Tips on Personal Interview and Conference: Dos and Don’ts | Preparation Tips for SSB Interview - CDS PDF Download

Before the interview

Your interviews usually start on the second day. They will be conducted by the president of the board, vice president, or officers of a similar rank in the afternoon.
The CHM will inform you before the interview. They will provide you with details about the interview location, where to enter, and the waiting room.
For the interview, make sure you dress formally and appropriately. Don't ask anyone for assistance with your tie or shoes; make sure you take care of that yourself. It leaves a bad impression when both interviewees require help at the same time. Also, avoid giving anything to others as it may cause unnecessary frustration during the busy time and affect your composure. Be prepared and well-equipped.
When going for the interview, ensure that your chest number is visible and properly attached. Place the necktie below the chest number for easy visibility. It's advisable to wash the chest number the night before, but be careful not to wash away the number from the fabric!
Once you are notified about your turn for the interview, proceed to the waiting room and wait for your turn. There will be an electronic display showing positions like president and vice president.
CHM will inform you about the interviewer who will conduct your interview. Look for the corresponding plate where your number will be displayed, indicating that you can move towards the interview cabin.
While waiting for your interview, refrain from engaging in conversation with other people waiting. Talking to others may make you nervous as you don't know what questions will be asked and how to respond correctly. Similarly, avoid talking to individuals who have completed their interviews, as it may create a difficult situation for both of you (as stated in the waiting room warning: do not stay in the premises after your interview).

Pre-interview preparations

• Thoroughly review your resume.
• Remember the details in your PIQ form.
• Recall your self-description test (SDT).
• Be prepared for general knowledge questions.
• Expect questions about your hobbies, extracurricular activities, and your hometown.
• Be ready to discuss your friends, family, school, college, and any recent incidents related to your mentioned hobbies or extracurricular activities in the PIQ form.
• Remember your educational background, achievements, and work experience, and try to present them in chronological order.
• Iron your interview attire, necktie, and polish your formal shoes. Remember to carry a handkerchief.
• Do not bring your mobile phone, wallet, wristwatch, or any sacred threads. Avoid folding your cuffs and make sure you tuck in your shirt. Look presentable like a gentleman. Wear clean socks.
• Carry a pen and a blank sheet of paper in your pocket in case of an emergency. Avoid asking the interviewing officer for a pen.
• Before heading to the interview, drink enough water, visit the restroom, and reassure yourself that you will be selected. Believe that you will speak only the truth and that you deserve the position based on your performance.

"Being skilled at interviews is a separate skill from work-related skills."

Interview

The interview is a purposeful conversation involving only two people: the IO (Interviewing Officer) and you. Its aim is to assess your officer-like qualities, as well as your nature and personality traits. The IO will be looking for qualities such as power of expression, initiative, drive, tact, alertness, self-confidence, sense of responsibility, quality of critical appreciation, clear and logical exposition, balanced judgment, ability for social cohesion, leadership qualities, moral integrity, and social adaptability. These qualities will be evaluated during the interview, which serves as a cross-checking method.
During the interview, the IO and his team will assess your planning and organizational skills, effective intelligence, reasoning, organizing, expression, social adjustment, adaptability, cooperation, responsibility, social effectiveness, initiative, self-confidence, decision-making power, influence on the team, happy nature, and resourcefulness. They will also consider your dynamicism, including courage, enthusiasm, stamina, and determination.
The IO will have a character map created by a psychologist, which outlines your traits and has been shared with the GTO (Group Testing Officer) and IO. During the interview, the IO will refer to this map to assess your qualities.
In the SSB (Services Selection Board) process, the interview is an interesting phase where knowledge, manners, and true behavior are important. Candidates are advised to be true to themselves and exhibit gentlemanly behavior to increase their chances of success.
It's important to note that the interview is a two-way process. When you enter the interview room, the IO will welcome you with a bright smile and sometimes a handshake. It is important to respond positively. Request permission before sitting and try to stand near the chair. After receiving permission, express gratitude with good gestures.
Non-verbal language plays a crucial role in interviews. Decisions about you are often made within seconds, sometimes even before you speak. Therefore, being aware of your body language is important during a job interview. Positive body language can make others feel comfortable and at ease in your presence, giving you a competitive edge. Here are a few body language tips to follow during an interview:

Hands

• Avoid putting your hands in your pockets during the interview, as it can suggest you have something to hide.
• Be cautious about using too many hand gestures, as they can be distracting and detract from your message. Pay attention to your interviewer's hand movements and follow suit if they use gestures.
• If you tend to talk with your hands excessively, practice answering a few basic interview questions in front of a mirror at home before the interview. This will help you gauge your appearance and determine what is appropriate.
• During the interview, refrain from crossing your arms, as it may be seen as defensive. Instead, keep your hands loosely folded in your lap or rest your arms on the armrests if your chair has them.

Eyes

Maintaining eye contact is crucial, but it should be natural rather than staring. If you find it uncomfortable to sustain eye contact for long periods, try focusing on your interviewer's nose. Smiling while maintaining eye contact can convey a positive message through your body language, rather than coming across as staring.
If you feel that your eye contact is turning into staring, it's acceptable to take occasional breaks, but avoid looking down. This might imply disbelief in what you're saying and give the impression of submissiveness.

Sitting Posture

• Your posture reflects your energy, as well as your interest level, enthusiasm, and self-control. When you stand or sit, make sure to keep your back straight and your shoulders squared. Slouching gives the impression of a negative attitude.
• While sitting, place both feet on the floor and lean slightly forward. Leaning back in your chair may be appropriate towards the middle or end of the interview when you want to appear comfortable.
• However, sitting on the edge of your chair can make you seem tense and uncomfortable, so it's best to avoid sitting too far forward.

Interview Questions

• During the interview, the interviewing officer (IO) will try to make you feel comfortable and relaxed by asking casual questions about yourself. They might ask about your well-being, your experience at the SSB board, your preferences for movies or outings, and engage in small talk.
• Later, they will proceed with asking you questions about your background, family, education, and other basic information. They will then ask you 15 to 20 questions in a row and expect you to answer them.
  The interview can be divided into four phases. The first phase is ice-breaking, where they may inquire about your hometown, the weather there, famous aspects, your name, and its meaning.
• The second phase consists of normal questions, such as the reason behind a low score, how you got involved in drama, your cricket team, and ways to get a batsman out.
• The third phase focuses on general awareness, problem-solving techniques, and decision-making. You may be asked about the Arab Spring, your motivation to join the army, current events in Somalia, the declining value of the Rupee, the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and situational problems. Additionally, questions related to your graduation may also be asked.

The fourth phase involves practical knowledge or technical questions.

• During the interview, it's important not to panic. Answer the questions you clearly understand in a simple and correct manner. Avoid using complex words that may lead to follow-up questions you can't answer. Throughout the interview, maintain a humble, polite, and genuine demeanor. Remember to stay composed and not show any disappointment or failure. Remaining grounded even during tough questions is key to success in the SSB personal interview.
• If you are asked why you want to join the army, avoid giving generic answers like "for the country's service" or wanting to be like James Bond. Instead, be real and firmly grounded, emphasizing your core qualities, experiences, and occupation.
• Show your enthusiasm by maintaining an interested expression and making positive gestures in moderation. Avoid excessive use of colognes or perfumes, as strong scents can trigger allergies and give the interviewer a headache, which won't work in your favor.
• The best way to improve your interview skills is to practice, practice, and practice. Practice in front of a mirror to observe your performance. Close the door, leave your ego outside, and talk about your key points and anecdotes while maintaining eye contact with yourself. This self-reflection will help you critique and enhance your performance. When it's time for the actual interview, you'll be grateful for having practiced looking yourself in the eye, allowing you to gauge how you come across.
• In difficult situations, avoid getting nervous and instead focus on solving the problem. The best approach is to break down the problem, find a solution for each part, and then apply it to the whole. Utilize your planning and organizational abilities. When answering questions, avoid lengthy and vague responses, as the interviewer may say "ATA MAZI SATAKALI RE." Your answers should be meaningful, brief, concise, and to the point.
• Establish rapport and put yourself at ease during the interview. Ensure that your answers are meaningful and concise, without memorizing specific responses since the questions won't be exact. Maintain determination and a strong drive. Demonstrate your ability to work well under pressure. One common mistake candidates make is not being themselves. Trying to fit a certain mold or acting insincerely will eventually be detected. It's important to be professional while maintaining your true essence. This sincerity and genuineness will be appreciated by the interviewer, greatly contributing to your success.
• Highlight your skills, potentials, and achievements while maintaining a gentle approach throughout the process. Remember that the interviewing officer is a senior person with extensive experience, so avoid bluffing. Your aim should be to make the interview productive, assisting the officer in selecting the right candidate. Avoid showing off or asking questions to the officer.
• Maintain a consistent pace and tone of speech throughout the interview. As there will be a distance of 8 to 10 feet between you and the interviewing officer, avoid shaking your legs or making any distracting moves that could create a negative impression.
• After completing the interview, thank the officer and gently close the door. Avoid asking how the interview went, and extend your hand for a handshake confidently. Enter and leave with confidence. Additionally, avoid visiting the waiting room after your interview.

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Conference

• A conference is a gathering where all the board members come together in one room, and you are there with them. It's an incredible experience because you get to meet more than 12 officers in a single room who are focused on you. It's a thrilling moment in life, and I hope everyone who attends a conference will cherish these memories forever.
• I remember a scene from the 26/11 incident where NANA PATEKAR speaks to his senior, but in this case, everyone is dressed in army uniforms and is in a happy mood to select you. The Chief Host Master (CHM) will gather you on the terrace of the board hall (although this may vary at other boards) and provide information about the conference. He will also advise you not to greet anyone other than the president, as greeting the president means greeting the entire board. Please follow this instruction. He will inform you about the order in which they will call you into the conference hall.
• You will be the only person entering the conference hall in front of 12 to 14 officers. Sometimes, they may even show you the actual conference hall, so try to guess the area, your seating chair, and other details and keep them in mind. Feel free to ask any genuine questions.
• Make sure you complete everything ahead of time and arrive at the conference venue at least 10 minutes early. Have breakfast before going there.

Process of conference

• They will ask you to enter in any order, so be prepared for your turn at any time. The CHM will be sitting beside the conference hall door, and there will be a screen displaying your chest number where all of you are gathered. When your chest number appears, go and knock the door, enter confidently, and take your seat with permission. Follow the same procedure as you did in the interview. Only greet the president and keep your focus on them.
• The conference usually lasts for around 5 to 10 minutes. If it takes longer, do not show signs of panic or victory because you don't know why they are extending the time.
• During the conference, each assessor will present their points to the board and discuss your SSB, traits, personality, loyalty, team spirit, and other officer-like qualities. If the psychological and GTO assessors agree that you should be recommended, you will be selected. However, if your SSB shows some undesirable traits, remember that if you don't make it this time, you can attempt again.
• The next step will be the president's address. He will thank everyone for attending and be very courteous. If you couldn't make it this time, he will encourage you to try again, and for those who have exhausted their attempts, he will wish them luck in their future endeavors. Then, either the president or another GTO will come and announce the results after your lunch.
• The same bus that brought you from the reporting area will take the not recommended candidates back. So, wish all the recommended candidates good luck and ask them for their mobile numbers or email addresses so you can seek tips for the next time. However, don't bother them during their ongoing process.
• Lastly, prepare diligently for your next attempt. I always wish you the best, and I have experienced the conference many times. However, I have the utmost trust in our army as an institution because of its fair and unbiased selection process. Therefore, I will participate in the SSB again next time.