Group Discussion is one of the most important tools to assess the personality of the interviewer. The tools are designed to check the team skills and not the individual skills. GD is a discussion by a group of people focused on the issue. Generally 8-15 participate in the GD to discuss the given topic within the given time. The panel tries to measure your-
(a) Confidence level
(b) Knowledge – academic knowledge and the environment around you
ü Be your natural self- do not manufacture artificial responses
ü Speak when you have something sensible to speak. You have to build a great balance between speaking and listening. Do not take either of the extremes
ü In the summary apart from your points relate views of others also
ü Build your content. Content is the king. If you give glimpse of your knowledge, even the softest intervention would get a favorable response from the group. Use facts and illustrations effectively
ü If content is not your strength, master the art of entering the discussions
ü Mobility is the key. Appreciate the others’ points of view. And if you are convinced do not hesitate to shift opinions
Some Indicative topics for group discussion
1. Do you think that India will be effected by Recession in America?
2. Globalization aboon or a curse for India?
3. Whether the Nuclear Energy is a solution to the Energy Crisis in India ?
4. How to balance between Nuclear power and environmental issues?
5. Do your think Govt. is right in retreating its stand on subsidy on LGP, Petrol ?
6. Is administered price mechanism actually dismantled in the oil and gas?
7. Should all the subsidies be removed?
8. How to fight poverty?
9. Can Lokpal Bill solve the corruption ?
10. What is your opinion whether Prime Minister and Judiciary should also be under the preview of Lokpal Bill.
11. Corruption is the price we pay for democracy.
12. The answer to corruption: more women in politics.
13. Is globalization really necessary?
14. Why women managers are less in number?
15. Are the women better manager than man?
16. Can India become Super power in 2050?
Section II
II. Interview Fundas
Interview is a process giving great opportunity to make an impact on the panel. It is a face to face meeting for the purpose of assessing the qualities of a candidate. The time you spend in the preparation for the interview would decide your rate of success.
During Interview:
1. The process of judging starts as soon as you enter the interview room. It is important that your first impression on the panelist is very good. You should keep a number of tips in your mind. Some of these should form part of your daily routine. Enter the room after knocking the door and wish the panel on seeing them. Further,
· Wear formal clothes.
· Use talcum powder or mild deodorants to avoid body odour.
· Avoid use of strong perfumes as many people have strong averse and even allergic to them.
· Make sure that your hair is well shampooed. Avoid oily hair.
· Bring a professional looking folder to carry bio data, mark sheets, certificates and testimonials with you.
· Keep your cell phone switchedoff or in silent mode before entering the room. Keeping it even on vibrating mode may distract you.
2. Lead the interview, whenever possible- do not waste the window of opportunity provided by the panel to showcase your ability/strengths
3. Be precise- be lucid and to the point. A loose talking person is instantly disliked and misjudged
4. Don’t bluff- If you do not know have the courage to say No. Do not bluff. Your honesty will be respected.
5. Humour- A little humour and wit here and then would show your pleasant side to the panel. It has to be natural.
6. Listen carefully- if not followed, do not hesitate to seek clarification.
7. Maintain positive body language- Keeping eye contact is important. Watch your posture. Your body language should speak for your confidence and keenness.
8. Be natural. Play on your natural strength. Make it an enjoyable experience for them.
At the end of interview
At the end of the interview, the interviewee is usually asked if he has any
Questions to the panel. Some of the questions to be asked are:
(Candidates are also advised to refer to the presentations of the companies.
Information already available should not be asked.)
Exact profile being looked for.
More details about the organization.
Location of posting.
If there is a probation or if one would be confirmed immediately.
If there is a formal induction programme planned.
When and how would the result be conveyed ?
Enquire about reimbursement of train or air fare if not already
committed.
At the end of the interview if the panel has nothing more to ask, you should
usually conclude by thanking the panel for giving opportunity for being
interviewed.
You should shake hands only if offered by the panel members. Place
the chair in position, collect your things in a swift motion and softly walk
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