A Personal Interview (PI) is an important step in getting admission to a college or landing a job. For XAT 2026 aspirants aiming for top MBA colleges, the PI round plays a key role after the entrance exam. It helps the interviewer understand a candidate’s personality, goals, and skills. To do well, it's important to prepare for common questions. This blog covers 32 frequently asked PI questions with easy tips to answer them. These include questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why should we select you?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Each answer should be honest, clear, and show a positive attitude. It's beneficial to provide concise examples and relate your answers to the role or course for which the application is made. The blog also provides a helpful table of dos and don’ts for the interview. For example, do research on the company or course and don’t interrupt the interviewer. Dressing well, speaking confidently, and showing interest can help make a great impression.
By understanding and practising these questions and tips, XAT 2026 candidates—as well as other students and job seekers—can feel more confident and perform better in their interviews.
32 Common Questions Asked in Personal Interview (PI) With Tips to Answer
Personal Interviews (PIs) are a key part of the admissions and job selection process. They help interviewers understand your personality, skills, and fit for the program or role. Preparing for common questions can boost confidence and help you perform better. Here’s a list of 32 frequently asked PI questions with simple tips on how to answer them effectively.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is often the first question. Keep your answer brief and focused on your education, skills, and interests relevant to the role. Tip: Start with your background, mention key achievements, and end with your goals.
2. Why do you want to pursue this course/job?
Explain how the course/job aligns with your career goals and interests. Tip: Be honest and show enthusiasm.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Mention strengths that relate to the role, and weaknesses you are working to improve. Tip: Avoid cliché weaknesses and show how you are improving.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Talk about your professional growth & the contributions you want to make. Tip: Show ambition but be realistic.
5. Why should we select you?
Focus on your skills, attitude, and what makes you a good fit. Tip: Highlight your unique qualities.
6. What motivates you?
Be honest about what drives you to work hard or learn. Tip: Link your motivation to the course/job.
7. Tell us about your hobbies and interests.
Mention hobbies that show positive traits like teamwork, creativity or discipline. Tip: Keep it brief and relevant.
8. Describe a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it.
Explain the problem, your actions, and the result. Tip: Show problem-solving and calmness.
9. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
Share your immediate plans and future aspirations related to your career. Tip: Align your goals with the course/job.
10. How do you handle stress or pressure?
Describe your strategies like staying organized or taking breaks. Tip: Show emotional control.
11. What do you know about our institution/company?
Research and mention key facts and values. Tip: Show genuine interest.
12. Why did you choose this college/ university/ organization?
Talk about specific features you like. Tip: Avoid generic answers.
13. What makes you different from other candidates?
Focus on your unique skills, experience or attitude. Tip: Be confident but humble.
14. How do you work in a team?
Give examples of collaboration and communication. Tip: Highlight respect and listening skills.
15. Describe a leadership experience.
Share a time when you led a project or group. Tip: Mention challenges & outcomes.
16. What is your greatest achievement?
Pick something that shows skills relevant to the course/ job. Tip: Explain why it matters.
17. How do you manage time and prioritize tasks?
Talk about planning, making lists, and focusing on important tasks first. Tip: Show organization skills.
18. Tell us about a failure and what you learned from it.
Be honest and explain how you improved. Tip: Focus on learning and growth.
19. What skills do you want to develop?
Mention skills important to your career that you are eager to improve. Tip: Show eagerness to learn.
20. Who is your role model and why?
Talk about someone who inspires your values or work ethic. Tip: Keep it genuine.
21. What do you do in your free time?
Mention hobbies or activities that reflect well on your personality. Tip: Show balance between work & life.
22. Are you comfortable working under pressure?
Explain how you stay calm & focused. Tip: Give examples if possible.
23. What are your salary expectations?
Be realistic and research industry standards. Tip: You can say you are open to discussion.
24. How do you handle criticism?
Show that you accept feedback positively and improve. Tip: Give a short example.
25. What are your weaknesses?
Mention a minor weakness and how you are working to improve it. Tip: Avoid weaknesses that are critical for the job.
26. How do you stay updated about your industry?
Mention reading articles, attending webinars or networking. Tip: Show commitment to continuous learning.
27. Why did you choose your graduation subject?
Explain your interest and future goals connected to the subject. Tip: Be honest and clear.
28. Describe a time you worked in a team.
Share how you contributed and collaborated. Tip: Emphasize cooperation.
29. How do you prioritize work?
Explain how you decide what needs urgent attention. Tip: Mention tools like to-do lists or calendars.
30. What are your hobbies?
Mention interests that help develop skills like leadership, discipline or creativity. Tip: Keep it relevant and positive.
31. What is your biggest failure and what did you learn?
Discuss a setback, your reaction, and lessons learned. Tip: Show resilience.
32. Do you have any questions for us?
Always prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role, company, or course. Tip: Shows genuine interest and engagement.
Dos and Don’ts for a Personal Interview
Making a good impression in a personal interview is crucial. There are some good habits to follow, referred to as "dos," and some things to avoid, referred to as "don’ts." Following these tips can help show confidence, honesty, and professionalism. Knowing what to do and what not to do will make the interview smoother and increase the chances of success. Here are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind during a personal interview.
Final Thoughts
Personal Interviews are about showing who you are beyond your resume. Being honest, confident, and well-prepared will help you make a great impression. Practice answering these questions out loud, stay calm, and remember to smile.
