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
Describe an incident in your life that has changed your perspective/outlook towards life
“Each person’s life is dominated by a central event, which shapes and distorts everything that comes after it and, in retrospect, everything that came before.” ― Suketu Mehta, Maximum City
Not knowing what changed your outlook towards life is practically impossible. We are a summation of our good and bad experiences. And all of us know those defining moments, may be not when we are in the middle of such events but after a period of time, when we sit and realize that had it not happened, we would have been something entirely different.
Some of you might find multiple such incidents. Fair enough. Shortlist and mention the best of the lot. Recently, someone I know turned vegan after a ten day meditation session. Now, this is a significant event for that person but the interviewers might not want to read this. It might paint a picture that one is so malleable that 10 days changed one’s way of life. Plus, it might lead to a ‘your-belief-versus-my-belief’ discussion and arguments.
At times, candidates write extremely trivial things and it becomes difficult for others to believe that this event could be the most impactful event in one’s life. Not being able to study because of a family wedding and still managing 80% score cannot be a significant incident. Failing miserably and then coming strong next year can definitely be significant.
Mentioning something from your formative years is a safe option. That period is significant for most of us and it becomes easier to believe and relate to such incidents. Whatever you decide to write, share it with your friends and family and with people who were a part of it. Ask them their views. Understand and incorporate their feedback.
Try and avoid putting interviewers in awkward situations. For example, talking about a health issue might not be the best thing to do. Because it doesn’t lead to a discussion most of the time. It becomes a ‘stop-now-and-ask-me-something-else’ answer than a ‘tell-us-more-about-this-incident’ answer. Write something worth mentioning and let the importance of that incident flow through your answer.
How to frame this answer?
Here is my suggestion. Try to write this experience in the ‘Pixar Pitch’ format. ‘To sell is human’ is a book by Daniel Pink in which he has shared this little formula to pitch your ideas. It’s called Pixar Pitch.
Pixar has produced 13 feature films that together have grossed $7.6 Billion. Six of these movies have won the Academy Award for best animated film. And the company has amassed a total of 26 Oscars in all. How do they do it? Pixar story artist, Emma Coats has cracked the code and argues that every Pixar film shares the same narrative DNA – a deep structure of storytelling that involves six sequential sentences:
1. Once upon a time there was …
2. Every day …
3. One day …
4. Because of that …
5. Because of that …
6. Until finally …
By offering an introduction, you make the reader aware of the initial state. The change is the main event. Because of that and Because of that is expansion of event description or post-event repercussions. Resolution and effects should follow and close the answer. Needless to say, you should avoid using these exact phrases but this definitely gives you a path to walk on.
Also, the answer need not be sad or an unpleasant situation. It can be happy, inspired moments. For someone, reading a book can be a life changing incident. As long as the person is able to justify the ‘why’ part of it, anything should work. It is not the incident that will help you get through but what you write and say about that incident in the interview.
To summarize, write multiple answers and then decide instead of rephrasing one incident again and again. The exercise will help you give a structure to your thoughts and will prepare you for cross questioning by interviewers. Ensure that your answer sounds genuine and leads to a healthy discussion. All the best!
On a lighter note, enjoy this life changing moment (spoiler alert):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuyUKdJccgM
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.
