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IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) provides a career opportunity to Agriculture graduates who want to work in Public Sector Banks for the post of Agriculture Field Officer. It does not require expensive professional degrees and also helps you to stay grounded by working for Rural Development. With this article, I’m going to provide tips and tricks to ace the IBPS AFO Interview.
IBPS Agriculture Officer is a Scale 1 Specialist Officer, who lend and disburse agriculture loan. The benefit of preparing for IBPS AFO is that the competition is narrowed down to thousands. Whereas those who are appearing in IBPS Bank PO Exam have to compete with millions for the Scale 1 Officer post. Owing to the low competition, the cut off marks for IBPS Agriculture Officers are also relatively low. These two benefits make IBPS AFO the most sought career choice among Agriculture Graduates.
The selection process consists of three parts namely the prelims, the mains and the Interview phase. In this article, I am going to provide a guide on how to prepare for the IBPS AFO Interview while providing tips and tricks. This section can make or break your hopes of getting the job. For the Prelims and Mains, the Entri App is your best companion. With tons of Mock Tests and Quizzes to attempt, you will have an edge over the other competitors.
Tips and Tricks to Ace the Interview
I’m going to provide a comprehensive guide with tips and tricks to help you ace the IBPS AFO Interview. All that is required from you is to adhere to these tips and actively try to incorporate it to your preparation.
Prepare for all Possible Questions
The mistake most people make is to go into the interview and go with the flow while trying to answer whatever question comes their way. This sort of laid back approach is very risky. The Interviewers will have encountered such people in the past and know how to deal with them. If you’re caught unprepared, the chances of getting your dream job will fall down sharply. This is why I advise you to go the interview with an answer to most, if not all possible questions. Most Questions asked would pertain to Agriculture and related activities but it is also important to know current affairs and National/International events. Also, prepare an answer for personal questions that may be asked.
Know the Agricultural Basics
A lot of the questions asked will pertain to agriculture but that is to be expected since you’re applying for the post of an Agricultural Officer. They can ask you what may seem at first sight, unrelated questions. But, the interviewers are great at drawing parallels. Therefore, It is of utmost importance that you have the basic knowledge of agriculture and related fields. The questions asked can be about the amount of allocated funds for Agriculture and Allied Activities as part of the GDP. They could also ask basic questions like what the sowing and harvesting seasons are. It is important for you to familiarize yourself with the basics before going to the interview.
Memorize all the Schemes
Even before the British colonized India, agriculture was a topic of utmost importance to governing bodies. Although the reasons may have been different, their method of boosting its growth was the same. They introduced Schemes and Policies that ranged from Tax Concessions to Increased Fund Allocation. Some even exploited agriculture leading to stagnation. But that aside, India has introduced various schemes to boost the agricultural sector (Primary Sector). Therefore, it is only fitting that the interviewers quiz you on your knowledge of these schemes, their benefits, their beneficiaries, their date of introduction, fund allocation, effect and Impact on the economy, etc. Prepare for this by memorizing all the scheme and have some basic knowledge on them.
Familiarize yourself with the Terminology
Agriculture, like most fields have their own specific jargon or terminology. They are used expeditiously and thus; the interviewers will attempt to quiz you on your familiarity with the agricultural lexicon. This is why you need to prepare for the questions by memorizing all the words. But, do not expect direct questions. Your familiarity will be tested with Indirect questions. These come in the form of normal, random agricultural questions but they will have the word in them. If your answer is in line with the word used or if your answer uses the word properly, it will display your familiarity. However, if you do not know the word, then try to deduce its meaning from the context provided in the rest of the question. But under no circumstance should you lie. If you’re caught lying, your hopes of landing the job would hang on a thread.
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Don’t Beat around the Bush
Most Interviews last around 10-15 minutes. This is because the interviewers can’t spend too much time on one potential employee. They need to go through a stipulated amount of people every day. Chances are that they are getting impatient and frustrated. One wrong move and you could be the one facing their wrath. So, it is important to keep them satisfied by providing direct answers to their questions. Be precise and clear. Give specific answers and they’ll be pleased. Your chances will rise. So, it is important that you don’t waste their time or yours. 15 minutes can prove to be very short if used flailing around.
Maintain Good Interview Etiquette
There are certain ways to behave in an interview. Non-compliance with these set standards of etiquette can be distasteful to the interviewer and/or to your employer. Some of the etiquette includes proper dressing. Wear formal clothes and good shoes. Maintain a good, straight posture. Slouching forward can be interpreted negatively. Don’t fiddle with your hands or any other objects, this can be seen as a sign of nervousness. So can playing with your hair. Have a firm handshake and smile sometimes. Smiling constantly can also be seen as nervousness. Speak politely and keep your cool even if the interviewers lose their patience. Have a friendly attitude and reply professionally. Incorporate good communication skills while preparing for the interview.
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Conclusion
This was the guide to help you prepare for the IBPS AFO interview with tips and tricks to boost your preparations. With the Entri App, there is no way you can go wrong. With tons of Mock Tests and Quizzes, the road to success is almost guaranteed. But, it requires commitment from you. Click here to find out how Mock Tests can improve your scores in the Exams. However, this is the best time to prepare and boost your preparations. The Entri App is with you every step of the way and will help you rise above the rest. Do not neglect your physical and mental health. Good Luck and Stay Safe.
