Preparing for the Interview

Honestly, my own interview didn't go well at all. At one point the interviewers were actually yelling at me. And I had earlier made a mistake. I kept the 'Extra curricular activities' field or something like that blank, so they asked me if I had knowledge of anything beyond computers. When I told them that I had regularly participated in school science fairs and participated in some BTV programs, they told me I wasn't good at selling myself. However keep your cool. And show them how desperate you are to get into this program. If they get the slightest hint that you may try elsewhere - no, they are not going to select you. You have to tell them you will apply next year if you don't make it this year. Also expect questions that are related to your previous education and your work experiences. So if you were a computer professional, you'll be asked what RDBMS is. I was asked what I understood by a computer system, and I couldn't reply because I couldn't understand the question. A computer system may imply a lot of things. What I should have done was instead of asking them to be a little more specific about what they meant, I just should have continued with whatever I understood. Just carry on. And if you don't know the answer to a question, don't pretend that you knew it and was trying to remember it. Be honest and confidently say that although you didn't have an answer to their question, that will be the first thing you will check out as soon as the interview was over. Just present a pleasant confident likable personality. This is true for job interviews as well. Be confident but not arrogant. There is a thin line. Oh, I was also asked what a "system" was, and if Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology was a "project". To answer that question, Ahsanullah is not a project since projects have an end. Below I am presenting some questions and answers I prepared before the interview. My good and genius friend Sadia Zaman, who graduated with a CGPA of 3.98 helped me with the probable questions and the possible answers.

1. Did you go through coaching for this test (they ask this a lot). What is a gerund or an infinitive (or some other grammatical thing that I didn't know very well myself)? They did teach these stuff at Mentors, but i didn't think they were worth learning).

Yes I did.  Getting into IBA is very important for me, and therefore, I did not want to leave any lose ends.  I wanted to make sure, I have tried hard enough and had taken help from all available sources.  So, I enrolled for a coaching program.  I have learned English as my first language academically, and I am comfortable conversing and writing in English.  I also have a strong command over grammar, however this is a part I need to refresh my memory on.  I can always look it up in grammar book.

2. How did you study for this test? Someone I know was asked this question in his BBA interview, and he had said that he studied from SAT books, and they assumed he took your SAT examination because he was planning on moving abroad. He was disqualified.

I solved question papers provided by my coaching program.  I had a study plan.  I also collected articles, which I thought were relevant for the preparation.  I have use of the internet to prepare myself for the selection process. 

3. Are u planning on going abroad? How do we know that you will not transfer to any university abroad later on?

No, I am not.  I believe I can enjoy quality education from IBA.  It is a combination of high standard education, which is within my means.  If I had intended to I would have done so earlier for my bachelor's degree.

4. Why IBA? You will probably say, because it is the most prestigious university in Bangladesh. Then they will ask you what makes you think so.

IBA is very prestigious, and has a very good faculty (you could name some).  It had an overall rating as one of the top 30 business schools in Asia (check if it is still true).  I have friends who have graduated from IBA, and I was very impressed with the standard of their education.  In addition, graduating from IBA entails very good career prospect. All reputed employers are keen to employ IBA graduates, and I have seen that most IBA graduates go on to enjoying a very successful career path.

5. What are your achievements? You don't seem to have much.

I have won several science fair and recitation competition.  It probably does not fit career achievement profile, but it reflects my interest in extra curricular activities.  I believe getting a bachelor's degree was a significant achievement for me. You could tell them that you have a knack for artsy stuff.  Just set yourself apart, and show that you are a person of diverse interest.  You may not have a technical background, but like to, say for example, artsy stuff.  Show them that you are different and you are very determined to succeed.  It is very important that they see you are driven and determined.

6. Then there's a 90% chance that they will ask you to describe yourself. Don't mention things that have already been provided in you admission form. That is a common mistake people make in their job interviews as well. This is your biggest chance to sell yourself. Tell them things about yourself that they don't already know. You may also get this question for the written section

Any attempt to use appropriate adjectives to depict oneself may be likened to constructing a balance sheet without liabilities. I consider my ability to get along with others as a major asset. Since I am personable, it helps me to accomplish the tasks on hand with a fair amount of ease. Growing up in a family of supportive and caring individuals, I recognize the importance of considering everyone’s opinion when taking major decisions. However, at the same time, having spent considerable time on my own during recent times, I value my independence and am able to take charge of situations should it be required. It would be fair to say that I consider myself, a versatile person who can adopt according to given circumstances.

I graduated as a computer engineer from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology. I have had three years experience working as a software engineer. I think I can fairly say that as a student and an employee, I had been hard working and dedicated. My strong point, I would say, is my tendency to stick to something I set my heart to until the task has been achieved. My weak point however is that I am too much of a perfectionist. This can be a drawback in case of imminent deadline. I am working on it, so that I can make a balance between standard and time. My motto in life is that life is too short. We should all make the most out of it. 

 

Other suggestions
Remember, you can steer your way out of any difficult question. 

Show that you are keen, determined, positive, have good attitude to learn.

Be calm and have an approachable, and confident look.

They decide on the first few minutes, so it is largely based on first impression.  So dress right, have good attitude, look confident and approachable - that should do the trick.