Why do you want to do MBA from IIMs? Ask this plain question to any MBA aspirant and you will get two answers. One is very genuine and comes directly from their heart and second is the pseudo response which is just a wrapper of all teachings of coaching classes and diplomatic diversions from the core answer. I am not blaming classes here because if you do not sharpen your raw answers with their help, even IIM Profs may not like your frank opinions. Finally it ends up with an answer which is an expected one from the interviewer .The interviewee doesn’t give a complete honest answer and same is the interviewer who doesn’t expect the same. Let’s take two scenarios one by one.

 

Candidate A replies: “Sir, IIMs are world renowned premier institutes which not only provide world class teaching under the guidance of esteemed faculty but also help in adding and sharpening our perceptions, knowledge skill set and attitude .A MBA degree from IIM will help me in harnessing my managerial abilities in a better structured way. This will not only help me personally but will also contribute in adding better managers in corporate world.”

 

Candidate B replies: “Sir, IIMs are world renowned premier institutes and a MBA degree from there will be instrumental in adding brand value to my skill set. Currently corporate world is doing well and there are lots of opportunities for MBAs. MBA degree from IIM will not only make me very market competitive but will also give me edge over other normal degree holders and thus will enhance my market value. Already I have 2 year technical experience and I am not sure if MBA degree from any normal college can enhance my earnings after two years, taking into account that that I will not earning during those two years and will incur cost on self. If you see the current Market boom and placement scenario at IIM, I believe doing a MBA from here will   end up with higher rate of return.”

 

Now if you ask   so called soft skill expert to analyze both the replies, he may very well label Candidate B’s reply as bit selfish, narrow and most importantly inappropriate. In appropriate because people do not expect that kind of answer. The fact remains that both candidate are going for MBA degree because it will enhance their earning capability many folds after two years.

 

Now let’s go to the second question with the following scenario. If a candidate gets a call from IIM B and IIM I, most probable question at I will be:”If you are finally selected at IIM B and I, which IIM will you opt for?” Like previous question’s answer again there is only one correct and mutually agreed answer. Wipe out any statistics that you have in your mind. I mean don’t point out the type of companies and the number of companies that come at B. Never ask them why I release second /third list fir selection and there is nothing like that at B. Also asking why I sends more GD/PI calls compared to B will jeopardize your chances of making into I. The appropriate answer and logic is simple. All IIMs are best(all have their own ego), so called inferior IIMs send more calls because they are very selective and  before final selection need to scrutiny varied sample space. So frame some no nonsense answer.

 

Another typical question that has always fascinated me is: “What is your weakness?” Some typical answers are:

1. I am work alcoholic and forget everything until and unless work is complete.

2. I get annoyed if things are not completed with perfection.

And list goes on with lot of nonsense junk

I still don’t know what may be the perfect answers,but  to be at the safe side I will not mind giving “appropriate” answers till it serves my purpose.I don’t care how honest or dishonest those answers may be.J