UPSC Interview is a livid process, it depends on the temperament of the interviewer but having said that one has to add that there is still a lot of space for the candidates to manoeuvre and display their bright side.
Here are my ten noncompromising traits for facing and acing the interview:
1. Be yourself, you are unique: underestimating or overestimating yourself is strictly a no-no in UPSC, being comfortable in your skin is important for getting into your natural 'flow-state. Dhoni hits hard and looks good when he does so while technically sound Dravid uses it to display his solid defense and gradually build his innings. Each approach has its beauty, UPSC does not have any fixed personality benchmarks. So be Yourself.
2. Honesty is the best policy: The panelists are people who have spent their lifetime in administration, policy-making, and whatnot. Therefore, these people have huge experience in man-management and know a person the moment one walks in the room. This is very natural for someone double your age to understand for the very reason that they too at some point have been there and done that but more importantly their experiences will be too much most of the time more than the age of the aspirant. Therefore it is very important to be very honest and answer only what is known and what you are sure about. Bluffing is not an option here and nobody likes a civil servant who will bluff or lie to his boss! A better way would always be to politely tell that you are unaware of the answer.
3. The First impression is the last: Your entry till the time you answer your first question is crucial in the sense that you should not commit any blunders or appear uncomfortable in any manner. For eg saying good morning in the afternoon session etc., though you can be excused later based on your performance in the latter part of the interview why leave anything to chance. Just give as many mock interviews as possible and you will sail through the first impression part. Nothing extraordinary is expected but one has to avoid simple mistakes that happen unknowingly.
4. A picture is worth a thousand words: Always give examples in your answers: Using examples makes life easy for one and all. The panel too consists of human beings who too are prone to get bored, so make life easy and be ready with examples for your answers. For this in your daily newspaper reading, try to relate things and explain them to yourself and your friends to scale up your articulation.
5. Be passionate: You are a youngster and the energy in a youngster should reflect accordingly to the tune of being infectious. I am not a proponent of being cocky or overconfident but whenever you have the answer which is close to your heart, do open up your heart to show your passion for the topic of discussion. This will definitely come in the picture when answering questions on a hobby or your region etc.
6. I think therefore I am: Have Opinion: Nobody likes a please-all attitude person because such people end nowhere at the end of the day. The opinion is the crux of free speech and you should exercise it. This can literally make or break your interview. Because as a civil servant you would be required to present your view and guide political leadership. A civil servant is not working for his boss but is directly working for the society so be ready to go against the tide. If you give answers which are not showing your independent bent of mind maybe you will not seem that appealing. However, it is always important to back up your answers with facts.
7. Hobbies define a man: A hobby is your way of enjoying your own company. So be really genuine. However, on the contrary, it won't make you any less competent if you say you don't have any hobbies but we all have some likes, just be natural and truthful. You are not at any loss if you don't proclaim any hobby.
8. Look before you leap: Never be eager to blurt out your answers unless you have heard the question and given it a thought. Often, it happens that aspirant answers without completing the question and lands themselves in another related question. In crux what you answer is important but how you answer is more important. It is a simple rule, we have two ears to listen and one mouth to speak so speak in that proportion. Be measured and direct. If not in position to answer just say it plainly.
9. Practice make a man perfect: Practice as many mock interviews as you can. You can give as many mocks as you can and afford but the single most important thing you have to take from this is feedback from the panel. The feedback helps you to understand your negatives as well as positives. Do as many mistakes as possible because in this way you explore all the things that can go wrong and simultaneously you are upgrading yourself to understand what is working for you and what is not. Remember if you want to ace anything you have to practice it to the point of excellence. Be ready and do all antics you have in your mind in your mocks because the margin for error will be near zero so gather the feedback and try to improve upon it in each mock interview. Mind well you are increasing your good luck quotient by facing the mock interviews.
10. Rome was not built in a day: Remember we all start from scratch. The expert today was a novice yesterday. Mains was your knowledge exam, interview is your wisdom test. It has to be built up bit by bit, and good things do take time. Your time will come when you are ready. Just give your best and forget the rest!
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11. Take a deep breath and be in moment: Not easy, i know it very well! But wait i am not going to tell you to start meditation when you have not done it till this moment! People are anxious, jittery and not sure what they are going to face. But relax, take a deep breath, if i am asked how? i will say go to a spa have a relaxing massage. Take atleast 2 massages before you appear for interview. It will help you to unwind your body and affects the mind in a very positive way. Some may think it is activity of indulgence which is an opinion i too carried for long, but it is hardly true, a good massage will make you relaxed in body and mind. We after developing habit of sitting for long hours develop postures and sore pains which we are not even ready to recognise because they become a part of our self. It is my request to all who are appearing for interview to have a good relaxing massage. If you feel great you would look great ©
-Akshay
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