There are some desirable attributes that any recruiter would look for in greater or smaller measure in any prospective employee. In terms of attitude and personality, the following character traits would be both desirable and essential in greater or smaller measure:

Intelligent, hard working, honest and ethical, sincere, flexible, mature, responsible and reliable, a fast learner, a team worker, having leadership skills, stable, a creative thinker, able to work under pressure.

We have all heard of a number of questions asked in interviews and often wondered why they were asked and how they helped the recruiter to decide on the suitability or the lack of it, of a candidate. Let us now look at some of these commonly asked questions and see how they help the interviewer evaluate a candidate.

Tell me something about yourself: This is a commonly asked question, which many candidates dislike since they are unsure of why it is asked and how they should answer it. Well, let's say a candidate in an interview says that she is the eldest among three siblings, was brought up in a small town and her father is a government employee. Does this information give you a brief snapshot of the kind of person she is likely to be?

How you introduce yourself and what your personal background is, is a very good indicator of the kind of person you are. It could give an insight into the kind of character one is likely to have and the values one holds. Though some stereotype is involved in making a character evaluation based on the answer to this question, it is still fairly accurate. The best way to handle this question, is to include some details about the following areas: where you were brought up, did your education, your parent's profession and some details of any siblings you have. If you have done any part of your education from any school or college which is reputed and well known nationally, make sure you mention that, else the details of the names of your school and college may not be required. Make sure that your answer does not exceed the time limit of 1 ½ to 2 minutes. Some students also ask me whether they should mention their hobbies or their strengths, etc., while answering this question. My advice is that if you are really serious about your hobby and it is such that it throws some positive light on your personality, please mention it. If you have achieved something in that area (for e.g., played a game or sport at the district level or beyond), you must let the interviewer know of it. Thus it is important to paraphrase the answer to this question well in your mind, so that you don't miss out on an important detail. Explain any ups and downs in marks in Class X, XII, graduation, etc.: A number of students have issues regarding their academic performance. Many of you would be hoping against hope that the recruiter does not notice the glaring fluctuation in your marks. Unfortunately that will not happen and this question is very likely to crop up in every interview you face.

Marks in examinations are a very good indicator of not how intelligent you are, but more importantly, of how hard working and sincere you are. If, as a student, you were responsible, hence worked hard and were reasonably consistent in your performance, chances are high that you would have the same attitude towards work as well. However, if there are inconsistencies in your performance and sharp ups and downs, then the recruiter would want to know what you owe it to. The best approach would be to be honest about it but put it across in such a way that it minimises or erases any negative opinion that the interviewer may form about you. If you fell seriously ill, or had a compelling family situation which explains why you could not perform well in that particular examination, please explain it to the recruiter. Sometimes it is one particular subject that pulls down the average. If that is the case, explain that and tell him your percentage if that subject is not considered. If it is simply a case of negligence and ignoring your studies, confess it, but make sure you also convince the recruiter that you have learnt your lesson and that you now realise you should have been more serious about your studies. Nobody minds irresponsible behaviour as long as the person has learnt his lesson.
(The writer is managing partner of a training firm engaged in preparing B-school students to face the recruitment process)