The UPSC civil service examination is the toughest competitive examination in the country. Only a thousand people clear it from the around eight lakh aspirants every year. The year-long selection process involves three stages in which the candidates are expected to showcase different talents. In the last stage, when around 2,500 people battle for the top spot, the competition reaches its zenith.
In the last stage called Personality test, the candidate will be interviewed by five eminent elders of different backgrounds like bureaucracy and academics. To make a favourable impression, candidates try out different strategies.
Recently, while conducting mock interviews for the candidates, I came across a young man who tried to master a new technique. Though he was a fresh graduate without any work experience, there was nothing youthful in his demeanour be it the body language or way of speaking. He spoke in a halting measured way; never taking any stands. His views were confused and he seemed to lack any fresh current of thought. Once the mock interview was over, I asked him, “Is this the way you normally speak?” He answered in the negative. Then I wondered why a person who is barely 24 speaks like a man of 40 with bitter experiences in life. His response was, “I was trying to give what the board expects!”
“What do you mean?” was my reaction. He then explained that since the board comprised of elders, he thought that it was better for one to behave and talk like an elder. A strategy directly inspired from the proverb, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” I should say!
I tried to explain that since the board members are presented with the biodata of every candidate minutes ahead of an interview, they will have a mental picture of the candidate before he/she enters the room. If the candidate’s behaviour does not match the picture, the chances of a bad score is quite high. A fresh graduate is expected to have that youthful energy and a person with more work experience is supposed to show that maturity. The expectation of the interview board will be different for different people.
Being yourself is the best thing in any personality test. Speak and behave appropriately, considering one’s background. Never try to imitate anyone as it is sure to backfire. One can polish the presentation skills but trying to change the personality altogether will never fetch rewards.
(Remya Roshni cleared the civil services examination with all-India rank 72 in 2006. She quit the service after one year and has been coaching aspirants. She has authored a book 'Civil Service Pareeksha: Endu? Engane?')
