How to Prepare for an Interview.
 

[B][I][U][CENTER][COLOR="DarkGreen"][SIZE="5"]How to Prepare for an Interview.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER][/U][/I][/B]

[COLOR="Sienna"][B][I][COLOR="Blue"]Dear Fellows![/COLOR]
Interview plays a highly significant role in one's selection. Whether the job be through PPSC, FPSC or through Departmental Selection Process, interview always proves to be a determining factor in final selection. Except for CSS and PMS in almost rest of the recruitments, most of the times, interview possesses more marks and weight than the written examination. For instance, traditionally for a PPSC job, the written test has the share of 50 marks in final selection, while an interview carries 100 marks.

On the basis of my personal experience and observation, here, I am going to share what in my opinion needs to be prepared for an interview. My analysis is based on my experience which I obtained by appearing in one CSS interview, two PMS interviews, few PPSC/FPSC interviews, including the interviews for Assistant Director Anti-Corruption , Assistant Director Civil Defense, Labour Officer, Labour Inspector, Excise Inspector, YPIP interview in State Bank of Pakistan and interview for Assistant’s post in Foreign Office . Besides this, I got the privilege of listening to the successful CSS/PMS/PPSC/FPSC interview experiences of few friends.

Brothers! In an interview mere one's knowledge is not checked, rather one's personality, eagerness for the job, one's expression and communication skills are also kept in observation along with one's confidence. As well as confidence is concerned, if one has prepared the areas explained below, and one's communication skills and expression are good , confidence creeps in by itself.

The very first impression is created by the appearance. Therefore one should be formally dressed up. Next, greeting the panel in a decent, confident and well mannered way makes the conditions favorable further for the candidate.

As well as PPSC and FPSC interviews are concerned broadly speaking, the following are the broader areas which usually come under discussion in these interviews.

[COLOR="DarkGreen"]1- Introduction
2- Domicile District Profile.
3- Qualification Related Questions, Largely regarding subjects in graduation and Masters, Particularly about the Major subject in one’s final degree.
4- Job Nature and Department Related Questions.
5- Opinion and Information on Contemporary Issues.
6- General Knowledge based Quiz Type Questions mostly from Pakistan Studies and Islamic Studies. [/COLOR]

Here I briefly explain these areas one by one.



[U][SIZE="4"][COLOR="DarkGreen"]1 - Introduction. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/U]

After the formal greetings, the PPSC member who is presiding over the interview panel usually asks the candidate to introduce himself with the Panel.
Introduction should be brief but comprehensive and precise and presented in such a way as it generates an interest of the panel in the candidate. Remember both content and presentation matter here. For capturing the interest of the panel, don't forget to mention any of your specialty, distinction or achievement which may distinguish you from others. For instance when I have to introduce myself, I particularly mention my specialty that often my writings find space in Dawn and other English newspapers on socio-political issues. Besides that my Article also made its place in World Times Magazine and I have my blog where all of my writings I have gathered on one palace . Now this is most likely to catch the interest of the panel and they may start asking about my writings about which I definitely can answer impressively. My whole of the interview of Assistant Director Civil Defence revolved round it and helped me getting selected. Even in my interview of Assistant Director Anti Corruption the panel was impressed when I told about my writings and here also I was able to get selected.
Secondly, I will tell my achievements that I qualified CSS once and PMS twice. Qualifying CSS and PMS , where on one hand speaks about a sort of achievement on the other it tells about the struggle also which I have been making and that also not bad one. Now they may ask questions on these also which obviously one can answer comprehensively. Like in my interviews, I have been asked about my CSS/PMS subjects and about my experience.


[U][COLOR="darkgreen"][SIZE="4"]2- District Profile [/SIZE][/COLOR][/U]
Now the second phase is knowledge about one's district. They usually ask about famous personalities who hailed from that district and made their mark on national or international arena. Besides that, they also ask about the famous or historic places in that District. Moreover, they also are expected to ask what is the history of the city, how it has been named and what are other popular and interesting facts about the District. For example in my district Alexander fought against Prince Porus and Second Anglo-Sikh War was also fought here. Secondly, it has been named after A Saint Bahauddin and it got the status of District in 1993. Moreover, one of the famous Personalities of my districts is acclaimed Writer and TV Host, Mustansar Hussain Tarar. So, one has to be cognisant of this sort of facts about one’s district.

[U][COLOR="darkgreen"][SIZE="4"]3- Academic Background [/SIZE][/COLOR][/U] Then they do ask Questions about your academic background particularly the final degree. I am always asked questions on literature as I have both my graduation and masters in English Literature. Especially those who have degrees in Literature, History, Social work, Pol Science etc or Law, they are definitely asked questions about their subjects as everyone in the reverend panel usually possesses the knowledge of the basics of these disciplines. However, usually the questions asked are not very in depth but sort of popular questions about the subjects. But still one needs to be prepared for every sort of the questions as the members of the panels have the discretion to ask anything.

[U][SIZE="4"][COLOR="darkgreen"]4- Info Regarding Nature of Job and the Department[/COLOR][/SIZE][/U]
The most important portion of the interview comes next. In interview panel including Member PPSC/FPSC, who is presiding over the interview, there are three to four members in total. One of the members is the person from that department for which the job you have applied for. To win the job one needs specially to answer the questions of that person satisfactorily. For that, it is very necessary that one knows about the department and about the nature of the job. One if is cognisant of the challenges faced by that department and reforms which one feels need to be incorporated, and presents all this in a lucid and precise manner, one can brighten one's prospect of getting selected. For example I appeared in an interview for the job of Labour officer in PPSC. I should have known what labour officer is what he has to do and what is labour department. What are labour laws and what is I. L. O. But I didn't prepare these. This blunder proved fatal for me. In one of my PPSC interview for Information Officer BS 17 (Planning and Development Department Punjab), when the member asked about the department and I was blank, he remarked that Gentleman is this your level of seriousness that you have come here for the interview of a 17 grade job and you have not bothered to collect even the basic information about the department. I was not selected. But I learned a good lesson. While at the time of my Interview of Assistant Director Anti Corruption, I answered the questions on this area properly and I now have been selected as Assistant Director Anti-Corruption. I have keenly observed that If one performs satisfactory in this part, there are abundant chances that one may get enviable marks in Interview. Importantly, this also speaks volume for your keen interest in the job you are seeking and this leads to a favourable result for you.

[COLOR="darkgreen"][SIZE="4"][U]5- Opinion on National and International Current Issues[/U][/SIZE][/COLOR]
Now they may also ask about current affairs or contemporary national or international issues. One is not expected to have a detailed knowledge of these. However, one should be abreast of the basic info regarding these matters. Beware; when they are seeking your opinion about an issue or matter, it better should be genuinely your personal opinion. One more thing is very important that you must not skip such questions and you should necessarily give your thoughts. However, if the question is regarding checking your knowledge or information you may skip by saying sorry in a polite and decent fashion you do not know.

[U][SIZE="4"][COLOR="darkgreen"]6- Quiz Type General Knowledge Questions [/COLOR][/SIZE][/U]
Sixthly, they may ask Quiz type questions about Pakistan Studies and Islamic Studies. Like who were the members of Boundary Commission. When constitution was first abrogated. Who is the First Mujaddad. On your answering they may ask your opinion also. For instance, was the demarcation of Boundary Commission based on facts ? I would again say that always respond compulsorily to the opinion based questions while you may say sorry on quiz type questions.
[U][COLOR="Blue"]Usually here the interview ends. [/COLOR][/U]

[U][SIZE="4"][COLOR="DarkGreen"]Note: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/U] Let me make it clear that these are the broader areas which are mostly discussed in the interviews. However, the order of asking questions on these broader areas may be changed. Secondly, it is not necessary that they would follow this scheme always. However, for appropriate preparation of the interview, one must prepare these areas necessarily on priority basis.


[U]Best of Luck to All of You
Regards : Tasawar Bosal[/U][/I][/B][/COLOR]

[QUOTE]For example in my district Alexander fought against prince Porus ....[/QUOTE]
My favorite part of this post.. Just Impressive!
2 Questions: How did you know all this about your city?
And what do you do now for a living?
I'm merely curious tell me if you want to or not ..

sent from tapatalk

[QUOTE=Nazish Hina;898630]My favorite part of this post.. Just Impressive!
2 Questions: How did you know all this about your city?
And what do you do now for a living?
I'm merely curious tell me if you want to or not ..

sent from tapatalk[/QUOTE]

[B][I][COLOR="Sienna"]
I have made the Assistant Director Anti-Corruption my career.
As well as my knowledge about my District is concerned , I had read in detail about my district . That's why I was aware of these facts. Secondly Anglo-Sikh war was fought in the vicinity of a village named Chelianwala. On my telling the place where this war was fought , the Panel Chairman asked, " Gentleman name of this village you told is Chelianwala, what is Jallianwala"?

So you see this is how they create question from our answers.
My answer was that Jallianwala Bagh is a garden in Amratsar India. Chairman asked that what was it famous for. I answered that in 1919 in this garden people were recording their peaceful protest. The English Officer Dyer unleashed brutality and ordered opening fire on these innocent protesters and hundreds of innocent lives were lost. To this the chairman didn't ask further in this regard.
[/COLOR][/I][/B]



Sent from my Galaxy S6 using Talpatalk.

In an interview for pharmcists, SPSC asked my friend about India's minister of external affairs before Sushma Swaraj. He replied sorry.

Sir terrifyingly aimed first finger at him and shouted two times:

[B]" You should Know it :@""[/B]

[B]"You should know it.. Idiot :@"[/B]

This reaction utterly lost my friend's remaining tempo & confidence. :D


[B]What should be the pragmatic approach to such reaction?[/B]

[QUOTE=mustansar~hussain;902351]In an interview for pharmcists, SPSC asked my friend about India's minister of external affairs before Sushma Swaraj. He replied sorry.

Sir terrifyingly aimed first finger at him and shouted two times:

[B]" You should Know it :@""[/B]

[B]"You should know it.. Idiot :@"[/B]

This reaction utterly lost my friend's remaining tempo & confidence. :D


[B]What should be the pragmatic approach to such reaction?[/B][/QUOTE]
This is really disturbing. It means interview should be irrelevant.

Sent from my QTab Q300 using Tapatalk

Brother plz give dominating opinion according to your experience regarding following points:
1. Dressing during interview (shalwar qameez or pent shirt), especially for those who are too skinny.
2. Before entering in room for interview, is there any need to knock or permission.
3. Shake hand?
4. Strengths and weaknesses.
5. Can we disagree with interviewer on some point in respective manner.

Interview Guide Required from Seniors
 

1.Why do you want to leave you current job?
2. You will not leave this job if you may be selected?

What can be suitable answers for these two questions?????Please do share your kind experiences

Amazing
 

Its really informative, I never been aware of such aspects.

A quick query: How FPSC interview panel quantifies the interview weight age distribution?

For example, if there are two candidates vying for the same position how will the panel mark their interview? Mean will they have columns in the following fashion?

Confidence: Communication Skills: Knowledge (Subject Matter): Knowledge (General)

Very useful and informative

Salam, let me know that i can apply for the post of junior auditor as i have an intermediate degree in C grade plus i m an ACCA finalist plus i have a computer proficiency certificate plus SAP (erp user end training certificate but they require a bachelor degree holder in commerce while as an acca i m very familiar with commerce

All six point is beneficial for me.I must adopt it for a successful career.

A..O..A Bros Iam new here and i want to be an CSS aspirant, iam in 11th So,guide me in this age on which subjects i should Concentration?Will be thankful

Thanks for sharing, very interesting and impressive.

[QUOTE=jsher7;994452]Its really informative, I never been aware of such aspects.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the compliments . I have remained away from the forum but now onwards I will be answering the queries in this thread .

Sir, I am from dgk. Are you still in dgk?
I'll be really grateful if you can spare some time for me. I need your valuable guidance regarding CSS preparation. [QUOTE=Tassawur;1075102]Thanks for the compliments . I have remained away from the forum but now onwards I will be answering the queries in this thread .[/QUOTE]

Sent from my SM-T285 using Tapatalk

[QUOTE=imran25dec;1075112]Sir, I am from dgk. Are you still in dgk?
I'll be really grateful if you can spare some time for me. I need your valuable guidance regarding CSS preparation.

Sent from my SM-T285 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]Brother from DGK ٫ I have got transferred to Sargodha now . If I were there in Dgk would certainly have spared time for you . You can discuss things online .

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[QUOTE=Tassawur;1075125]Brother from DGK ٫ I have got transferred to Sargodha now . If I were there in Dgk would certainly have spared time for you . You can discuss things online .

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]OK, Sir.

I have texted you my cell, can you please save that. If you feel easy, please reply there. I'll get in touch with you soon IA.

Thank you.

Sent from my SM-J200F using Tapatalk

[QUOTE=imran25dec;1075126]OK, Sir.

I have texted you my cell, can you please save that. If you feel easy, please reply there. I'll get in touch with you soon IA.

Thank you.

Sent from my SM-J200F using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]Cell *number

Sent from my SM-J200F using Tapatalk

[QUOTE=imran25dec;1075126]OK, Sir.

I have texted you my cell, can you please save that. If you feel easy, please reply there. I'll get in touch with you soon IA.

Thank you.

Sent from my SM-J200F using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]I have seen and I will keep in touch

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

My Single Interview of PMS told me these things.
 

Same like most of the happening interview is also based on (5H1W) formula


1. Who (your appearance, exposure to the interview panel, and your body language from greeting till you return out...remember always actions speak louder than words.


2. What - your delivery of answer during the conversation with a single or more interviewer. Here you flexibility of mind and handling capacity of the interview matters.


3. When - when do you deliver your answer . here your listening to the question asked, understanding it and delivering a sound answer matters. Which should be to the point .. See the number of candidates called for and to be involved in the interview. If there is more time then your answer should have an angle of richness in it. Which opens up the way for more questions to the interviewers whence you will be understood and known by them through your way of responding. But be aware of the possible extension of conversation, that your one answer can lead to. Show versatility here through your answer. Make the interview a relaxed communication. Although an interview can have different themes. Some joyous, some full of wisdom, some boring, etc which determine your potential capability for the interviewers. And put an impression of whether you might be selected or listed out.

In case of a limited number of candidates for the day of interview keep your answers impressive just and satisfying. Keeping in mind the lapse of time for each candidate. Having a sparkling impression here is also one of the main things. However stay not to be over-impressive just Stay mildly impressive & flexible..which is a key here.

4. Where - keep your eyes on the goal of selection. Which keeps you motivated and confident, however avoid being anxious of any sort.


5. Why- meet the criterion of each question. And follow the cause and effect law, action and reaction mode of answer (which shows that your are challenging, vital , eager.)


6. How- revisit your interview by highlighting it in Illusively with the interviewers,

After getting back from the interview wait for the results.. If not been selected ...use the learned experience for the next turn.


Regards.

interviews, your job is to convince a recruiter that you have the skills, knowledge and experience for the job. Show motivation and convince a recruiter that you fit the organization's culture and job description as per like how to prepare Quiz for interviews. .

Hello All
 

This is so amazing and informative, thanks for sharing this information with us. It helps a lot for the preparation for an interview.

[QUOTE=studyabroadlife;1084788]This is so amazing and informative, thanks for sharing this information with us. It helps a lot for the preparation for an interview.[/QUOTE]

[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]Thank you for the kind remarks and I am optimistic that this thread would keep assisting the aspirants in the preparation of their interviews. [/COLOR][/I][/B]

[QUOTE=Tassawur;1093068][B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]Thank you for the kind remarks and I am optimistic that this thread would keep assisting the aspirants in the preparation of their interviews. [/COLOR][/I][/B][/QUOTE]
I can't thank you enough for this useful post. I utterly needed it for my kppms interview. May God reward you for this service.
Can you please share the nature of questions they asked in English Literature as I also have the same background.

[QUOTE=Saira khattak;1098795]I can't thank you enough for this useful post. I utterly needed it for my kppms interview. May God reward you for this service.
Can you please share the nature of questions they asked in English Literature as I also have the same background.[/QUOTE]

[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]Thank You for the words of appreciation.
As well as the questions regarding English Literature are concerned, they usually ask about the salient features of various era. For instance, they may ask the five prominent characteristics of Victorian era novelists. They may also ask what were the salient features of elizabethan Drama or Elizabethan Era Literature? Besides this , they may ask about some prominent dramatist, novelist or poet etc and may ask further what were the features and distinctions which made earned this respect for him/her. Moreover, you are required to prepare about your favourite most literary figure in English Literature with special reference to that person's distinctive qualities as well as the reasons which make him your favourite. In addition to this , you are required to prepare about one literary figure from all the genres, i.e. one poet , novelist , dramatist as well as a critic. One thing I have observed , none of my interview went by without being asked about literature. And secondly, the questions asked about literature usually are very common ones which a student of english Literature is often familiar with.
Best of Luck. [/COLOR][/I][/B]

Tassawar Bhai how to improve body language and maintain confidence in interview ..in evening interview first 2 minutes of interview very confusing for me how to handle this situation

[QUOTE=Tassawur;1099136][B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]Thank You for the words of appreciation.
As well as the questions regarding English Literature are concerned, they usually ask about the salient features of various era. For instance, they may ask the five prominent characteristics of Victorian era novelists. They may also ask what were the salient features of elizabethan Drama or Elizabethan Era Literature? Besides this , they may ask about some prominent dramatist, novelist or poet etc and may ask further what were the features and distinctions which made earned this respect for him/her. Moreover, you are required to prepare about your favourite most literary figure in English Literature with special reference to that person's distinctive qualities as well as the reasons which make him your favourite. In addition to this , you are required to prepare about one literary figure from all the genres, i.e. one poet , novelist , dramatist as well as a critic. One thing I have observed , none of my interview went by without being asked about literature. And secondly, the questions asked about literature usually are very common ones which a student of english Literature is often familiar with.
Best of Luck. [/COLOR][/I][/B][/QUOTE]
What an insightful answer. God bless you. Loads of gratitude.

[QUOTE=Jasminepb;1099170]Tassawar Bhai how to improve body language and maintain confidence in interview ..in evening interview first 2 minutes of interview very confusing for me how to handle this situation[/QUOTE]

[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]See as well as my personal experience concerned , I have observed that our fears, apprehensions and unpleasant concerns spoil our confidence. when we are not prepared about certain thing and we fear or apprehend that if questions are asked on this very thing , our interview would be affected . The same has been issue with one of my very close friend who had his degree in English Literature and he abhorred preparing even basic question regarding English Literature. Whenever , he went in interview , he always feared that any moment question may be asked about literature and he would be in the hot water. Finally for one of his interview for grade 17 post I prepared anticipated question regarding literature and spoon fed him and made him belief that now he didnt need to be afraid regarding this end. And it really worked , he went for the interview without having any fear and apprehension and now he is Assistant Director local Government . That's how you also need to find out that what tampers with your confidence . and with slight extra effort those factors may be coped with and you may get out of the dilema.
I have this strong conviction that if one is prepared properly and one has prepared the ares well which i have mentioned in my post , one's confidence gets boosted and one perform really up to the mark. [/COLOR][/I][/B]

[QUOTE=Gudujones;930803]Brother plz give dominating opinion according to your experience regarding following points:
1. Dressing during interview (shalwar qameez or pent shirt), especially for those who are too skinny.
2. Before entering in room for interview, is there any need to knock or permission.
3. Shake hand?
4. Strengths and weaknesses.
5. Can we disagree with interviewer on some point in respective manner.[/QUOTE]

I like your suggestion and thanks for sharing these tips. I always thinking about my casual and interview dressing but you give me a batter idea,

[QUOTE=Gudujones;930803]Brother plz give dominating opinion according to your experience regarding following points:
1. Dressing during interview (shalwar qameez or pent shirt), especially for those who are too skinny. [/QUOTE]
[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]You should wear whatever suits you well. But keep it in mind in Shalwar Qameez, only white Shalwar Qameez with black or Blue waste coat are considered appropriate for the interview. While in pent shirt any decent combination works, though preferably two pieace pent court suit is considered more appropriate. [/COLOR][/I][/B]

[QUOTE=Gudujones;930803]2. Before entering in room for interview, is there any need to knock or permission.[/QUOTE]
[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]There is no need for knocking at the door as usually they themselves ask you to come in. however, after opening the door asking permission for getting into the room is appropriate. One may also ask permission before taking the seat , if they themselves don't ask you to sit in the chair. [/COLOR][/I][/B]
[QUOTE=Gudujones;930803]3. Shake hand?[/QUOTE]
[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]It isn't needed, nor usually there is possibility as the panel sits on a small distance from where shaking hand isn't feasible . However, sharing greetings and pleasantries is a pleasant thing. [/COLOR][/I][/B]
[QUOTE=Gudujones;930803]4. Strengths and weaknesses.[/QUOTE]
[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]Obviously one should be cognisant of one's strengths and weaknesses and one should explain these when one is asked. [/COLOR][/I][/B]
[QUOTE=Gudujones;930803]5. Can we disagree with interviewer on some point in respective manner.[/QUOTE]
[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]Obviously , one has every right to disagree with the panel members . However , disagree or differ with decency and support your view point with logical arguments. [/COLOR][/I][/B]

[QUOTE=Tassawur;1113506][B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]You should wear whatever suits you well. But keep it in mind in Shalwar Qameez, only white Shalwar Qameez with black or Blue waste coat are considered appropriate for the interview. While in pent shirt any decent combination works, though preferably two pieace pent court suit is considered more appropriate. [/COLOR][/I][/B]


[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]There is no need for knocking at the door as usually they themselves ask you to come in. however, after opening the door asking permission for getting into the room is appropriate. One may also ask permission before taking the seat , if they themselves don't ask you to sit in the chair. [/COLOR][/I][/B]

[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]It isn't needed, nor usually there is possibility as the panel sits on a small distance from where shaking hand isn't feasible . However, sharing greetings and pleasantries is a pleasant thing. [/COLOR][/I][/B]

[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]Obviously one should be cognisant of one's strengths and weaknesses and one should explain these when one is asked. [/COLOR][/I][/B]

[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]Obviously , one has every right to disagree with the panel members . However , disagree or differ with decency and support your view point with logical arguments. [/COLOR][/I][/B][/QUOTE]

I like your suggestion and thanks for sharing these tips. I always thinking about my casual and interview dressing but you give me a batter idea,

[QUOTE=Rizzzk;1113518]I like your suggestion and thanks for sharing these tips. I always thinking about my casual and interview dressing but you give me a batter idea,[/QUOTE]

[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]You are welcome Dear ![/COLOR][/I][/B]

the most important thing in interview preparation is confidence.

Many thanks for the significant tips on appearing in the interview. These techniques can help a great many current and future CSS students. These are hard-earned experiences and only those can share this useful info who have appeared and come up to the mark.

Best wishes.

[QUOTE=Naheedmir;1116937]Many thanks for the significant tips on appearing in the interview. These techniques can help a great many current and future CSS students. These are hard-earned experiences and only those can share this useful info who have appeared and come up to the mark.

Best wishes.[/QUOTE]

[B][I][COLOR="DarkRed"]Thanks alot for your kind words of appreciation.[/COLOR][/I][/B]

How to prepare for a job interview
 

[LIST][*]Reviewing the job description.[*]Thoroughly researching the company.[*]Thinking about what you will wear.[*]Planning your journey to the interview.[*]Preparing for questions you will be ask.[*]Preparing your own questions for the employer.[*]Following up with the employer.[/LIST]

I'm merely curious tell me if you want to or not ..

Awesome

[QUOTE=Jefferyk2;1123353]Awesome[/QUOTE]

[B][I][COLOR="Sienna"]Hope this post is proving helpful for the aspirants.[/COLOR][/I][/B]