The CAT's been belled. But can you bring it home?

Caught in a whirlwind of writing out Statements of Purpose, preparing for group discussions or personal interviews for business schools, following the CAT 2015 results?
If you’d like to optimize those precious few minutes with the admission panelists, here’s some quick advice from Professor Shivganesh Bhargava, Head, Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, IIT Bombay, and some students who have been there, 'managed' that, just fine.

It is important to chart out your strengths and weaknesses

Up, close and personal: Interviewer's scoop

Prof Bhargava tells us that the average panel consists of one engineering and one management professor, and occasionally, an industry expert. "While one poses questions, the others observe. Your answers have a big role in determining the next question," he reveals.

Be yourself
“With the initial introdutions, we try to put the candidate in a comfort zone,” shares Prof Bhargava, emphasizing the need for candidates to be themselves sans reservation, exaggeration or pretence. “We eventually go on to test their subject knowledge, or functional expertise, or a bit of both. Often, when asked to pick, candidates prefer to be tested on industrial problem-solving rather than their own subject.” Prof Bhargava cautions that if this choice is based on the assumption that practical questions can be deflected with abstract, wishy-washy answers, then it could be a misstep” . 
Know your subject
“Being mentally ready to answer some basic questions on your discipline is always a good idea. If you don't know something, go ahead and admit it. Being honest shows credibility and a certain degree of confidence.”

Be convinced, to convince
“Questions like ‘Why an MBA?’ are often met with a generic response of how the degree helps one move up the managerial ladder. Instead, tell us why you think an MBA would help you, in particular, at this point. We are convinced if you are,” assures the professor.

Be a problem-solver
“We often create hypothetical scenarios–professional, personal or socio-political–to gauge the candidate's ability to handle a crisis without losing head. As a future manager, you are expected to take quick, mature decisions. This is also used to tap into your personality–how sensitive or responsible you are, even outside the management field.”  

Fret less, listen more
“Some candidates spew out answers without really hearing the question. This is a mistake. Attentive listeners stand a better chance of grasping what is actually being asked.”

Be socio-culturally aware 
“This is more than mere general knowledge prodding. If you are clueless about an issue that concerns a large majority of the population, it does not reflect well on your social- and people-engagement skills.”
Dress well, know better
“Sure, a sharp dresser is appreciated, but appearance can’t help where your domain knowledge falters,” says the professor

Professor  Shivganesh Bhargava, Head, Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, IIT Bombay

Tackle-it tips
Maintain a natural disposition
Provide credible information and be ready to substantiate
your claims
Pay attention, listen up
Be present, confident and positive

Turn table: Student speak
Riju Bhattacharyya, from IIM Calcutta, reckons, “A major challenge is providing a satisfactory answer to the ‘tell us about yourself’ question, since that’s what gives the interview direction.”  He suggests:
Highlight your good work, clue panelists into your background, interests  and strengths
Talk about things you are comfortable deep-diving into–drive the discussion
Show enthusiasm and make eye-contact
 
Panelists prefer candidates who can keep their cool under stress and often heckle students to test this, believes Anvesha Reyaz, from IIM Indore. She advises:
Be thorough with every point in your resume. Be prepared with academics (three to four subjects) if you're a fresher, or knowledge about your industry, company and competitors, if you are a professional
Be updated about your home city/state and the city/state of the business school that you are interviewing for
Wear a smile, think of the interview as a healthy discussion

 “Being witty helps,” admits Noel Roychowdhury, but she also warns against the pitfalls of pretending. “They'll see right through, insists the IIM Kozhikode student. She recommends:
  Learn more about your hobbies, even their technicalities 
 Know and admit to your weaknesses
 Keep an open mind, keep away tailored responses