In this series, we will be dissecting commonly asked interview questions and the questions that are a part of the form-filling process at institutes. These articles will throw ample light on the DOs and DONTs when it comes to answering these questions and will be slightly more in depth and scientific compared to the other ‘be-confident-and-give-it-your-best-shot’ generic gyaan articles that you would have come across. To start with, we will be dissecting the IIFT form that needs to be filled and sent by the shortlisted candidates so as to be your face before you turn up for the actual IIFT GD PI process. Needless to say, the form is quite rigorous and casually filling it or underestimating it would be extremely foolhardy and so, we advise that you go through these articles before you fill up the actual form. Also, talk to your seniors at IIFT and try to put the soul of the institute in your answers so as to be prepared for the IIFT GD PI process.
IIFT GD PI Preparation
What do you like to do in your leisure time?
This questions is not to evaluate you but to understand you as an individual. Interviewers don’t use this question to assess you but to figure out if you will fit in the culture. During the program, you will be interacting with other students and working in teams. Having a well-rounded personality is much better than a unidimensional focus on a task or an objective. In other words, this is your ‘Airport test’:
Your flight is cancelled and you are stuck at the airport with this guy for the next three hours. How happy would you be about that? Would you look for the nearest way to escape? Or, would you look forward to a couple of hours of interesting conversation with him or her?
That’s roughly the set of questions that recruiters at Google ask before they hire someone. Google calls it the “airport test”. Many things have changed in the company that has graduated from a Stanford dorm room in 1998, to a 33,000-employee powerhouse — but the airport test has remained a constant.
Read more about the test here.
This question looks pretty simple but is difficult to answer. Most of the times, people write things that look good instead of things that they actually do. A typical example is ‘volunteering with xyz NGO’ which sounds great but if you have done it once for a day some five years back for a college project to get 3 extra marks, it doesn’t really count as an activity that you do on a regular basis. There are people who do it on a weekly basis and it makes sense for them to write.
- Why do you invest your time in this activity?
There will be clear reasons behind your choice. May be you developed an interest over a period of time or you were naturally good at something. As you spent more time in that activity, you realized that you are getting better and started putting more time. Go back in time and find when you had that realization.
- What are the benefits of pursuing this activity? (Obvious benefits + benefits that aren’t so obvious)
Fun. Most of us do things that are fun and people have different definitions of this concept. One might find reading far more interesting than say mountain climbing. That depends on the personality trait and external parameters. Having said that, someone who reads passionately and someone who climbs mountains passionately will have traits that are similar. Obvious benefit of something like mountain climbing is having an active healthy life. The indirect benefit is developing a certain discipline, perseverance and risk taking ability. So look for things that you do and the benefits that you get out.
- How do you feel while you are engaged?
Joy? Thrill? For someone, visiting old age home and spending time there might be a fulfilling activity. Someone might find speedcubing thrilling and exciting. Find out more about your feelings and that should help you prioritize your leisure time activities.
How to prioritize?
I like dancing. I cook well and I read a lot. I also like movies and music. I like traveling to new places and meeting new people. I like to watch television shows and watch plays as well. I like hanging out with friends and family members and also spend time with my dog, Bruno.
You might be doing all these things. But you can’t mention everything that you do. Prioritize. Estimate the time that you have invested in these activities in the last few months. The first few things that come to your mind will be the ones that you should write about. Another great way to shortlist activities is to ask people who see you on a regular basis. Ask your friends the following question.
What do you think I do in my free time?
This clarity will definitely help. Even for someone who is reading your answer, reading 2-3 things is easier than reading 10 things. Make it easier for interviewers.
What should be there in your answer?
You must have got a fair idea of what is expected. In addition to things that I have already mentioned, be a little specific. It gives clarity and direction to the interviewer. Choose a better answer from the following two sample answers:
Sample 1: I have been reading since my childhood and like to read a lot. Reading has helped me a lot in my life and I read about 100 books a year.
Sample 2: Reading has always been an integral part of my life. As a kid, I used to read everything I could get my hands on but over the last few years I have developed an interest in reading behavioral economics and I’ve read books by Daniel Kahneman and Dan Ariely.
It is clear that both like reading but the second answer is more impressive. It is specific and pushes interviewers to ask you about stuff that you have read. In the first case, an interviewer might ask you about some esoteric book and you will land up in an uncomfortable situation. Needless to say, don’t write something fancy and get yourself hammered with questions.
Activity and research (indicative)
Reading: favorite authors, favorite books, currently reading, last read, current affairs from the world of literature, etc.
Sports: decide if you are a follower or a player or just an enthusiast. Again, current affairs, famous players, some trivia, last major series/tournament results, your views on a team/manager’s decision, etc.
Music: playing or listening, instruments, well-known players, genre specific information, etc.
Movies: Genre, American/British/Indian/other countries, Awards, favorite films, actors, etc.
Traveling: Places/countries you’ve visited, understanding of different cultures, next travel destination, etc.
Writing/blogging/poetry: favorite blogs, something from your last written piece, etc.
Caution
While writing activities, have a good mixture of activities that you enjoy in isolation and that you enjoy with other people. For example, calligraphy and playing football; watching documentaries and trekking; cooking and performing arts. Don’t write super mainstream stuff that almost everyone enjoys. For example, Bollywood movies. Unless you can justify your interest by being specific and providing some rationale behind your choice.
Some of you might think that your hobby is extremely common. Just because someone is writing numismatics and philately doesn’t mean that he/she has an edge over you. In the remaining time, consolidate your thoughts about how you spend your time and what you gain out of it. Be honest and write what you do and what you like. Do your research. All the best.
If you need to get your answers reviewed to bolster your chances of cracking the IIFT GD PI, you can send it to us at on our email ID. Do let us know in case you need any specific help with regard to IIFT GD PI preparation. Join our Facebook GD PI preparation group.
