Interview Plays an important role in getting a good job. It is the process of assessing the compatibility of the person with the culture, vision and requirements of the organisation. Therefore, if you are serious about the job you must take the interview seriously. Those who have been successful agree that they earnestly prepared for the interview. Several students join coaching centres and personality development centres which inter alia advise them to practise mock interviews to improve their interactive performance. To help you prepare for an interview, with the help of those who have been interviewing candidates, we simulate an interview.
The Candidate: Mock Interview for MBA Exams 2024
Gyan Sahay did his B.Tech in Computer Science from Indraprastha University, New Delhi two years ago. He worked with an FMCG Company which sent him to Germany on a project. After spending about one year there during which he got the opportunity to visit other countries in Europe he realised that if he wanted to move in the fast, lane in his career he must acquire an MBA degree. On coming back to India, he made a plan to get admission in some reputed B-School. He worked hard on CAT and was able to get interview calls. He practised mock interviews with the help of his friends and former teachers some of whom are more MBAs. We reproduce here one such mock interview.
The Interview Board
The Interview Board consists of four members. Dr. Dinesh Kamath is the Director of the B-School. Dr. Subhash Awasthi is the head of the Marketing Department. Dr. Rizwan Ahmed is from the Department of Human Resource Development and Mr. Sunil Tandon is the Economic Advisor in a major Petroleum Company.
Mock Interview for MBA Exams 2024
Gyan Sahay (GS) is called for the interview. He enters the room confidently with a light smile on his face and wishes all the members of the Board. He is asked to take his seat. He sits in the chair meant for the candidate without pulling, drawing or making a noise. He thanks the Board Members and waits for the Chairman to start the interview.
Dr. Dinesh Kamath (DK): We will give you one topic on which you have to speak for one minute. You may organise your thoughts in 15 seconds. You may speak on India’s Commerce.
After 15 seconds GS is asked to speak.
GS: Commerce covers trade, especially between countries, i.e., exports and imports. India’s exports cover a wide range of items in the agricultural, industrial and now services sectors. Apart from traditional items in plantations, agriculture, marine products, ores and minerals, leather, gems and jewellery, several new items in handicraft, petroleum and computer software have been added. India’s project exports include consultancy, civil construction and turnkey contracts. Imports have also increased especially in the sectors like crude oil, fertilisers, capital goods, consumables and technology. Commerce has played a crucial role in India’s fast economic growth since the 1990s.
DK: What are portfolio investments by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)?
GS: Sir, a scheme for attracting portfolio investments from FIIs has been operational since Sept. 1992 under which FIIs including Pension Funds, Mutual Funds, Investment
Trusts, Asset Management Companies, Nominee Companies and Incorporated or Institutional Portfolio Managers are allowed to invest in all the securities traded in the primary and secondary markets as also in unlisted companies. The securities include shares, debentures and warrants issued by companies.
DK: The Government has abolished industrial licensing for all items except for a short list of six industries. Can you name any three cases where licensing is required?
GS: Sure, Sir. According to the New Industrial Policy, an industrial license is required when (i) the project involves manufacture of an item that is in the list of compulsory locational, (ii) when the project attracts lactational restriction applicable to large cities having population in excess of 10 lakh, and (iii) when an item reserved for small scale sector is intended to be manufactured by an undertaking other than a small scale undertaking.
DK: Mr. Sahay, What do you understand by the term unorganised sector?
GS: Sir, the term unorganised sector is defined as those workers who have not been able to organise themselves in pursuit of their common interests due to certain restrants like casual nature of employment, lack of awareness, low literacy levels, and the small, dispersed nature of their workplaces.
DK: What are the main functions of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)?
GS: Sir, BEE was established in 2002 to implement the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act. It is responsible for spearheading improvements in energy efficiency in different sectors of the economy through various regulatory and promotional instruments. The mission is to develop policies and strategies focusing on self-regulation and market principles within the overall framework of energy conservation.
DK: Please tell us the basic objective of the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS).
GS: The basic objective of NNRMS is the utilisation of Remote Sensing Technology with conventional methods for optimal use and management of the natural resources of the country. A Standing Committee on bio-resources and environment has been constituted which has identified certain priority areas to address key environmental and ecological issues.
SA: There has been a sharp rise in global oil prices recently. The world is said to be heading towards an oil crisis. What measures would you suggest with special reference to the situation in India?
GS: Sir, we should make use of non-conventional sources of energy like solar energy wind energy, bio-gas, etc. The generation of hydroelectricity is not only a cheaper source of energy but also environment-friendly. A network of perennial rivers is present in our country whereupon multipurpose projects can be built. Harnessing atomic energy for use in manufacturing and consumption is another alternative to fossil fuels.
SA: What according to you is the essence of Business Administration?
GS: Sir, many aspects are involved in Business Administration. Business is a combination of making goods and services available to meet demand and earn regular profits with efficient deployment of available resources. Since it is people who run the business, employee development through training, incentive and motivation is of utmost importance. Marketing of goods produced is another major aspect of Business Administration.
SA: Can you mention the main steps taken by the Government to attract the attention of our draspora?
GS: Sure, Sir. The main steps in this regard have been the celebration of the Pravasi Bharati Divas which has been made a yearly affair now; the granting of dual citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) from 16 countries including the US, the UK, Australia, France and Canada; providing educational facilities for the children of Indian workers in the Gulf and South East Asia and providing insurance cover to the children of workers in the Gulf.
SA: What do you see in the US denial of diplomat visa of the Gujarat Chief Minister?
GS: Sir, I think the US has been following double standards in its policies. On one hand, people like Ariel Sharon who massacred thousands of people as Israel’s Defence Minister are welcome guests in Washington, Gujarat’s Chief Minister has been accused of perpetrating comes against a particular community. Moreover, the US has not shown due respect to a democratically elected leader. The incident can also be viewed as an attempt to please the estranged Muslims after the battering in Iraq.
Dr. Rizwan Ahmed (RA) takes over
RA: It is believed Mr. Sahay, that all development these days has become detrimental to environment. There is a thrust on renewable energy programmes. What policy initiatives have been taken by the Government?
GS: Sir, the major policy initiatives taken to encourage investment in renewable energy include provision of fiscal and financial initiatives under a wide range of programmes, simplification of procedures for private investment including FDI for renewable energy projects. Fourteen States have announced facilitating policies in respect of various renewable energy systems.
RA: Mr. Sahay, how are scientific and technological activities carried out in India?
GS: Scientific and technological activities in India are carried out under a wide set-up of Central and State Governments, higher education sector, public and private industries, non-profit institutions and associations. These institutional structures. with their research laboratories are the main contributors to research and development being carried out in the country. Notable among these are the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
RA: Mention the Indian prerequisite to solve the issue of financing higher education in India.
GS: The incongruities and inconsistencies in financing higher education underscore the necessity of streamlining the process and procedures. An essential prerequisite in this direction is increasing the quantum of overall investment in education as in higher education. It does not necessarily mean spending any specified percentage of Gross National Product (GNP) on programmes of educational development. What is required is an objective assessment of needs of education sector from time to time and taking steps to meet those requirements.
RA: The opinion is gaining ground that India is having a distinct advantage over some other countries like America and China in terms of working population. What are your views in this regard?
GS: Countries like America are experiencing a shortage of working population between the age groups of 15 to 64. Even an over populated country like China has predicted
a manpower crunch due to the measure one child norm adopted by it since the 1980s. India’s family planning programmes have failed to arrest growth of its population. Some demographic experts feel that this has been a blessing in disguise for India as it will ensure regular supply of working people for the country. I personally believe that we must utilise this manpower asset for development and continue our efforts to reduce the growth of population.
Mr. Sunil Tandon (ST) takes over
ST: What do you think has accelerated the rate of development?
GS: Sir, the combination of globalisation and technology has accelerated the rate of development. Look at the internet, In a very short spare of time, the internet technology allows people in one country to learn about what is going on in other parts of the world, almost immediately. It provides the opportunity for an Indian merchant to sell his goods in other countries. It provides an opportunity for a student to study and obtain educational merits or degrees from a University far away from his home.
ST: Why is the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) made?
GS: Sir, the ASI is the principle source of industrial statistics in India. It provides statistical information to assess and evaluate, objectively and realistically the change in the growth, composition and structure of the manüfacturing sector comprising activities related to various manufacturing processes repair service, generation and transmission of electricity, gas and other supplies.
The Chairman ends the interview by thanking Gyan Sahay who, in turn, thanks all the Board Members and leaves the room with confident steps.
Result: Mock Interview for MBA Exams 2024
Gyan Sahay has given a good account of himself. He shows the confidence, flair and knowledge required in a student to get admission to a reputed B-school. His keenness and level of preparation are evident in his to the point and convincing answers. The Board Members asked him questions on various subjects ranging from Foreign Investment to Resource Management.