Scored well in your CAT exam? Congratulations!
That’s a major milestone, and you deserve a pat on the back. Clearing the CAT with a high percentile is no easy feat—so take a moment to celebrate. However, remember that this is just the beginning of your B-school journey. The next and equally crucial step is cracking the interview stage. While a strong percentile opens doors to prestigious B-schools, it doesn’t guarantee a final admission. Surprising as it may sound, many bright aspirants fail to convert their calls simply because their "interviews didn’t go well". Interviews can make or break your chances. Based on personal experience and insights gathered along the way, I want to share some common mistakes to avoid during your interview prep. Avoiding these pitfalls can significantly boost your performance.
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1) Don’t Use Fillers Like “Umm” or Casual Phrases Like “Yeah”
It’s natural to feel nervous during an interview, and that nervousness often shows up in our language—especially in the form of fillers like “umm,” “uh,” or “you know.” These may seem harmless, but they signal hesitation or a lack of clarity in thought. Instead, when asked a question, take a brief pause. It’s perfectly okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.
Also, be mindful of using overly casual language. For instance, instead of saying “yeah” to agree with the interviewer, use “yes.” It sounds more polished and respectful. I personally learned this the hard way when an interviewer gently pointed out that “yeah” wasn’t appropriate in a formal setting. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to speak professionally during interviews.
2) Avoid Trying to Be Oversmart
This is one of the most common yet overlooked pieces of advice. In an attempt to impress the panel, some candidates come across as "overconfident or boastful". This can create a disconnect with the interviewers.
Always remember: B-school interviewers value "humility, honesty, and a willingness to learn". Position yourself as someone eager to grow, rather than someone who thinks they already know everything. Even if you have achievements to your name, let your answers reflect maturity and groundedness.
3) Don’t Throw Around Buzzwords Unnecessarily
In today’s world, terms like "AI," "machine learning," "blockchain,"and "big data"are quite popular. But using them without real understanding can hurt your credibility. Interviewers can instantly tell if you’re bluffing.
Stick to the principle of "clarity over complexity." Use technical or trendy terms only when you’re confident about their meaning and implications. If you’ve done a project or internship related to such topics, great—talk about it with clarity. But if you only have surface-level knowledge, it’s better not to bring them up.
4) Be Honest—But Also Smart
Interviewers appreciate honesty, but it should be balanced with tact. For example, if you're asked why your graduation marks are lower compared to your school performance, avoid saying something like, "I was more involved in clubs and extracurriculars." While that may be true, it can make you seem like someone who struggles with balancing responsibilities.
Instead, frame your answer to reflect growth:
"During college, I actively participated in administrative and extracurricular activities. Initially, I found it challenging to balance everything, but over time I developed better time management skills. While my academic scores dipped, the overall experience helped me grow holistically."
This way, you’re being honest while also presenting yourself in a positive light.
5) Keep Personal Opinions in Check
Interviewers may ask for your views on political leaders, ideologies, or current affairs. If the topic touches on something you feel strongly about, be cautious. Don’t let personal bias cloud your answer. Your goal is to show balanced thinking.
For instance, even if you strongly support a particular public figure, don’t blindly defend them if asked a critical question. Present both sides of the argument and stay objective. This shows emotional intelligence and maturity—traits B-schools highly value.
6) Bonus Tip: Practice a Poker Face
Interviews can be unpredictable. You may get questions you’ve never heard before or topics you're unfamiliar with. In such moments, your body language speaks volumes.
Try to maintain a calm, composed expression—even when you’re unsure of the answer. Avoid shaking your legs, fidgeting with your hands, or breaking eye contact. These are all signals of nervousness. Practicing a “poker face” can help you appear more confident and collected, even under pressure.
If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay. Just say something like, “I’m not sure about this, but I’d love to read more on the topic.” It shows openness to learning.
Final Thoughts : Don'ts of MBA GDPI
Cracking the CAT is a significant achievement, but don’t let your guard down. Interviews are a test of not just your knowledge, but also your presence of mind, emotional control, and how well you present yourself.
Keep these points in mind while preparing, and most importantly—"practice". Mock interviews, self-assessment, and feedback can go a long way. With the right mindset and preparation, you can truly shine and convert your B-school calls into final admissions.
Best of luck on this exciting journey!
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