Is Honesty the Best Policy In Interview?

[Khurshid.A.Mahsud]

I request all seniors ,who have appeared before the interviewing board for CSS, to please help me on this point which is constantly bugging my nerves: How much honesty should we follow while answering the interviewers?

For example:

Interviewer : Why do you want to join civil service?
Answer: Sir i want to join the service because its cool to be a civil servant and it brings social prestige and power and good salary and perks and comforts.

If this is what one feels about civil service, should one say the same honest things during interview.




Anxiously waiting for your replies.

[Bilal Zamir]

Well, I will tell you my personal view. During the CSS 2009 interviews, I was bombarded with questions from the honorable members as well as the Chairman repeatedly. One does not have much time to think during the interview. Also, you must understand that you are sitting before a seasoned panel.Trying to be dishonest, therefore, will expose you in a second. Its best to be moderate, truthful and confident during the interview. I was and I scored 199/300. So, I hope you understand.

Never try to be dishonest as they will sense some thing is amiss; this will fetch you less than average marks.

[Bilal Zamir]

Interviewer : Why do you want to join civil service?
Answer: Sir i want to join the service because its cool to be a civil servant and it brings social prestige and power and good salary and perks and comforts.

The above example is frankly immature. I would not say that "its cool." You should say that the Civil Service is challenging and the best job for me. Social prestige is OK but the word "power" shows that you are over-confident and full of yourself. Don't use the word "power." Rather say that the Civil Service gives one the authority to do good deeds, etc.