I recently had my first interview experience at HikeEdu for the position of Business Development Manager. It was during a pool campus drive at my college. The interview itself consisted of two rounds: a Group Discussion and a Personal Interview.
Group Discussion Round
My group had nine members, and our topic was the “Effect of UPI payments on Daily Wage Workers.” We were given 3 minutes and 30 seconds, with 30 seconds for individual preparation and 3 minutes for discussion. While I aimed to initiate the discussion, another member started first. We had a lively discussion, with nearly everyone actively participating. By the end, I summarized the key points, concluding the discussion effectively.
Personal Interview Round
Moving on to the Personal Interview Round, my biggest fear, like many other students, was my introduction. I had prepared it, but it wasn’t asked. During the interview “Why sales?” was the common question for B.Tech students. While my true reason at the time was gaining interview experience (which wouldn’t be advisable to share), I responded by mentioning my skills that can be an asset in sales. Thankfully, the interviewer seemed pleased with my performance, and I was ultimately selected!
This experience taught me valuable lessons:
- Answer questions as soon as they are asked, without getting stuck in your head. Say what comes to mind first, even if it’s not fully planned.
- Speak with confidence. Not just your words, but your voice and posture, should convey your sureness.
- Contribute actively to Group Discussions. Make clear points, but avoid interrupting others. If unsure about the topic, actively listen and build upon others’ insights.
- Be engaging, humble, energetic, and attentive. These qualities make a positive impression.
- Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience!