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The
Interview
The interview allows institute to learn about the candidate's
personality in a way that the application itself cannot offer.
To an extent, it also enables them to ensure that all information
on the application is truthful; for instance, if a candidate
misrepresented her contribution at a certain job or extracurricular,
she may be unable to speak about her responsibilities in as
much detail as would be expected. It is thus extremely important
not to give any false information on the application.
Though the institute wants to "get to know" you via
the interview, you should not take that as license to behave
as you would with friends. To the contrary, you should act in
your most professional, mature manner, coming to the interview
prepared for the most common questions and ready to speak about
them eloquently. We suggest that you practice your responses
to popular interview questions and present yourselves in the
best possible light.
A
panel of 5 –6 judges will hold the Interview. The panel
will consist of at least one administrator from the office of
the Design School, One or two head of departments, One psychologist
and one professional designer. The objective of the interview
is to determine your eagerness and dedication to the course.
Your ability to think on your feet, your language, poise, confidence,
aggressiveness, all count.
SOME
TIPS
Your
Dress
-
Use formal dress to appear for the college interview. It is
not necessary to wear a shirt and tie or dress; however, you
should look nice and neat.
-
Avoid using brand new clothes, as you may not feel very familiar
with them.
-
It is not wise to change usual hairstyle or clothing patterns
as they will inconvenience the candidate.
-
Bright
jazzy colours will be inappropriate.
-
Clothes
have to be clean and ironed to represent order and discipline.
-
REMEMBER:
Your style of dress is a direct reflection of your attitude
toward what you are doing.
Your
Documents
-
Carry
a pen in the pocket or folder.
-
Carry all your documents /portfolio in order in a folder.
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Carry only relevant documents.
-
Carrying certificates and documents in plastic carry bags
will not give the impression of quality and class.
-
Do not present any certificates or documents unless asked
for.
-
Remember to collect all the items of your portfolio given
for perusal at the interview.
Entry Seating and Exit
-
Knock
at the door and then enter even if your name is called out.
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Greet the interviewers as soon as your enter, the lady first
and the gentlemen thereafter.
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Sit down only after you are asked to .
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Remember to say ‘Thank You’ before being seated.
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Avoid pulling a chair. Lift it if necessary. Always enter
from the right side of the chair.
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Look at the interviewers instead of looking down.
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Sit without crossing legs and sit straight.
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Keep whatever paper materials you carry on your lap and not
on the table.
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Bend forward while answering questions.
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While answering a questioner , remember to look at the other
interviewers also . Avoid fidgeting like touching moustache,
scratching nose or arranging hair.
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Avoid carrying anything like a key bunch or a pen in your
hands.
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At the end of the interview, get up and move about only after
thanking the interviewers.
-
While moving out, step back first and then turn and walk away.
Answering
questions
-
Listen to questions carefully to comprehend. If you have not
understood a question, politely request for a repeat. Be yourself;
allow your personality to shine.
-
Respond
to questions honestly and candidly.
-
Give
short answers unless asked for longer ones.. Exude confidence
but not arrogance.
-
Be firm when you are sure, otherwise start statements with
“I think” or “As far as I Know”.
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Mouth all words clearly and speak loud enough to be heard
by all in the room...
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Answer immediately without wasting time.
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Avoid being humorous and ironical in your answers. Avoid the
"smart-aleck" reply or the clever-flip demeanor
-
Keep
looking at the interviewers and never at other things in the
room or outside.
-
Give authentic details about anything connected with your
portfolio.
-
It is discourteous to take anything like a pen or paper from
the table in front of the interviewer without his permission.
-
Avoid tightening a tie or pulling at the dress while answering
any questions.
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Answers should not be given in a raised voice even when the
questions come in that manner.
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Answer questions in simple single sentences.
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Avoid giving additional information unless asked for.
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If you are complimented for the answers, remember to say thank
you.
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If your answers or opinions are rejected, say ‘sorry’.
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Avoid repeating answers, phrases or words.
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Be aware of mannerisms and avoid them.
Demeanor
and Interactions
-
Keep
a smiling face so as to welcome any question.
-
Avoid any disagreement with the interviewer unless it involves
your belief systems.
-
If you have to disagree, do it politely and firmly after expressing
regret.
-
It is unwise to contradict one of your answers through a subsequent
answer.
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If an error is brought to the notice of the candidate, he
should accept the same without arguing unnecessarily.
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Use language that is easy to understand but formal in its
usage.
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A candidate should avoid offering her hand for a hand shake.
All the same if offered by the interviewer, she should accept
it.
-
While the male candidate has to stand up to shake hands, a
lady may accept an offer while being seated.
-
A candidate’s behavior should convince the interviewer
about the quality of personality that the candidate has.
The
interviewer may ask you any question under the sun. It is important
that you have wide knowledge about various things, especially
things related to design.
Read, read and read.
Build
up a good knowledge base. Read up magazines like India Today,
Elle, Femina, Outlook and Business Week …
Read at least one English newspaper like Indian Express, Times
of India, Hindustan Times or Hindu regularly. Read all articles
in supplements dealing with fashion, design, cinema or art.
Likely
questions & Topics to be prepared for:
Question
type 1 – Personal Questions
About family, occupation of guardians, about the city you live
in. Your ambitions. Your dreams. How you see yourself 5 years
from now. Give clear and precise information about parents,
brothers and sisters and your self. It’s important to
be honest. Do not give out any unnecessary information. Be very
confident about all the information you have given about yourself
while filling in your application as the interviewers will be
constantly referring to that while questioning you.
Sample
questions: What does your father do? Why did you drop a year
(if you did!) after you 10th standard? Discuss yourself. Name
three words or phrases to describe yourself to others.
Question
Type 2 – Specific to your region
The traditional arts and crafts of your state, or region. The
specialties of your town or state. Any current event pertaining
to your state. Famous personalities from your city, town or
state.
Sample
Questions:
Tell us something about your state?
Which craft is your state famous for?
Question type 3: About your hobbies.
Brush up on whatever that you are passionate about. You may
be asked questions on your hobbies and interests. So only mention
those, which you are knowledgeable about. Prepare to share a
few important details about yourself. You should be able to
list your hobbies and goals, academic strengths and weaknesses,
and admissions qualifications
Sample
Questions: For Sports: Who is the reigning champion in swimming?
Question
type 4: Career related
The interviewer wants to know your level of ambition, determination
to achieve your goals and clarity of your thought process.
Sample questions:
What do you mean by design, creativity?
What is your opinion about the career prospects in this field?
Why did you choose this field?
Why do you want to join this course?
(Know yourself well.
Answers like, “This is what I have always wanted to do,
or I have been drawing all my life” gets you more credits.
You could also answer saying’” I am good at certain
things and I would like to make use of my talents find a rewarding
career” Carry along your certificate, newspaper clippings
of your achievements. )
-
What
would you do if not accepted?
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What
are your long- and short-term goals? Why?
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Why
are you applying to design school?
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Why
does this school appeal to you?
Question Type 4- Subject Related General Awareness
-
About
any designers you know.
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About any artists you know.
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About famous works of art.
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About current events
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About record holders / achievers
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About Advertisements related to the Clothing Industry.
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About endorsements by famous personalities
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About the Textile Ministry, Office bearers etc...
Question
Type 5 - Eye for detail
NID interviewers put you in a lobby or a furnished room to wait
for your turn. There might even be a television in the room for
your entertainment. After you are called in, the panel may question
you regarding the room, about it’s design, suggestions for
improving the arrangements in the room, any thing unusual in the
room etc.
Sample
Questions:
How many Kilometers is the institute from the Railway station?
What is the name of the building next door?
In the room you were waiting, did you observe anything different?
What would you change in the room to make it more aesthetically
pleasing?
Question
Type 7 -Is there anything you would like to ask me/us?
Common
last question in an interview is: Is there something that you
would like to ask us? What does one say?
If an applicant is given the opportunity to ask a question, he
should have something to ask. Mainly, this will demonstrate to
the interviewer that he has done some research and that he is
truly interested in the school. For this reason, the question(s)
you ask should be specific to the school and geared to the academic
side of things. You would not ask a interviewer about the Campus
nightlife scene, but you might ask about the scholarships or industry
interactions. The important point is to show that you are a motivated,
curious individual. Do not ask questions that reveal you have
not done your college research.
Do
not arrive for the appointment with preconceived ideas about the
university. Be open-minded!
Do
not ask questions with obvious answers, such as "How many
students attend this university?" or "Does this school
have any course in management? All good admissions brochures are
designed to answer all such commonly asked questions.
On
the other hand, you could create list of 2-3 questions for the
interview panel based on your research.
Arrive for your appointment on time. Most admissions appointments
are scheduled on an hourly-basis throughout the day and can include
a campus tour. When one appointment begins late, all those to
follow will be behind schedule. If possible, call to indicate
you will not be arriving on time, and ask if alternate arrangements
can be made.
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