How to improve your GD

and Personal Interview skills

What is a Group Discussion?

• Group of people (usually 8-10) brought together and presented with a topic of discussion

• Topic: Political, cultural, economic, social relevance

• Sometimes 2-3 minutes given to the group to discuss before starting

• Used as part of the selection process to find suitable candidates.

• Used in a number of personality tests

• Normally used to shortlist candidates, post a written interview and before the technical/HR interview

• Group at similar levels of proficiency as they would have passed the written exam

• Lasts for around 20-25 minutes

• Group may be asked to enter into a conclusion by the end of the GD

Parameters judged in a GD

• Content: Knowledge of the subject being discussed

• Leadership skills: Ability to take leadership of a group of people

• Reasoning skills :Ability to reason logically and work towards possible solutions

• Temperament: Ability to handle pressure and arguments effectively

• Assertiveness: Ability to make one’s voice heard and argue a point

• Fluency: In thought which translates into your speech

• Ability to work in a team:Understand what the other members of the group say, interaction with others in the group

• Creativity and originality: How original are your thoughts and ideas and how yours differ from the rest of the group

• Enthusiasm:The tone of your voice, body language shows your enthusiasm

• Listening ability:How willing are you to listen and understand other members

• Body language:Your body language shows your level attentiveness, a nodding

head - indicates a good listener• Persuasive skills:

Ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives without hurting the group members.

Points to remember

• In case you need clarification about the topic, ask before the discussion starts

• Keep abreast of current affairs, potential topics that can be presented in the discussion

• Make sure the panel notices you

• Introduce yourself – take the leaders position and initiate the conversation

• If you lead a discussion, have a valid point. Else gather your thoughts and put them forth at the appropriate time

• Be assertive and put your thoughts forward without hesitating

• Limited time : Put forward relevant suggestions

• Be courteous and respectful – Apologize if you interrupt anyone while putting forth your point

• Have a positive attitude• Be friendly and act natural• Maintain eye contact with the members of the group, look at each

individual as they speak• Listen to the others, ensure you do not just repeat what the others

are saying• Maintain your temper, do not get into arguments if anyone does not

agree with you• Give interesting examples, pointers, relevant to the topic to hold the

group’s attention• Be free to give your opinion, be prepared to defend it• Be flexible and open to ideas put forth by the group • Orient the group towards a goal – build a consensus and steer the

team towards coming to that • Thank the group for their contribution, praise good points put forth• Summarize – keep the group on track with the topic• Keep tab on the time – try to wrap up the GD and be the concluder

once its time to close

Leading a GD

• A major skill that is determined by a GD is leadership skills

• Leader: Clarity of vision

• Listen to everyone in the group

• Ability to interact easily with others

• Be able to provide intelligent, logical and cohesive points

• Motivate others to speak

• Be planned and be able to guide the group to a direction

• Be able to perform different roles in the GD – be the critic, provide the substance, have a gift of gab and be able to sell your ideas to the group

• Do not be impolite or rude to others in the group

Don’ts in a GD

• Don’t try to be someone you are not – be natural

• Don’t remain a mute spectator – contribute meaningfully to the discussion

• Don’t interrupt others while they are speaking, if you have to apologize

• Don’t be over-enthusiastic or emotional

• Don’t go without reading up and being fully aware of political, social, current affairs that could be presented as the topic

• Don’t speak until you have a clear understanding of the topic

• Don’t lose your cool

• Don’t repeat yourself

• Don’t address only the examiner

• Don’t dominate, patronize others

Sample Group Discussion Topics

Topics at a group discussion can be:a) Factual – Topics on current issues and factsb) Controversial - Containing arguments and counterarguments, pros

and consc) Abstract – A creative topicd) Case studies – A case study is presented and as a group you need to

arrive at a solution

Sample GD topics• Growth and Integrity are poles apart?• Managerial skills learnt from classroom can never match those learnt

form experience.• The UN has not served any purpose in the last decade.• Government should ban entry of foreign Automobile Manufacturer in

India.

• All T.V. programmes should be broadcast in 3 languages -English, Hindi, regional.

• India is the new land of opportunity.• Global warming should be tackled at war footing• Government should not interfere in the growth of Indian

software Industry• Will India be able to eradicate poverty by 2020?• It is important to maintain work life balance.• Corruption is a necessary evil to progress in India• War on Iraq.• Should a world body be formed to fight international

terrorism?• Dependence on computers is killing originality in Indian youth.• Is India really a world player in software?• Multinational corporations are a blessing in disguise.• The only way to improve Indian education is to have private

universities?• Banning fashion shows and New Year parties is a step in the

right direction to save our culture?

Personal Interview Skills

One of the last, and most important steps of the recruitment process is the personal interview segment

What is personal interview

• Here the candidate is expected to sit face to face with the interviewer and answers questions on just about any topic.

• There are no standard questions or responses, but read up and update your knowledge

• Personal interview judges the following aspects:a) Knowledge:

The domain knowledge, be prepared to be quizzed on various aspects of the field that you are working in

b) Clarity of goal -What are your goals, How does the organization fit into your career goals, how do you plan to achieve these goals

c) Communication skills:Both your speaking and listening skills will be tested here

d) Personality:

What kind of a person are you – a people’s person, friendly, honest, intelligent?

e) Problem solving ability: Here you might be given a particular problem and asked to solve it. Though a timeframe might not be provided, you will have to solve it in good time. In case you are not able to solve it, attempt it and try to explain the methodology that you have adopted

f) Previous experience:Your educational, professional background; situations that you have faced and worked around in the past

g) Personal background:

Your family background, interests and hobbies

Preparing for a personal interview

• A good start is half the work done

• Extensive background research on the fir/organization

• By coming prepared for the interview, you will avoid unnecessary last minute hassles

• Dress etiquettes:

a) Clean, well pressed formal clothes

b) Matching shoes, socks, belt and tie

c) Minimal makeup, jewelry

d) Hair – Men – short and neat

Women – Long hair should be pulled back or tied

• Reach the venue at least 10-15 minutes before time

• Bring several copies of your resume, pens, paper, references, questions to ask the interviewer

• Make a chronological outline of your educational life and career so far, list important milestones and achievements

• Self Analysis - Be prepared with a mental list of aspects such as your strengths, weaknesses, short and long term goals, what you can bring to the organization

• Have an understanding of potential questions that can be asked

• Rehearse well before the interview – speak in front of your family members/friends to gain confidence

• Be thorough with the job description and list down aspects that make you suitable for the job

• Be prepared with questions you will ask the interviewer

At the interview

• Greet the interviewer with a warm smile and a firm handshake

• Wait until the interviewer offers you a seat before sitting down

• Always look at the interviewer in the eyes

• Be aware of your body language – avoid close postures, laid back styles

• Maintain a calm frame of mind – interviewers are not there to chew you up. Be honest and answer the questions to the best of your ability

• Be consistent with what you have mentioned in your resume, in any other interview at the organization

• Elaborate on your answers – don’t stick to just yes or no

• Give yourself time to think before you respond, don’t jump the gun

• Be positive

• If a questions is not clear to you, ask for clarification

• Thank the interviewer for his/her time

Selling your self

The Personal interview is one of the main stages where you can market/sell yourself to the organization

• The most marketable skills are:

a) Analytical/ problem solving b) Flexibility/ versatility c) Interpersonal

d) Oral/ written communication e) Organizationf) Time management

g) Motivation

h) Leadershipi) Initiative taker

j) Team player

h) Punctuality

Questions that you can ask the interviewer

• At the end of every interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions to ask. Do not remain quiet, use this opportunity to get all doubts clarified

• It shows that you are interested in the organization and the job profile

• Sample questions you can ask:

a) What sets you apart from your competitors?

b) How much travel would be expected from me?

c) What are the career paths available in the organization?

d) How many people work in the department?

e) If I am offered a position, how soon would I be required to join?

f) How can one advance in the company?

g) What are the greatest problems of this department and company?h) What are the greatest strengths of this department and company?i) What would you expect me to accomplish in this job?j) If this position is offered to me, why should I accept it?k) What are the initial projects for which I would be responsible?l) What are some examples of the achievements of others who have been in this position?m) When can I expect to hear from you?

Things to avoid

• Bad appearance

• Being late to the interview

• Emphasis on money from the starting

• Lack of enthusiasm

• Leaving mobile phones switched on

• Overselling – trying too hard to impress

• Underselling - inability to pinpoint your selling points

• Negative body language – posture, eye contact, facial expression

• Negative attitude

• Lack of honesty

• Lack of manners

• Lack of maturity

• Speaking negative about previous employers

• Asking no questions to the interviewer

Sample interview questions

• Tell me about yourself

• What is your greatest weakness?

• What is your greatest strength?

• How will your greatest strength help you perform?

• How would you describe yourself?

• Describe your work style.

• How many hours do you normally work?

• How would you describe the pace at which you work?

• How do you handle stress and pressure?

• What motivates you?

• Are you a self motivator?

• What are your salary expectations? • What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?

What has been the greatest disappointment in your life? • What are you passionate about? • What do people most often criticize about you? • When was the last time you were angry? What happened? • If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would

you do differently?• Have you worked with someone you didn't like? If so, how did

you handle it?• What mistakes have you made? What have you learned from

them• Outside of your career, what goals have you set for yourself?• What are your hobbies? How do you fill free time?

Questions on interpersonal skills

• Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?

• How well do you work in teams? Are you a good leader?

• Have you ever had to be assertive? Resolve a conflict?

• Tell me about a time when you had to work with a person you did not like.

• Give me an example of a time you disagreed with someone in your team.

• Can you give us an example you have witnessed of successful teamwork? What are the qualities of a good leader?

• How do you handle conflict?

• Give a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with

which you did not agree.

• Can you tell us about a difficult situation you have recently been in? How did you handle it?