Recently, I had the opportunity to interview at Airtel Bharti for an MIS role. While I ultimately didn’t succeed in the final business meet, the experience itself was incredibly enriching and taught me valuable lessons.
The interview process consisted of three rounds: two technical rounds followed by a business meet. I successfully cleared the technical rounds, but unfortunately, I struggled during the business round.
In the business round, one of the key questions asked was:
"What data points would you require for cross-selling analysis?"
Although gathering such data is a part of my current job routine, I found myself overwhelmed during the interview. I got tangled in a web of words and was unable to articulate my thoughts effectively. After the meeting ended, I was left reflecting deeply on my response, grappling with the "play of thoughts" that haunted those moments.
Determined to improve, I decided to work on enhancing my logical and critical thinking skills. Below, I’m sharing some strategies that have helped me strengthen my thought process, which I believe can also benefit others preparing for similar business meets or interview scenarios.
8 Steps to Strengthen Logical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
- Practice Puzzles and Games
Engage in activities like Sudoku, chess, or logic puzzles. These games challenge you to think strategically and enhance problem-solving capabilities. - Study Logic and Critical Thinking
Explore books and online courses on logic and critical thinking. These resources offer structured methods to approach problems and arguments effectively. - Read Analytically
When reading articles or books, practice breaking down arguments by identifying premises, conclusions, and evaluating the evidence provided. - Ask Questions
Cultivate curiosity by frequently asking “Why?” and “How?”. This practice helps you uncover the root causes of issues and develop deeper insights. - Solve Real-World Problems
Apply logical and analytical thinking to everyday challenges. This could involve analyzing data, creating budgets, or planning and executing projects. - Practice Programming Logic
Learning to code is an excellent way to boost logical thinking. It teaches you to think sequentially and solve complex problems methodically. - Reflect on Your Thinking Process
After solving a problem, take time to reflect on your approach. Consider what strategies worked well and identify areas for improvement. - Engage in Debates and Discussions
Participate in debates and discussions to train yourself to think quickly and defend your viewpoints logically.
Conclusion
The failure in my Airtel interview turned out to be a valuable learning experience. It made me realize the importance of a strong, structured thought process, especially when tackling business problems. I hope the steps I’ve shared here will help others facing similar challenges in interviews or professional settings.
