XLRI Interview Experience for Human Resource Management: -
My name is Kundan Kumar. I got 98.7 percentile in XAT 2018. I was then working in Tata Motors, Jamshedpur plant as a senior manager from August 2015.
I attended the process in the main campus of XLRI Jamshedpur itself. It was a 2 step process. As soon as I reached the institute, I was sent to a common room, and then allotted a number tag, which I had to wear during the group discussion. The group discussion was on the topic – “Privatization of Indian Railways”
After the GD came the most interesting part, and by far the most amazing discussion I ever had in my life: -
The interview panel consisted of 3 panellists – all males. Let's just say denote them as Interviewer 1, Interviewer 2 & Interviewer 3 starting from left to right.
(They seem to know my company “Tata Motors” and almost all the top managers)
I entered the interview room with my portfolio in my hand and was told to sit.
Interviewer 2: (Looking at my profile), so you are from Tata Motors Jamshedpur
Me: Yes Sir, I work in the Quality Assurance Department
Interviewer 2: So, Kundan! Let’s get started with your introduction first.
Me: Yes sir, So, I belong from Dhanbad, the coal city, where I have completed my schooling. Till class 10
th, I was in Dhanbad Public School, then I moved to Delhi Public School for my senior secondary education. I completed my Mechanical Engineering from BIT Mesra, Ranchi in 2015. During the B.E. course I developed a keen interest in the automobile world, and so, I joined Tata Motors which is the largest automobile firm in India. Since August 2015, I have been working in the Quality Assurance department. Apart from my work, I like playing chess and badminton.
Interviewer 3: So who is your manager in the company, is it Abhijeet?
Me: Sir it's Kishore Deshmukh whose manager is Abhijeet sir. Also, Abhijeet sir currently heads the FMQ subdivision from Pune. He was transferred there in 2012 itself.
Interviewer 1: So, you said you like chess. So, if you compare the chess game with an organisation, let's say your Tata Motors, who do you think will be the king?
Me: Sir, I think the shareholders of the company should be the king as it’s them who provide the working capital to the company
Interviewer 3: See, the chess game ends as soon as the king dies. Do you think the company will be shut down if the shareholders die?
Me: (after thinking for 10 seconds), No sir, if shareholders will die, he will just be replaced by somebody else. Then by this logic, the king should be the one in absence of whom, the company can’t run. Certainly, it has to be the blue caller employees who actually produce the trucks. If they leave the company all at once, it will become impossible for the company to generate the same skill set. I think that is why, most of the company tries to hire employees of their competitors, to include their skills in the organisation as well.
Interviewer 1: The who do you think will be the nights & rooks of the game?
Me: Extending the previous logic, it should be the management of the company. Because they act to achieve the already set objectives and their aim is to keep the employees which are the kings, happy and satisfied.
Interviewer 2: Then who do you think the pawns of the chess will be?
Me: It would certainly be us, the junior managers, who are ready to go forward and face any situation when directed by senior managers. We are the ones who deal with the worst situation on the ground every time and we work for satisfying the work needs of both the managers and the blue caller workers.
(All 3 interviewer laughs)
Interviewer 3: Who do you think the CEOs of these company would be?
Me: Sir, then they have to be the players if the chess game. The different company’s CEO of the same industry fight with each other to win over others by formulating policies and strategies similarly as chess players fight with each other’s to win the game.
Interviewer 1: (He arranged some toffees of different flavours in a line) Pick one of the toffees and tell me why you chose it?
Me: (I picked the orange flavoured toffee) Orange is my favourite flavour. Also, all the toffees are of the same kind which I have already tasted.
Interviewer 2: OK Kundan, Nice to meet you. Thank you very much.
Me: Thank-you sir, all of you. It was an amazing conversation. (I stood up and shook hand with all the professors and left)
I was very doubtful about my interview result. Although the interview experience was fun, I had started thinking that, I won’t be getting selected.
I got selected for the course in the 1
st round itself. Although I didn’t choose the course, as HR is not really what I would love doing.
I am studying at IIM Kozhikode, and my aim is to be a general manager.
But now, I am able to understand that interview. Here in IIMK, Prof Deepak takes a course named “The Game of Poker”, in which he teaches the strategy of the game and how can it be implemented in the business scenario.
The interview mainly checks your analytical and reasoning ability. The professors know that if you are able to structure your thoughts correctly, you will be able to learn the skills needed for managing a business.
I would like to advise you to give preference to your favourite area for an MBA more than you would prefer a college.
With this, all the best to all the aspirants. Let me assure you that an MBA is a wonderful journey.