“Am I Audible?” – A Guide To Virtual Personality Test For TISS

By Aspirants Relations and Branding Committee

The Personal Interview (PI) at TISS is going online for the first time due to COVID. If you find yourself facing an online interview for the first time, part 1 and 2 of the article are for you. For those of you who want some tips on tackling TISS HR interviews do check out previous articles on InsideIIM by TISS students. Part III of this article gives you a summary of the same.

Part I. Checklist for Online Interview Process: Plan Effectively Before You Take Your Interview

Try out a test run the previous day with your camera and mic setup with friend/family to make sure that the process is smooth during your interview. Pay attention to the lighting in your room and how you are positioned in the frame.
Avoid distracting backgrounds that can divert the attention of your interviewers from you.
Always have a backup device ready on the day of the interview
Make your room as soundproof as possible. Keep away pets, kids, siblings and parents during the interview.
Dress like you would have for the face to face interview. Dressing up in Western / Indian Formals well will certainly do you no harm.
Keep certain essentials such as a notebook, pen and a glass of water ready.
Despite your best efforts expect glitches. Plan for them in advance.

Part II. Showcasing Your Personality In A Virtual PI

Try to look at the interviewers during the interview - minimize the window showing your video (we all tend to look at ourselves).
Your voice is the carrier of your personality during an online interview. Talking slowly, calmly and confidently will help you.
Maintain a good posture. Do not fidget with pens or move a lot on your chairs.
Recording yourself with few of template questions is a good way to practice how you are coming across. This is a great tool to analyze your body language especially when you do an online interview.
Wait for a few seconds before you answer your questions. Always expect delays in transmission or a lag in internet connection.
Be responsive during the interview – small gestures such as eye contact and smiling do matter.

Part III. TISS-Specific Interview Tips

TISS interview is a conversation about you and your experiences. The way you answer the questions posed by the panellists is the only thing that is under your control at this stage. Introspecting about the experiences in your life that have developed, challenged and tested you is a good way to prepare for the interview. Remember to highlight your achievements or endeavours that you are proud of.

Keep yourself abreast with the issues that the world is facing and develop insights about them. Knowing how the pandemic has impacted the field of Human Resources and Industrial Relations will help. You can stitch these aspects in the answers you provide.

Think deeply about why you want to enter into the HR/IR field. This will not only help you in your interview but also later in your life. Try learning about instances where and how HR/IR policies have impacted a particular company from the internet.

Be calm. You may not know all the answers to the questions posed. Answer questions honestly and sincerely.

Lastly, once your interview is done don’t lose sleep over how the interview went or what else you should have said. In an admission process, there are too many variables that are not under your control. Relax for some days and then get back to your routine.

Wishing you the best for your interviews from all of us at TISS HRM and LR. In Dr Suess’ words, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting…so get on your way!”

*******

About the author:

Sheetal S Poojary is an alumna from the TISS HRM&LR Batch 2020, a PPO holder from TAS. When not impersonating a bookworm, Sheetal is found spending time petting her canine friends, cracking poor jokes, and daydreaming.