Dear Aspirant Officers, many times the students are confused about the things that must be done at the personality test and the things that must be avoided at au cost. If one can keep in mind these factors successfully, the chances of scoring very well in the Personality Test is almost a certainty. Hence here I am discussing few Do's and Don'ts.
What Do's
Procedural:
- Do take proper sleep the night before the Personality Test.
- Wear a proper dress well suited for the occasion.
- It should be a well ironed formal dress.
- Shoes should be polished and should have soft sole.
- You should be well aware of the exact timing of the Personality Test.
- Know beforehand the exact time it takes to reach the Personality Test destination.
- Reach the UPSC at least half an hour before time.
- You should have gone through the newspaper of the day.
- Do take proper care of your health.
At the Personality Test:
- Greet the Board members politely.
- Greet the chairperson first; and if there is a lady member wish her first.
- Be polite and courteous while greeting the Board.
- Take the chair only when asked to take.
- Sit in the chair with firm composure, you should avoid fidgeting.
- Be confident and relaxed during the Personality Test.
- Listen carefully.
- Do not your head occasionally when the Board member is talking to you.
- Always wear a pleasant smite on your face.
- Understand the question completely before answering.
- Qualify your answers by giving appropriate caveats.
- Use value neutral and gender neutral terminology.
- Show compassion in the answers, wherever required.
- Maintain the proper eye contact with the Board.
- Your body language should become for table and should support your language.
- Always reciprocate to the gestures of the Board.
- Pause before you answer; no need for quick responses.
- Your voice should be audible and clear.
- Always remain objective and unbiased.
- Be precise and exact.
- Be rational and logical in your explanation.
- Be appreciative and accommodative of the difference in opinion.
- Provide workable solutions to the problem in the question.
- Clarity of thought and expression is must.
- Present fresh and unique ideas and avoid rhetoric answers.
- Be calm and composed during the silence in between the questions.
- Maintain your integrity while answering.
- Believe in yourself.
- Remain honest.
- Your answers should always be balanced, based on logic and rationality and should conform to the constitutional and legal framework of the country.
- Try to support your answer with examples, facts and illustrations.
- Be calm when asked provocative questions.
- Leave the chair only when you are asked to do so.
- Do thank the Board members before you leave.
What Don'ts
Procedural:
- Don't remain awake till late hours on the night before the Personality Test.
- Don't eat too much before the Personality Test and nor should you go empty stomach.
- Don't be late for the Personality Test.
- Don't smoke before the Personality Test.
- Don't get angry at anything before the Personality Test. The mood may carry to the interview room.
At the Personality Test:
- Don't forget to knock the door before you enter the hall.
- Don't take the chair unless asked to do so.
- Don't keep your hands in your pockets or fold your arms across your chest.
- Don't cross your legs.
- Do not make unnecessary body movements and body gestures.
- Do not make wild guesses and do not beat around the bush.
- Don't give very long introductions to your answers.
- Don't carry your cell phone in the interview room.
- Refrain from using the controversial clichés and phrases like you know”, "of course”, "obviously", "I mean," “according to me" etc.
- Avoid any kind of argument.
- Avoid generalizations. If you have to do it somewhere, do with caution and with proper caveats.
- What is easy to see is easy to miss. Often we can miss the obvious while running after the insignificant paints. Refrain from that.
- Never try to be fake or bluff the Board.
- Never try to test the Board.
- When the question has been asked from a generalist perspective, refrain from answering in the terms of technical jargons.
- Don't make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.
- Never disrespect the Board.
- You may be praised for some of your answers, your qualifications or achievements. At that time don't forget to show humility in your conduct.
- Don't be unprepared for typical interview questions, as they all might not be asked, but if you falter on those, that'll give a very bad impression.
- Don't show over confidence and arrogance
- Don't answer with partial knowledge.
- Do not use the jokes and don't try to be over friendly with the Board.
- Don't give impractical answers.
- Don't try to project yourself as an over honest person.
- Don't look behind at the Board members white you are coming out.
- Don't panic.
- Don't show any sign of ego.
- Don't lie.
- Don't hesitate to accept your mistake.
- Never try to claim anything that you have not done.
- Don't bite the nails, play with your hairs or fingers.
- Don't flatter the board.
- Don't try to imitate anybody. Be yourself.
- Don't try to use literary language.
- Don't make inappropriate gestures.
- Never interrupt a board member while he/she is asking a question.
- Don't feel shy or nervous in asking a board member to repeat a question.
- Don't be over critical.
- Never make a statement that will portray you as a communalist , sexist, casteist or any other type of a biased person.
- Don't have an "I knew this already type of smile.
- Don't raise your eyebrows in surprise.
- Don't roll over your eyes.
- Don't be ambiguous in your answers.
- Don't look at your watch.
- Don't try to judge yourself during the Personality Test.
- Don't give up during the Personality Test. Keep giving your best till the last second.
- Don't forget to close the door completely before you leave the hall.
Next: Tricky Situations for UPSC Interview
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