Most Common Introductory Question: Tell me about Yourself

The personal interview is a very important part of SSB, wherein the Interviewing officer (IO) uses various techniques of assessing the suitability of a candidate for becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.

To begin with, the Interviewing officer ask introductory general questions so as to make sure the candidate is at ease and the initial nervousness and anxiety of attending the interview is greatly reduced and the IO is able to assess the true personality of a candidate. 

However, it is important to note that the Interviewing Officer (IO) generally makes a rough assessment of a candidate in the first ten minutes of an interview. Therefore, the age-old adage, “First Impression is the Best Impression” hold true and an aspiring candidate should use it to his advantage to navigate the complex landscape of interview at large.

 Out of all the questions, an Interviewing Officer (IO) puts across to candidates. “Tell me about Yourself” is the most common however complex if not addressed well. Here's how to structure a self-introduction.

Personal Interview in SSB is a crucial part of the selection process for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. It’s designed to assess a candidate’s suitability and potential for becoming an officer in the military. 

How do I Introduce Myself in SSB Interview – Good Beginning is Half Done.

In a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, the question "Tell me about yourself" is an opportunity to make a positive first impression on the interviewing officers. It is more than simply stating facts; it's a chance to highlight personality, achievements, and motivations for joining the Indian Armed Forces. 

A good self-introduction for an interview should be concise, well structured, and highlight your key attributes in form of relevant qualities and motivational level.  It should cover your name, background, education, motivation for joining the Indian armed forces, and interests, all while reflecting positivity and confidence through your gestures and body language. Here's a recommended structure:

Begin with a Brief Overview

• First acknowledge the time of the day.
• Start by stating your name and place of origin, along with a concise overview of your background.
• For example: "Good Morning Sir, my name is Vishal Sharma.I am from the historic city of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.". 

Talk about Educational Achievements

• Highlight your academic journey, mentioning schooling and college education.
• Explain your chosen course or stream, and any relevant achievements like being a Head Boy or participating in extracurricular activities. 

·        Example: "I completed my schooling at [School Name] and pursued a engineering degree in [Your Field] from [University Name]." 

Discuss Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies

• Mention activities beyond academics that showcase personality and skills, such as leadership roles, participation in clubs, sports, or volunteering.
• For example, mention being part of a college adventure club or volunteering at an animal shelter, highlighting teamwork, perseverance, or other relevant skills. 

Explain the Motivation for Joining the Armed Forces

·       Articulate a passion for joining the Defence Forces, sharing personal anecdotes or inspirations for choosing this career path. A compelling story or personal experience can be very effective here. 

• Focus on explaining a genuine interest and how values align with the ethos of the armed forces.
• For instance, inspiration could come from a family member who served in the defence or para military forces or the sense of purpose and personal satisfaction derived from protecting the nation or you were motivated by some real-life experience in the past.

Mention Work Experience (For Working Professionals)

• If relevant work experience exists, whether paid or unpaid, briefly discuss it and highlight the skills acquired that could be an asset to the Armed Forces.
• Ensure the experience aligns with the decision to join the Armed Forces. 

Conclude by Expressing your eagerness to join the forces.   Reiterate your commitment and enthusiasm. Example: "I am confident that my skills and passion align with the requirements of the armed forces, and I am eager to contribute to the nation's defence." 

Key Aspects

• Be Genuine and Sincere.    Avoid sounding rehearsed or artificial. Let your personality shine through. The interviewers are looking for genuine candidates.

• Be Confident and Positive.    Maintain eye contact and speak clearly and audibly. Avoid filler words and nervous gestures like fidgeting.

• Clear and Concise.   Aim for a brief and impactful introduction, not a lengthy monologue. Should not be more than 2 to 3 minutes.

• Past Experiences - Armed forces.      Show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the military. 

• Practice the introduction.   Rehearse the introduction multiple times to ensure a natural flow and smooth delivery. Practice in front of a mirror or with friends. 

• Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions.    The Interviewing Officer (IO) uses your introduction to frame follow-up questions that will give insight into your personality, decision-making skills, and leadership potential. The interviewer may ask for more details about your education, family background, hobbies, or motivation as expressed in your introduction.

Experts Tip - How to Navigate your Interview Process.     By careful and diligently planting some critical keywords in your introductory responses, so that the Interview gets anxious to know more and ask follow up questions on the subject which you are already prepared to respond in advance

Final Thoughts.    By following these guidelines and showcasing unique personality and aspirations, it is possible to make a strong and positive impression during an SSB interview. You should try to present best version of yourself and showcase your aspiration and motivation to join the defence forces.