CAT
Preparation
How do I handle a stress
interview like the Personal Interview?
Don't stress! A successful score on a Common
Admission Test (CAT) may lead to a Personal Interview, which then
leads to an offer of admission. You may be excited and
enthusiastic for your interview, but worried that you'll mess
something up. There's no need to fret - here are some tips that
will make your interview a breeze!
What is a stress
interview?
Questions about work overload, dealing with multiple projects and handling conflict may come up. Stress interviews will test your behaviour in a stressful environment.
Signs you are in a stress interview
An interviewer may behave in an uninterested or hostile style. Don't be discouraged by this. Keep your enthusiasm up and don't show nervousness or discouragement in your tone of voice or facial expression.
An interviewer may not give eye contact, interrupt, turn his back, or ask questions in a demeaning or challenging style. Your mission, as an interviewee, is to maintain eye contact and respect towards your interviewer. Just because they may not show you respect, doesn't mean you should not be courteous or polite either. Always be polite.
When an interviewer asks you probing questions,
you should be honest. Don't be flustered and always be on your
toes. Think before you speak and make sure that what you say, you
can support with arguments or evidence. They may attempt to
trigger an emotional, immature response in you - be don't be
fooled. Always keep your cool. Know that this is simply
psychological and that you are aware of what is going
on.
When an interviewer asks you probing questions,
you should be honest. Don't be flustered and always be on your
toes. Think before you speak and make sure that what you say, you
can support with arguments or evidence. They may attempt to
trigger an emotional, immature response in you - be don't be
fooled. Always keep your cool. Know that this is simply
psychological and that you are aware of what is going
on.
"Rattling the cage"
The interviewer is acting in a social role - he or she is deliberately trying to "rattle the cage" and throw you off. You must realize that there is nothing personal against you - they are acting this way to all other candidates as well. After all, they do not know you. This is a test of your character and personality. Once you realize this, you will find it much easier to handle their questions.
Examples of stress interview questions:
A sticky situation / case interviews
"If you caught a student cheating on their test, what would you do?"
Putting you on the spot
"How do you feel this interview is going?"
Popping the balloon
(sighing) Okay, if that's the best answer you can give me. Then what about this question…?
Oddball question
Why are manhole covers round?
Doubting your veracity
"I don't really feel like your answering the question. Could you please clarify / could you please start again?"
Painful questions
"Why did you switch to political science? Is it because you couldn't handle engineering? Why did you do so poorly on this test?"
How to respond
Aggressive or passive aggressive interviewers can smell fear. They will try to put you on the defensive. This approach is a legitimate and appropriate way to predict a candidate's performance in their future studies and career. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Clarify any questions and respond thoughtfully
- If you're giving an example, make sure you get to the point and don't go off on tangents
- Be honest, open and direct - but don't let yourself be emotionally intimidated!
- Realize that these people may ask tough questions but do mean well.
- Learn to think on your toes and be prepared. Practice interview questions with friends and family.
- Breathe in and out. Relax. This is not the end-all and be-all of your life. You will get through the interview. Once it is done, make sure you can say to yourself that you did a good job and that you did your best.
Good luck on your Personal Interview
(PI)! And remember, don't stress!
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