussion and suggested guidelines:

 This question usually comes at the far end of the interview. A wrong answer will wash off the entire
good work done by you during the interview.

 If you are not clear, do not ask anything simply thank them for this opportunity with a smile.

 Do not ask anything pertaining to your personal benefits. if you have rehearsed well and have enough
information regarding the organization and your role as a Clerk or PO, you may ask;

What are the thrust areas for the organization for the future growth, so on and so forth?

Normally, the interviewers feels flattered to speak on the subject of company, culture and future activities of the
organization. The interviewer speaking for a few minutes at the end of the interview to you will indicate his
interest in your candidature. Do not ask a question which is avoided by the interviewer by saying that we will
tell you when you join us.

2) Why did you make so many changes in the past?

Discussion:

This question assumes different significance for pre-qualification changes and post qualification changes. While
pre-qualification changes are not significant as these can always be referred as short term assignments.

Why this question?

To find your motivation and de-motivation factors from your past.

Suggested Guidelines:

 Pre-qualification changes should be portrayed as short term assignments taken for sustaining yourself
during the studies, to utilized the time and to meaningfully gain the industry experience or even to
make some money to sustain your studies.
  Post qualification changes have to be justified in a logical manner citing specific reasons for making
career decisions. your should pre-analyze the impact/effect of your answer on the interviewer and the
possible counter questions.

 In all changes you need to mention that you were guided by the added value or results rather than the
monetary considerations.

 Qualified professionals should not portray themselves to be chasing money rather they should show
that they believe in the philosophy of chasing a good job which they can do well, so that money and
other perks will naturally flow to them.

 A professional sitting idle or unemployed diminishes the bargaining power of the interviewee in an an
interview. hence be careful not to highlight your unemployment.

 In such situations you should have rational explanation to offer for such absence from work. rather it
will be appropriate to fill the breaks with justified answer.

3) Do you consider yourself successful and why?

Objective:

To check your result orientation and attitude towards self.

Suggested guidelines:

 Neither be defensive nor boastful, just show that you are comfortable with your achievements so far
and looking ahead. Be prepared to give your specific achievements from the past.

 Avoid flowery language or vague generalization. interviewer wants to associate with successful people
only.

4) Tell us about your biggest achievement.

 Say either your qualification or skill related development, however be prepared to give justification and
be prepared for the cross examination.

 Try to avoid an emotional, flowery language. be functional and specific.

 Do not evade the questions by referring to generalizations. you have to exhibit your confidence to
handle the job on strength of your professional qualification and training.
  Make a gentle statement that whatever you planned to achieve in life, you have achieved so far and will
continue to strive in future.

5) Why did you choose CA/ Engineering/ MBA/ CS/ Pharmacy , if you wanted to enter into banking?

Objective:

This question is aimed to find out whether you are a product of choice or circumstances. Your stand should be
that of choice and not circumstances, but with good reasoning.

Suggested Guidelines:

 Never take the position that you did not like the other so you came to this. Among the various options
available to you in all the three situations, you have deeply analysed, taken pros and cons into
consideration and have arrived at a decision. You have chosen this option as you thought you will do
well and will have a good long term professional growth.

 This question enables you to show a realistic and practical personality and the ability to exercise the
right choice in life.

 This will show your futuristic outlook and result orientation. This will also reveal that you are not
inclined to fall in comfort zone and willing to pay the price for achievement in life.

 Do not take a stand which shows traces of negativity or your helplessness. you can mention that you
have done your homework and feel assured to have a long term successful career in this chosen job,
industry. you were driven by long term gains and not deterred by short term pains of having to start
from the very basic.

Remember it is not what you say but how you say is important!

The secret of being happy is not doing what one likes but in liking what one does.

6) What preparations did you make for this interview? What did you do specifically to prepare for this
job?

Objective:

These questions are aimed to find out whether you have casually walked in the interview or have made serious
preparations.

Guidelines:
  As a professional you should never give an impression that your actions / decisions are without due
preparations and deliberations.

 Be honest and mention briefly the steps you have undertaken in order to succeed in the interview.

 Do not give all the source of your preparation or information.

 However you can take a position that you attach a lot of importance to your decision of joining a
particular industry or organization and you have been making efforts in the same direction.

 When asked about the specific steps you should be able to mention the specific steps that you taken in
the past.

Too much details may invite counter questions which ultimately may not suit you.

The cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.

The difference between a successful person and others is not the lack of strength, not the lack of knowledge,
but rather the lack of will!

7) Why should we select you?

8) Give us three reasons so as to why we select you.

9) What are your strengths?

10) Why do you think you will do well in this job or profile?

Objective:

To check your self-esteem, confidence and persuasive skills. this is a question to measure your level of
confidence to handle the job.

Suggested guidelines:

 Relate with your past achievements in studies, article-ship, training, family commitment and past
projects.

 Tell them that whatever assignment was given to you in the past, you have delivered results. you are
quick to learn.

 Show confidence to handle the position and deliver the result in allotted resources as you have done in
the past assignments or positions.

 It is essential to mention 3 reasons if you feel that the producing results at the given position can be
well justified.

 Avoid giving stereo type answers like I am hard working, sincere, and punctual.

 Take a few moments to compare the job description with your abilities, as well as mentioning what you
have accomplished in your other positions. be positive and reiterate your interest in the company and
the position.

Every thing is possible for the person who believes.

 The characteristic trait of a mediocre is that he never speaks, he repeats

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/interview-zing-for-po-questions-related.html#ixzz4aBlFEha7

INTERVIEW ZING FOR PO: Frequently Asked Questions

1)If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it?

The question “If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something, how would you handle this?” is
asked to find out how you deal with a difficult situation.

Sample Answer

An answer that works well is: “It depends on the situation and the personality of the
supervisor.”

To elaborate, give examples:

My present supervisor does not like to have his authority questioned. He’s fairly new on the job and
almost all of the people he supervises have been on the job longer than he has. He’s never
bothered to learn the procedures, how things are done or how the computer system works. But if
any of us tell him that how he wants something done won’t work, he gets extremely angry. So, I
never tell him he’s wrong. Never. Whatever he tells me to do, I smile and say “okay.” Then if I
know a way to get it done that will work, I do it that way, give him the results he wants and never
tell him I didn't do it the way he told me to. He got the results and is happy. I saved myself the
stress of being yelled at and gave him what he wanted so I'm happy.

My prior supervisor was more easy-going and if I told her “you know, I think it might work better if I
do what you asked in such and such a way,” she say “okay, try it.”
If I were a new hire on a job, I would probably not question a supervisor because I might think I
didn't know enough. Except on the new job I'm going to. The director has admitted that she’s new
on the job and there are a lot of things that a secretary does that she doesn't know how to do, so
she will be depending on me to know how to keep the office running.

2)What is your preferred way to communicate?

This is a good opportunity to show you understand the importance of adjusting your preferences
when necessary.At home, I enjoy talking on the phone and emails. At work, I follow the established
pattern. Each of my bosses, in the past, has had a preferred method I've followed their lead

3)What did you do during this six month gap in employment?

Everyone, at some point, will probably have a gap in employment. Do not “waste it”.

Sample Answer

For the month, I worked on my “to do list” at home and accomplished a great deal. Then I began
building a plan to re-enter the workplace. While it took a little longer than I’d anticipated I've
learned a great deal about myself, am rested and looking forward to new challenges in the
workplace.

5)What interests you about his job?

When you’re asked what interests you about the position you are interviewing for, the best way to
respond is to describe the qualifications listed in the job posting, then connect them to your skills
and experience. That way, the employer will see that you know about the job you’re interviewing
for (not everyone does) and that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.

For example, if you were interviewing for a Human Resources Manager job where you would be
responsible for recruiting, orientation, and training, you will want to discuss how you were
responsible for these functions in your past positions, and why you are interested in continuing to
develop your expertise in Human Resources management.

Another example would be if you were interviewing for a Specialist Officer role. In that case, you
would mention your interest in learning and excelling at new technologies or practices, your
experience in programming both new applications, and your interest in and your ability to problem
solve.

In all cases, you will want to convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview, along with
your solid ability to do the job.

6)Are you overqualified for this job?

Are you prepared to respond when an interviewer asks if you’re overqualified?

Keep in mind that you can customize these answers to fit your particular circumstances and the job
you are applying for.

Clarify the interviewer’s concerns. Find out whether the interviewer really thinks you’re
overqualified — or just over aged — and whether you’ll want to earn too much money or be bored
by the position.

Enthusiastically address the interviewer’s concerns, emphasizing the positive. Explain how you can
grow in this position. Show how you can use your experience to benefit the company in solving long
term problems, building profit, or assisting in other departments. Make sure that the interviewer
understands your qualifications. If you’ll be working in an office full of younger people, explain how
you’re an anchor. You’re experienced, calm, stable, reliable, and you can provide day to day
continuity.

7)What challenges are you looking or in a position?

A typical interview question to determine what you are looking for your in next job, and whether
you would be a good fit for the position being hired for, is

“What challenges are you looking for in a position?”

The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to discuss how you would
like to be able to effectively meet challenges, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to
handle a challenging job.

You can continue by describing specific example of challenges you have met and goals you have
achieved in the past.

8)Are you willing to travel?

When you are asked about your willingness to travel during an interview, be honest. There’s no
point in saying “yes” if you would prefer to be home five nights a week.

It is perfectly acceptable to ask how much travel is involved. That way, you can weigh how much
you would need to be on the road and make an educated decision as to whether the amount of
travel required fits in with your lifestyle. What’s most important is to get a good understanding of
what’s involved before you are offered the job, rather than being (unpleasantly) surprised after you
have already been hired.

9)What is good customer service?

When you are applying for a retail or customer service position a typical job interview question is
“What is good customer service?” The interviewer wants to know what you consider quality
customer service and how you would be willing to provide it to customers.

Here is a selection of sample answers you can use to respond to questions about good customer
service.

 Good customer service is treating customers with a friendly, helpful attitude.

 Good customer service means helping customers efficiently, in a friendly manner.

 It’s one of the things that can set your business apart from the others of it’s kind.
9)How long do you expect to remain employed with this company?

Review sample answers to the interview question “How long do you expect to remain employed
with this company?” When you respond, be sure to frame your response so that it’s positive.

I've heard applicants say that they only want the job for a short amount of time or are planning to
relocated or go back to school.

Responses like that aren't going to impress the hiring manager who is looking to hire a long-term
employee.

Possible Answers

 I believe that this company has the capacity to offer me a rich and satisfying career, and I
would like to remain employed here for as long as I am having a positive impact.

 I would like to pursue my career here for as long as I have the opportunity to.

 I would like to remain here for as long as my services are needed.

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/interview-zing-for-po-frequently-asked.html#ixzz4aBlPdFbI

Interview Zing For PO: Frequently Asked Questions Part-2

1) What qualities do you see in an ideal boss?

2)Give us a profile of an ideal organization.

Discussion:
These questions have the potential to bring out the negativity of the candidate and tendency to set the
standards for the employer / boss / job. Such an attitude will not help the candidate.
These questions also show whether you think from your own perspective or can think from other's
perspective too.

Suggested Guidelines:
Boss giving me an opportunity to stretch my professional performance under his guidance relevant to
the organizational objective and a fair reward of my efforts.
An organization where i consistently align my personal objectives with the organizational objectives
on a long term basis and contribute significantly to the organizational objective on a consistent basis.

Success is not a destination but a journey.

3) You have a serious disagreement the the boss what will you do?

Objective:

This question can be asked to check your interpersonal relations and assertiveness.

Discussion:

This question has multiple dimensions. how do you resolve differences with others, especially those in
authority.

 What do you do in such situations?

 Is the boss always right?
 How quickly do you succumb to pressure?
 Are you submissive, assertive to pressure?
 When do you admit that you cannot handle the situation on your on?
 Do you have the confidence to deal with difficult people and difficult situations?
 Do you hold some ethics and moral principles?

Suggested Guidelines:
Listen to boss and find out the reason for his position.
State your position clearly with enough justifications.
Explore common grounds.
Show your confidence that you can convince your boss on strength of your home work and logic.
Repeat your confidence that you can convince your boss by showing the long Term impact on the
organization.
If you fail in your efforts and the issue at hand has serious long term impact on the organization, you
will involve seniors even if you have to pay a personal price.

4) What value addition have you made during the last one year?

Objective:

To check your result orientation, learning attitude and futuristic outlook.

Suggested Guidelines:

State just one skill relevant to the job in IT, life skills, people skills, technical skill or soft skill while you
improves in the last year. you should be able to give specific actions which you took to improve the
same. the value added should have relevance to the job.
Interviewer may ask you as to what value you propose adding this year. And you should have a ready
program for the value you propose adding this year. And you should have a ready program for the
value addition for this year and the coming years. this shows your proactive approach.

5) What value will you bring to our organization? What is your USP?

Objective:

To find out how precisely you consider yourself to be different from others.

Suggested Guidelines:

This question is aimed to know What makes you unique and different from others? USP is unique
selling proposition.
Briefly state Only One given below:

 My commitment to deliver results.

 My resource consciousness especially for time.
 my ability to form terms.
 My balance in stressful conditions.
 My result orientation.
 My ability to articulate complex issues.
 My out of box thinking.

Be prepared to justify your statement with suitable incident from the past.
You should have a realistic assessment of your skill set / competencies. One single point which you
mention should be tangible, visible and credible. It should match well with your appearance and
personality. try to be as brief as you can, this will enhance your credibility.

6) What are you weaknesses and what are you doing on them?

Objective:

They want to find out whether you are aware of your weaknesses, are you doing something to get rid
of them and do you have the courage to admit them?

Suggested Guidelines:

 Some Donts
 I have no weaknesses
 I have but I will not tell you.
 Once you select me you will come to know.
 Sermonize on weaknesses and evade the direct answer.
 telling any strength in the cover of weakness.

Now some dos:

 State the weakness, which is obviously visible in you and you cannot hide it like
proficiency in English or communication skills.
 Talk of an IT skill which is likely to be important in future but will not call for your
rejection now in the interview.
 Talk of some skill which is actually a positive , say for instance you habit of working
with perfection, or your habit of working too hard, something like this.
 Weakness should not be very negative like short temper, irregular etc, as they leave a
bad impression.
 The interviewer may not be satisfied with your answer as he is interested to know
some of your weaknesses, which is related to your temperament.
If insisted, you may mention that 'some of your strength in some situations' becomes your weakness
and you are aware of the same and you are making sincere to get rid of the same.

Examples:

 I am fairly time conscious but sometimes I become impatient.

 I trust people but sometimes I trust them too quickly.
 Sometimes I feel little impatient or nervous while closer to deadlines.
 I go deep in to an issue but sometimes I go for over details.
 I tend to neglect my health and family during days of over work.
 I am a team person but sometimes when time is short, I tend to become little aggressive and
get things done myself.
 Sometimes I over analyze the issues.
 For high stake decisions, sometimes I tend to take a little more time to decide.
 I am not very logical in food preferences.
 Choose any of the above options, but emphasize more on the positive portion of the option,
and rehearse your answer so that you do not make it look like a grave negative point.

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/interview-zing-for-po-frequently-

asked_12.html#ixzz4aBlVLD6d

Interview Zing For PO: Why Banking As A Profession

Dear Readers,

In today's Interview Zing, we have given possible responses for the question that has frequently been
asked to many of you i.e. "Why banking?". This is one of the obvious questions to those who are not
from commerce background and especially to B.Techs and MBAs. So friends, we have given you
points that you don't have to mug up. In fact use them to make your own response that suits best to
your personality.
Why Have you chosen banking as a profession?

1) Salary Starting salary is high as compared to other entry level jobs. The salary of a PO starting
anywhere between 35000 - 40000. Salary growth is also very good ensuring an upper middle class
lifestyle after a few years of service. Even if you do not reach the top positions, you still become
eligible for good salary packages and other benefits.

2) Further growth opportunities: If you work with dedication, and prove to be profitable to the
bank, the the bank in turn invests in your higher education from the country's best institutions, and
giving a boost to your career.

3) The best thing about choosing banking as a profession is that you do not need to be an IIT'ian or
IAS, or be from IIM to become a CEO or MD of a bank. Rather all you need is talent backed by hard
work to reach the top. The best example of this being that of Arundhati Bhattacharya- having done
BA in English, joined SBI in 1977, and now she is practically running the whole SBI. Becoming the
first women chairman of SBI.

4) Banking sector has more transparency in both recruitment and promotion as compared to other
public sector jobs and government sector jobs. Corruption is also very less, due to strict rules and
regulations.

5) Gives you a chance to serve your nation. Banking is one of the most important sectors in the
economy. It facilitates the efficient flow of credit towards productive activities and contributes to
nation building. Banking is one of the areas of focus identified by the current government, owing to
the importance of the sector in driving economic growth. Growth of this sector is very optimistic
and gives you a chance to be part of the process of nation building through financial inclusion.

6) Hones and develops your skills :Banks provide a challenging working environment, anyone who
loves to achieve work goals will definitely like a banking job. Since you are constantly made to try
out different avenues in banking, you develop a set of skills that are standard across all careers.
For eg, inter-personal skills, customer relations, financial management, strategic thinking and
planning etc. There are very few other career options where you can get all these skills, which
makes a bank job even more worthwhile.

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/interview-zing-for-po-why-banking-as.html#ixzz4aBlZiRX0

Sunday Special: Marathon on Interview Preparation

Hello Readers,

As we all know, the interviews for the IBPS PO V will begin from 18th January, 2016, and we were the
first among every other platforms (including IBPS) to share the news with you all. Like you, we are
also worried about the outcome, thereby trying to help you in every possible way.

As only eight days are remaining, the countdown has started for many of our readers, especially
those who have to face the battle on the very first day. Hence, we decided to dedicate today entirely
for "Interview Preparation". Since majority of our readers are professional, and today is Sunday, we
couldn't find any other better day to choose for "Interview Preparation".

So, today we decode the purpose behind conducting the interviews.

Just like last time, there will be a common interview, which will be conducted by IBPS and banks will have no
role in it.

Total marks allotted for the interview are 100, and relative weight-age (ratio) between CWE and Interview will
be 80:20, i.e. 80% from the written marks and 20% from the interview marks.

The interview is an occasion of interpersonal communication between the prospective employer and a
prospective candidate. It is a platform where the organization checks the suitability of the candidate vis-a-vis the
job profile. Moreover, the interviewee has the opportunity to examine if his/her personal objectives will be met
in the job and the company.

In an interview, the candidate try to sell themselves to the interviewer.

What Is It That The Interviewers Check In A Candidate?

 Whether the candidate has developed and communicated a clear, simple, customer/ user focused
vision?

 Whether the candidate has futuristic outlook, and the potential to be an asset to the organisation?

 Whether the candidate can inspire and energize others and make them commit to a vision?

 Whether the candidate is willing to make commitments and assume responsibility for the mistakes and
shortcomings?

 Does the candidate practice ethical conduct?

 Is there any credibility between his/her actions/ behavior with his/her words?

 Does the candidate take accountability and make commitment to achieve business objectives?
  Does the candidate have the ability to demonstrate courage/ confidence to stand up for beliefs and ideas
to co-workers and seniors?

 Does the candidate communicate in open, candid, clear, complete and consistent manner?

 Does the candidate trust others, encourage risk-taking and boundary less behavior?

 Is the candidate capable of taking leadership and running a branch in the future?

 How well does the candidate behave under pressure?

In a nutshell, the interviewer checks:

 Your technical competence to handle the job

 Your knowledge about the subject you have studied in graduation or post graduation

 Your personality characteristics

 Your emotional intelligence

 Your general awareness and view point about the happenings around you

 Your limitation in skills

 Your personality trait

 Your IQ (intelligence quotient), PQ (physical quotient), EQ (emotional quotient), SQ (spiritual

quotient)

 Your ability to analyze and articulate

 Your ability to visualize the future

 Your linguistic prowess

 Thereby, gear up your seats, fully charge your laptops and be with us,
as various helpful and exciting things are coming up your way.

Have a great day ahead..!!

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/sunday-special-marathon-on-interview.html#ixzz4aBlf4t2U

INTERVIEW ZING WITH BANKERSADDA : Last Minute Tips

Dear BA'ians,

As we all know, the interviews are starting from tomorrow for many of you. We are sure you all are ready to put
your best foot forward and move ahead towards your goals. Just to give final touches to your preparation, we
would like to add that zing factor to help you get the Midas touch.

Here is a list of few things that you need to stay away from during your interview, to keep you going on the
right track!

 Arriving late- make sure you be on time, as the saying goes, the first impression is always the last
impression
 Being rude to the receptionist.

 Smelling like a cigarette.

 Being dressed inappropriately- please refer to the interview capsule for proper dress code for the
interviews.

 Wearing sunglasses.

 Wearing too much perfume or aftershave.

 Wearing the cell phone Bluetooth earpiece.

 Leaving the cell phone on- make sure you have your phone on flight mode or the silent mode before
entering the room.

 Shaking hands too weakly or too strong-This is the most common mistake candidates make if they
extend their hand for a hand shake. Remember the hand should fit in the opposite persons hand and
should be a firm grip which is neither too tight nor too loose.

 Complaining that you were kept waiting for the interview.

 Sitting before invited by the interviewer (not waiting to be invited before taking a seat).

 Sitting in a sloppy manner.

 Chewing gum, a pen or playing with your hair.

 Not matching yourself to the style of the interviewer’s communication- i.e if the interviewer is cracking
a joke, do laugh a bit along with him, or if the interviewer changes the language, make sure you do it as
well, if his tone is a bit casual, you too,answer in a way that is short and casual.

 Failing to listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions- At times we get lost in our own thoughts, or
previous answer that we have given. Remember to be in the present moment during the interview, even
if your past answer was a bit messy or not to your expectation. Do not assume things till you get over
with your interview.

 Being unprepared to the standard job interview questions

 Failing to do your homework about the potential employer.

 Lying about your qualifications, experience and your knowledge- make sure you put forward correct
facts about yourself, this does not mean that you elaborate the negatives as well in your attempt to be
honest. Just say what will help you get brownie points, leave the rest.

 Not showing enthusiasm/interest on the job- No matter how you feel, or what your life situation might
have been, but once in the interview room, all you should think about is the job and the panelist who
are no less that the golden ticket to your job.

 Bad mouthing you previous boss-A definite no no, always have good things to say about your boss,
remember the phrase-'The boss is always right", have things to say about how much you learnt from
him/her, what was the best thing about your previous job, and how much it helped in your
development, etc.
 Explaining in detail about the cause of the job layoff- Remember DO NOT GO INTO DEPTH OF
ANYTHING, say only that which is required and will help you in convincing them about your
capabilities.

 Sharing too much- same as above, do not get too involved in your answer that you forget when to stop.
The panelist are trained to make you feel at home, and are usually a chirpy lot, so seeing them do not
forget your purpose . Stay committed to your goals at all times and on guard too.

 Failing to explain how your skills match the job in question- See you are going there either for the post
of an Assistant officer or a Probationary officer, so at all times your skill description should convince
them of your commitment and eligibility for that post

 Speaking for most of time of the interview or Interrupting the interviewer speech-remember you need
to be a good listener if that's what the situation demands.

 Asking too many questions or irrelevant questions. Failing to ask good questions.

 Yawning.

 Waving names to boast or sounding like you think you know everything.

 Asking to use bathroom during the interview.

 Being too humble: Being humble is a good trait, but it does not mean that you stay mum and do not say
anything about your self. Remember you are there to sell your self there, think of ways by which you
can stand apart from the crowd. Find ways to make the best of the situation you are in. Do not for once
doubt your capabilities. Remember it is not what you say that is going to land you a job, but rather
how you say that will set you apart.

 Not making eye contact (or maintaining prolonged eye contact)- Make sure you make eye contact with
the panelist, but does not mean that you keep looking into their eyes, while talking look around as well
for a few seconds.

 Getting angry or defensive- no matter where the conversation leads to, even in the worst case scenario,
stay away from anger or irritation. Do not let your ego come in the way of your prudence.

 Saying phrases like “you know", "like a", “I guess” and "Hmm"- i.e being too casual and laid back in
your answers, rather be a good mix of formal and casual as per the demand of the situation.

 Showing nervousness-We are well aware of the fact that not everyone is super confident, and it is only
natural to be a little jittery and nervous before the panelist. but make sure you do not let this
nervousness get the better of you, be in control of your mind at all times and stay away from over
anxiety about the result.Like said before, be in the present and try enjoying the conversation.

 Laughing and Giggling unnecessarily: Smiling and being enthusiastic does not mean that you become
like a child in a play ground. Dont forget that you all are going there to sell yourself as the future
bankers of our country, so might as well behave like one.

 Sounds desperate.

 Checking the time - looking at the watch.

 Being too prepared. Blurting your answers out- See preparing your answers in advance is important,
but you have to say them in a way that they look natural and fit the situation. They should not look
mugged up, rather natural an effortless.
Having said all this, go into the interview with self belief. You will meet a lot of candidates outside the
room, who might seem much more capable to you that your own self, but do not let anything take your
self belief and confidence from you. You have reached the interview round based on your capability.

So as always, no matter what, do not forget to have fun, and giving it your best shot, so that
when you come out of the room, you have no regrets!

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2016/01/interview-zing-with-bankersadda-last.html#ixzz4aBm5jK8u