0This is not just the starter of the conversation, but the main course too. The flavor of the interview depends on the ingredients you have mixed in this dish. You speak about a unique hobby, and it adds a certain flavor; you speak about a certain characteristic, and the flavor changes.
In a comparison between all kinds of HR questions that are prepared by the candidate, this is the most important one.
I remember how tensed I used to get hearing the same while preparing my SOP. Bringing a blend of good writing, clarity, crispness, differentiation along with playing all safe, the SOP had become a tumultuous task. The fear to sit and start the big task (as in my head), prevented me taking the first step itself. Most of the times, I was writing and removing the words the entire time.
However If given a thought it actually is a very interesting thing to do. A chance given to speak the most important things about own life and thus shape the direction of the interview any way you want.
Most of the candidates try writing a safe SOP. By safe I mean , writing in a traditional flow as: Name > Academics (University, Stream and percentage) > Professional Work(Years of experience, Firm name and job profile ) > Hobbies. Repeating a lot of stuff already mentioned in the CV, they try to limit the number and variety of questions raised to them. However, if you sit and think from the interviewer’s perspective, who takes hundreds of interviews in a day, the generic and boring SOP may make you a part of the big crowd they had assessed.
You want to make a mark. You want to direct the interview the way you want. You want the interviewer to enter your arena and prevent yourself from entering his.
Hence put some good stuff, something which is unique to you, specific to your personality.
How can you do this? Here are some pointers on what to include in the SOP:
- Mention the most special characteristic of your personality. This could be anything: love for travelling or arts, being a dancer/singer, social work you have been doing, being a fantastic cook, or anything else under the sun.
- Trace backwards, begin with work ex followed by UG and then schooling. Write about responsibilities and learnings you had during this time. Unless there is something substantial, skip very generic things about your schooling.
- Talk about your personal life a bit (keep it precise): family background; learnings from the family.
- Hobbies (Very important): Speak at length, mention achievements if any,
- Strengths and weaknesses.
- Why MBA?
