The personality test is the final leap to qualify for the prestigious civil services. However, not all make it. For many of those cast out at the interview stage, it is not the lack of preparation for the personality test which is their undoing, but the lack of the knowledge of ‘how to answer’.
One’s answers, particularly in an interview, are a reflection of one’s thoughts, skills of communication and knowledge of the subject. Together they comprise the core aspects of an aspirant’s personality. The three can be encapsulated in an acronym ASK. The letter ‘A’ stands for aptitude and attitude. The former encompasses the ability to think and analyse; to think holistically as well as objectively. Here, attitude refers to positive outlook and balance of judgment. Thus, the two together constitute the ‘thought element’ of the personality. Thoughts in themselves are barren unless they are communicated effectively. As such, skills of communication, are vital (the letter ‘S’). But thoughts and their communication are only feasible, if one has knowledge of the subject in question (letter ‘K’).
The aspect of ‘how to answer’ incorporates elements of all three.
Attentive listening
First and foremost, listen to the question carefully. Concentrate on what is being said, so as to comprehend fully the import of the question. Do understand that the process of answering does not begin with the first word the interviewee utters, rather it has already begun while the interviewer is presenting the question. At this juncture, the interviewee’s mind is already striving to grasp its import, rummaging the knowledge base and formulating an appropriate reply. Careful listening is the cornerstone of this process, lest one ends up answering what she/he knows or perceives the question to be, rather than what is being asked.
Do not be in a hurry to reply even if you know the answer well. Let the speaker finish the question first, then take a pause of a second or two, before beginning your reply. This helps in composing one’s thought and structuring one’s answer better. Reply calmly. Although this is easier said than done, as on such occasions one is often a bundle of nerves. But such excitement steadily wanes as the interview proceeds.
Answer the most important points first, with the other relevant points following it. This is crucial as an interviewer may interject or pose another question while one is still answering. Thus the opportunity of expressing a vital point may be lost. As such, do not beat about the bush but come to the point straight. One’s answer should be precise as well as concise.
While attempting questions eliciting views and opinions, one must take a balanced view. Views must contain the entire perspective of the issue, including the pros and cons. Candidates ought to weigh advantages of the alternative courses of action. Opinion here refers to taking a stand on an issue. However, this stand should be based on analysis and consideration of the alternatives. An answer bereft of such balanced views, or an opinion not based on analysis of alternatives, may be viewed negatively or even considered an insufficient reply by the Board members.
The author is an IRS officer and author of ‘Civil Services Interview: How to Excel’, and other civil services examination preparation books.
This is the fourth of a five-part series on the civil services exam.
