Best UPSC Interviews and Key Red Flags to Avoid in UPSC Interview | Interview Tips

Summary

The video script discusses the impact of interviews on the interviewer, highlighting a candidate who topped the Odisha civil services but couldn't join due to being an engineer in a PSU and eventually becoming an IAS officer. The discussion emphasizes the importance of humility, sensitivity, and integrity in candidates, using the candidate's story to illustrate these traits. The interviewer shares insights on red flags during interviews, such as arrogance and insensitivity, and green flags like sensitivity and struggle, using the candidate's journey to underscore the value of these qualities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interviewee was deeply impacted by a candidate who topped the Odisha civil services but couldn't join due to being an engineer in a PSU and becoming an IAS officer instead.
• 🏆 The candidate's family income from agriculture was noted, with the father's income stated as ₹1 lakh and the mother's as zero, highlighting potential gender disparities in work recognition.
• 🌟 The importance of humility and the ability to admit mistakes during interviews was emphasized, as it reflects integrity and sensitivity.
• 🚫 'Arrogance' was identified as a red flag in interviews, especially for civil services where discretion and respect for others are crucial.
• 🙅‍♀️ Insensitivity towards marginalized communities or groups was pointed out as another red flag, indicating a lack of empathy and understanding necessary for public service.
• 🗣️ The interviewee discussed how non-verbal communication, such as body language and tone of voice, can reveal arrogance or insensitivity.
• 💡 The interviewee stressed that integrity is key, and candidates should not pretend to know something they don't, as honesty is valued.
• 🌱 The candidate's struggle and sensitivity towards societal issues were highlighted as positive traits, showing their depth of character and empathy.
• 📚 A fondness for candidates who are passionate about their subjects and show a deep understanding and love for what they've studied was expressed.
• 🌐 The interviewee's approach to interviews was described as a storytelling experience, where they look for a candidate's life journey, struggles, and personal growth.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the interview discussed in the script?

The main theme revolves around the interviewer's experience and impact from interviews, particularly focusing on candidates who have excelled in civil services but chose different career paths, and the qualities that make an interview memorable and impactful.

Why was the candidate who topped the Odisha civil services but didn't join it memorable for the interviewer?

The candidate was memorable because she was an engineer who became an IAS officer despite not joining the civil services, which is unconventional. Her story and the interviewer's interaction with her left a lasting impression.

What are the 'Red Flags' the interviewer mentions that should be considered during an interview?

The 'Red Flags' include arrogance, insensitivity, and dishonesty. These are traits that could indicate potential issues with the candidate's personality or integrity.

How does the interviewer define arrogance in the context of an interview?

Arrogance is defined as a candidate displaying overconfidence or a sense of self-importance during what could be one of the most crucial interviews of their life, which is considered a warning sign.

What is the significance of the term 'insensitivity' as used in the interview context?

Insensitivity refers to a candidate's lack of empathy or awareness towards marginalized groups or individuals, which is seen as detrimental to a democratic bureaucracy.

Why is honesty during an interview considered important by the interviewer?

Honesty is crucial as it reflects a candidate's integrity. Dishonesty, such as claiming to know something when they don't, is a red flag indicating potential ethical issues.

What are the 'Green Flags' that the interviewer finds impressive in a candidate?

The 'Green Flags' include sensitivity, struggle, and a deep passion for their subject of study or work, which showcase the candidate's character and dedication.

How does the interviewer feel when interviewing candidates who are passionate about their field of study?

The interviewer feels a sense of joy and satisfaction when candidates show deep passion and knowledge in their field, as it indicates their love for learning and their discipline.

What does the interviewer mean by 'story reading' when conducting an interview?

'Story reading' refers to the面试官's approach to understanding a candidate's life journey, struggles, and experiences, which helps in assessing the candidate's character and suitability.

Why does the interviewer value the candidate's struggle and background in the interview process?

The interviewer values a candidate's struggle and background because it provides context to their achievements, resilience, and the potential for them to empathize and contribute positively in their future roles.

What is the importance of a candidate's social skills according to the interviewer?

While social skills are important, the interviewer emphasizes that a candidate's passion for their discipline and their integrity are more valued, as these traits contribute significantly to their personality and potential for success.