Best Tips to Crack PSU Interview After GATE

"A job interview is not a test of your knowledge, but your ability to use it at the right time in the right way."

With the declaration of GATE 2021 results, candidates those who have good score are pretty close to their dream jobs. Once their application gets selected, the next step is to clear an interview and a group discussion. IOCL, ONGC, NTPC, MECON, PGCIL, HECL, and BPCL are some of the PSUs that recruit employees through GATE. Each of these Public Sector companies has its own criteria for selecting the right candidate for their vacancies. Generally, the parameters they consider are the candidate’s GATE score, qualifications, and performance in the interview and GD.

Job interviews are conducted to evaluate your personality and attitude, not to test your knowledge alone. A mere GATE score does not define anyone’s worth or potential. Hence, interviews help the company understand the candidate’s communication abilities, interpersonal skills, moral & ethical stand, and attitude towards the career.

A candidate can expect four categories of questions during a PSU interview.

Subject-related Questions

Make sure you have a good knowledge of the basic concepts in your respective subject.
You should have a thorough knowledge of the projects, internships and training that you have undergone.
They might ask you more than one question about the projects that you have done. So focus on your B.Tech/M.Tech project during your interview preparation.
You must concentrate on the application side of all the concepts rather than simply memorizing them.
You must do a background research about the company before attending the interview. Understanding the company nature and the job profile is very important.
They will ask questions based on the job profile and the type of company, so plan your preparation accordingly.
They might give you a math problem to solve. If so, you need to have your own stationery (a sheet of paper & pen).
You should have strong/favourite areas, and you need to have in-depth knowledge about all the concepts and terms that come under that area.
If you do not know the answer to a question, do not hesitate to tell them you don’t know it politely. However, don’t forget to say that you will look into that topic.
You may have enough knowledge, but the only thing that matters how you present it before the panel. So, give your answer with confidence and clarity.

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2. Career-related Questions

While preparing for the interview, plan out your career goals, both short-term and long-term ones.
Be realistic when you talk about your career goals and future plans.
Prepare the response you want to give if they ask why they should hire you. For example, you should speak about how the job profile matches your skillsets and how they will benefit the company.
Do not bluff. The panelists can see right through you, so you need to remain sincere and genuine.
They might ask you about your choice of that particular company. You should be well aware of the company to give the best response.
Demonstrate your genuine interest in working with the company.
If you refer to the company details, objective, and job descriptions, they can understand that you have done your homework.
Express your passion for your engineering stream and how much you aspire to work in that particular PSU.
Make them understand that you came with a purpose. It would appear immature and unprofessional if you act naïve.
Another aspect you should consider is your alternative career plans. You should be well-prepared to give a clear and calculated response. A structured career plan shows your determination and confidence.

3. Personal Details

This category of questions includes your name, family, place and personal interests.
You should have good knowledge about your native place and its features. For example, they might ask you about its historical importance or any other speciality.
Another possible question is about your strengths and weaknesses. You should be diplomatic and genuine while answering this question.
The interview panel wants to know what part of your personality adds value to the company. For instance, you can tell them you are result-oriented and punctual.
In the case of your weakness, you can tell them if you think any aspect of your personality needs improvement.
If they ask you about your hobby, be careful not to say some random interest or time pass. A hobby is something that you do with passion, and it plays an integral part in your life—for example, reading, stamp collection, sports, cooking, gardening etc.
On the other hand, while you talk about your interests, you can tell them you like listening to music, watch films etc.

4. General Knowledge & Current Affairs

Since you have a General Studies paper for your GATE exam, you must have some basic knowledge about this section.
If you are aiming for a PSU job, you must read a standard newspaper every day to keep yourself updated about current affairs.
You should have in-depth knowledge about the national and international affairs of social importance.
Having decent general knowledge will help you pass the Group Discussion round also.
To evaluate your problem-solving skills, they might give a situation/problem to solve. You must be well prepared on how to answer such analytical questions.

General Tips for PSU Interviews

Interview Room Manners

You should knock on the door very gently. Then, open the door slightly and ask for permission to enter the room.
Do not forget to thank the panel wherever it is necessary.
Usually, the PSUs interview panel consists of 5-7 members, including HR officials and subject experts.
After entering the room, greet the panel politely. Remember to wish the female panelist first and then the males.
Do not sit down unless they ask you to do so. Thank them again once they offer you the seat.
Do not slouch or sit in an awkward position. Instead, sit straight and carry yourself with ease.
Wear a formal outfit, ironed and neatly tucked.
Be humble and well-mannered.
Maintain eyes contact with the panelists as it shows your self-belief.
Maintain a pleasant composure throughout the interview. Remember, the first impression is the best impression, especially in interviews. If you are well mannered, systematic and confident, the panelists get a positive vibe from you.

Self Introduction

Self-introduction is something you can prepare and practice in advance. It is known to everyone what kind of questions they ask during the self-introduction.

You should write down all the points they want to include in the self-introduction and practice it.
It should contain details about your name, your place, family, educational background and hobbies.
Do not make it too elaborate or too scanty. It should have all the necessary details and must present it with clarity.
Even though you prepare the self-introduction beforehand, it should not sound like a scripted one.
If you can pull off a good self-introduction, it boosts your confidence

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Documents

Carry a file containing all the below-listed documents, arranged in an orderly manner.

Resume
Academic certificates
Abstract of your projects
Certificates of co-curricular & extra-curricular activities (seminars, training, conferences, workshops, volunteering etc.)
Call letter
A set of photocopies of the certificates
Blank paper
Pen

We hope this article helps you understand how to perform well in the PSU interview process. Keep all these points in mind while preparing for your interview, and we wish the best for you. You did an amazing job so far, and now all you have to do is show the interview board your real potential.