CRACK THE PERSONAL INTERVIEW – (A ready reckoner that will prepare you to face few interview questions  that an interviewer is most likely to ask)

Plan your answers ahead of time so that when asked, you are ready to deliver them with confidence.

• What are your weaknesses and drawbacks?

This is the most dreaded question. Handle it by minimizing your weaknesses and emphasizing your strengths.  Stay away from personal strengths and concentrate on professional traits. ‘I am working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter.  I recently joined a course in communication skills, which I find very helpful.’

• Why should I select you?

Summarize your experiences of achievements  and tell that you are already working as an officer and you will be a great addition to the team of officers in the Indian army.

• Why do you want to join army as an officer?

Tell that as an offr you have vast avenues to work more, prove your talents and skills. I have selected Army as a career because its mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I might be excited about what the Army wants me of and I can offer of myself.

• What are your goals?

My goal is to get a job of un-ending achievements. I hope to eventually grow into a position that offers me more responsibility.

• What can you do for the army that other candidates can’t?

This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits.  Summarize concisely: “I have a unique combination of strong technical/adm skills to excel and the ability to build strong officer-men relations. This will allow me to use my knowledge and break down my skills to make them more user-friendly.

• If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?

The IO uses this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly.  If you answer “a bunny”, you will make a soft, passive impression.  If you answer “a lion”, you will be seen as aggressive.