IIFT GD-PI-WAT Interview Experience | Ft. Nishant Thakur IIFT K'22

CAT Study Planner

Date of Process: 27th January 2020

Slot : 8.50AM

WAT topic: Overexposure to social network and the negative effects.

No. of words: 300

The duration given: 20 minutes

GD topic: US-Iran conflict; India's Dilemma

Total no. of candidates in a GD: 16

No. of panelists observing: 3

Duration: 20 minutes

One minute was given to each candidate to speak his/her points, and then the discussion started. Finally, three students were asked to conclude.

Overall: The essay topics are generally a bit open-ended, and structured thinking is important, and that comes with writing practice. The GD topics in IIFT are usually based on the world’s current happenings, so keeping up with the daily news helps a lot. Also, in the GDs, every person is given a chance to talk initially. I believe that gives everyone a great chance to make a good point, which can then be built upon during the discussion.

Interview Experience:-

No. of Panelists: 3

Q1. Tell me about yourself.

A1. I gave the prepared answer, focussing on my job experience, and mentioning my hobbies and interests.

Q2. Why IIFT?

A2. I gave the prepared answer, relating it to my interests in trade and international business. I have a work ex in sales profile working for a trading firm, and hence, mentioned that I would like to build on these experiences in a structured way through IIFT. I also mentioned a few subjects that were part of the curriculum, as well as the port visits that IIFT provides to all students, and my interest in the same.

Q3. What do you search for in a customer?

A3. Asked mainly because of my sales role in the job. Gave my answer giving examples from my past experience, ie, how I searched for customers in one of the green territories assigned to me. Since the whole searching process was a vital part of my job profile, I was quite prepared and confident. I also tried to blend in my strengths in my answer, showing how I managed to deal with different types of customers of different scales, each requiring a different approach.

Q4. Why did you leave your job?

A4. Gave a prepared answer. Kept in mind not to make any negative remarks about my job experience and company. Tried to focus on how I wanted to expand my knowledge base and get bigger exposure.

Q5. Describe a situation where you had a conflict with your colleagues.

A5. This question was also in the CV form which we had to fill and submit when we initially got a call from the college for the 2nd round. Thus, the answer I gave was in similar lines. Again, I kept in mind not to put blame on anyone and showed what I learned from the situation. Was mentally prepared for another situation as well.

Q6. How good or bad is India's economic condition and how can it improve?

A6. A very open-ended question. Gave a structured answer, keeping in mind to include relevant points based on the current happenings then. Gave both the positive points and negative points about the economic situation of the country, and mentioned my personal opinion as well.

Overall:- It is very difficult to predict how the interview will go. Some candidates were asked specific current affairs questions and some about their work ex. It is important to try to drive the interview in the direction you want to, which can be done by preparing the intro accordingly. Having knowledge about current affairs is always a big plus point in these interviews.

Result - Converted

I hope this interview experience of mine helps you in achieving your dream B-school.

Break a leg!