The viva dates have been announced. For many, this moment marks the final phase of exam preparation. The closer the examination, the closer the job. Following my previous piece, I’d like to share some additional thoughts on the viva:
One. Keep an eye on two English and two Bengali newspapers for the 5-6 days before your viva date. On the morning of your viva, review one English and one Bengali paper.
Two. You may face some embarrassing questions. It’s better to prepare for these in advance. For instance: What would you do if your boss instructed you to do something illegal? Questions of this nature.
Three. Go into the viva remembering that you are not indispensable to the civil service. Your academic results, your educational institution—such past matters carry very little weight. The viva board will only assess ‘what you are.’ Prove yourself worthy of the position.
Four. Ensure your political stance never becomes apparent through your words.
Five. Regardless of how the board members behave, you must always remain extremely formal. If you don’t understand a question, very politely say “I beg your pardon, sir/madam” and request that it be repeated. Even the way you sneeze reveals how formally officer-like you are.
Six. Study the relevant ministry websites regarding your first and second cadre preferences. Learn about your district from the district information portal. Develop the habit of studying online. You might also browse through one or two reference books.
Seven. For professional cadres, maintain a solid grasp of basic knowledge in your academic subject and some practical applications.
Eight. Before your viva date, you’ll find many small note-type books in the market. You can skim through these. However, common questions rarely come from such books. The truth is, there are no rules about what will or won’t be asked in the viva.
Nine. Viva marks are awarded based on overall performance—there’s no segmented marking here. Each board member will give separate marks, which are then averaged.
Ten. How many questions you answered correctly, how many you couldn’t; how long you were kept there—these matters aren’t as crucial as commonly believed. More important than what you said is how you said it. They’ll assess whether your outlook is officer-like.
Eleven. The viva board will ask various questions and create situations to gauge your knowledge, personality, presence of mind, presentation skills, ability to handle situations, courtesy, loyalty, capacity for clear thinking, and mental maturity. Prepare for these aspects in advance. Be mindful of your body language.
Twelve. Answers like “I gave such a preference order without understanding” reveal your indecisiveness. Whatever your first preference, your task is to demonstrate through your responses why you’re the right person for that cadre. Any form of inferiority complex or overconfidence can ruin your viva.
Thirteen. If you notice the board members focusing on something else while you’re answering, never assume they’re not listening to your response. Answer carefully.
Fourteen. Whatever treatment you receive at the viva board, don’t take it personally. Some apparently unusual behavior might be employed to test you.
Fifteen. Maintain knowledge of what you need to know as a citizen of Bangladesh. You might read Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman’s book “Nagorider Jana Bhalo” (Good for Citizens to Know).
Sixteen. For jobs that require a clearance/no-objection certificate when attending the viva board, but which weren’t mentioned in the form, it’s better not to mention that job at the board. Private jobs can be mentioned.
Seventeen. If you can’t answer 2-3 consecutive questions, think of the Creator or your loved ones at that moment. This works like magic.
Eighteen. When asked “What have you been doing all this time?” responses like “I’ve been tutoring and preparing for BCS exams” or “I’ve been teaching at a school” are perfectly fine. Whatever your position, present it with confidence.
Nineteen. Present yourself as you are, but in a refined manner. Don’t do anything that breaks your confidence or prevents you from being yourself.
Twenty. While speaking, focus on what you’re saying rather than paying too much attention to your surroundings.
Twenty-one. What questions you’ll be asked depends on the impression you create when the board members see you. Present yourself in a highly refined manner.
Twenty-two. Project that you are sincere, loyal, and responsible toward your work.
Twenty-three. It’s better not to study for the viva while going to give it or just before entering. This often increases unnecessary nervousness.
Twenty-four. You are in no way smarter than your boss. You cannot have any ego clashes with your superior. Keep these two things in mind during your viva.
Twenty-five. Don’t worry too much about what you don’t know. Perhaps you won’t even be asked about it.
Twenty-six. Impressions form when you meet and when you take leave. Don’t forget to greet with a smile and salaam when entering, and to thank and bid farewell with a smile and salaam when leaving.
If your written exam marks are good, your chances of getting the job are much higher. Unless you behave very incoherently or inappropriately, you won’t score very low in the viva. How well you’ll perform in the viva depends entirely on those few minutes. Pray regularly, keep trying, maintain faith in your abilities. Victory will surely be yours! Best wishes to you.
This piece was first published in the Chakribakri section of Prothom Alo on 05/02/2016. The link is provided below:
Onk onk dhonnobad dada.