Page 179 - Failure to Triumph - Journey of A Student

Section 4 - Interview 23

The Basis of Interview Technique

Introduction

The interview process followed at the SSB is based on Free Association Technique. In this technique,
the interviewer establishes a very free association through his informality and then probes your past

behaviours to extrapolate your likely behaviour in the future. It is believed that your past is a
reflection of your future.

The Conduct

Normally the interviews start immediately after the psychological tests on the second day. The batch
is divided into groups and assigned to various interviewing officers. Normally an interview lasts for

45 minutes to an hour. However, in some cases it may be shorter or longer. Depending upon the batch
th
rd
size, some of you may have their interview on the 3 and 4 day also. Depending upon your
th
rd
interview schedule, you will be told the dress code. In case your interview is on the 3 or 4 day
immediately after the GTO testing, you may be asked to come in sports dress itself. If you have the
time, you must change into formals for the interview. If it is a hot summer you can restrict yourself to a
full sleeve shirt with tie. If it is a winter, you may use a blazer in addition. Remember to shave, and
groom your hair properly. Ladies must tie their hair in a knot and not leave it loose. You will be made
to sit in the waiting room and told your sequence. The interviewing officer will press a bell to call
you in. Remember to knock the door before entering the room. Upon entering the room you will find

that the chair has been placed somewhat far from the interviewing officer and there is also a small
peg table with a glass of water adjacent to it. Go close and stand next to the chair and wait. The
interviewing officer will ask you to take your seat and only then you must sit. Make sure you keep
control of all your body parts and do not hit the table and drop the glass of water. Sit upright and do
not slouch. Keep your legs straight and arms on your thighs. Look into the eyes of the interviewing
officer and keep a smiling disposition. This will reflect your confidence and preparedness to take on
the interview.

Significance of PIQ

The interviewing officer will bank heavily on the PIQ form that you filled in the beginning. Hence it
is important for you to remember what you had written and your answers must conform to your
declarations in the PIQs. Often it is seen that candidates make tall claims in the PIQ but during the
interview they fumble badly. For example, if you write your hobby as reading, then you should at least