This formula is so simple that, once mastered anybody can use it to answer almost any question even if he/she hasn't prepared for the same question. All you need is little practice.

In a moment, I will tell you about these 3 steps explaining each step briefly.

Most people approach Personal Interview totally wrong way. They prepare for Frequently Asked Questions like "Why MBA?" "Why this Institute?" "Tell me something about yourself" "What are your strengths?" "What's your biggest weakness?" etc.

Most people prepare standard, boring and trite responses for it, then they rehearse it till they memorize it and then they try to recall the same thing in actual interview.

What happens then ?

Just look at this example

Interviewer P1: Tell us about a decision you have regretted making.

Me: Can I have some time to think?

Interviewer: Sure, the whole point of this interview is to make you think.

Me: Started giving them a prepared answer. Was cut short by P2

Another situation

Interviewer: Tell us about yourself.

Me: Told. Was cut short when I started about my job.

Interviewer: Don't give me the same thing which is already mentioned in your form, wanting to be in a position of responsibility, having ownership in an organization and influencing decision making process, we hear it so many times from everyone, say something from hear.

Another one

Interviewer: Tell me what do you want us to ask ? How do you want your interview to be ?

ME: I am OK with anything! Do you want to know about me

Interviewer: Hey! Then you have prepared for it. I will not ask any question which you have prepared for

The reason this kind of situation happens because of three reasons.

1. You didn't understand question behind the question

2. You were too predictable and boring.

3. You didn't deliver your response in the right fashion (you lacked practice)

This happens with most people and I am going to show you 3 step process anyone can use to stop these things happening in the first place. I learned it from Ramit Sethi

First Step is Understand Question behind the Question

It means getting into interviewers head to understand what he/she is really looking answer for.

Don't answer the surface level question, go deep. I explain this using very simple model called "Empathy Mapping"

Finish this 30 second survey to learn this technique.
If you are asked this question

1. Tell me about your biggest weakness?

The question behind the question is

1. What's your biggest weakness and how do you intend to develop in this area?

2. Tell me about your biggest mistake or failure

The question behind the question is

2. Tell me about your biggest mistake and what you've learned from it

This step works almost every single time and it forces you to identify real question your interviewer is asking.

Second step is Prepare your answer in plain English

After understanding question behind the question you need to prepare answer in plain English.

You don't need to use big buzzwords, jargons, acronyms, superficial language and vague words. Your answers should be positive and professional.

Just see at these responses .This is the problem happens with most people.

Don't use words most people use in their SOPs.

1. Zest

2. Solution driven analytic approach

3. Efficacious member of the top management cadre

4. imbibing management principles

5. brand equity

There is nothing wrong in using some of these phrases/words but most of these words are written or said with no strong reason behind it, they are just written/said to sound intelligent , just to show off their Pseudo-"ORATORY PROWESS". (I hope you get the point)

Everything you say/write should rightly earn its place. If it doesn't, don't include it.

Third step is Practice to Perfection.

Don't ignore this step just because it looks so simple. Most people ignore this step, they just skip it, thinking if they just do first or first 2 steps correctly, then they wont need anything else.

This is a pretty big mistake.

If you use this principle while you practice for your interview, then your results will be totally different. Your chances to convert specific B-school call will go through the roof.

I have created a facebook group for those who are seriously preparing for GD/WAT/PI. I share unconventional yet highly effective advice which I don't share anywhere else on my blog or emails. Here is link to join the group for free. GD/WAT/PI Preparation by MBA Ka Keeda

I have also developed a comprehensive solution covering every aspect, it is called GD/WAT/PI Revolution Comprehensive.