Tips on Group Discussion and Personal Interview for Management Aspirants

1. DR.A.SREEDHAR KUMAR
IBS GROUP
Group Discussion and
Personal Interview

2. Basic rationale behind GROUP DISCUSSION is
Demonstration of behavioral and
managerial skills

3. Why is a GD part of the selection process?
• Selection process is time bound – GD
provides access to more applicants in
less time
• Gives a fair idea about the applicants,
communication skill and conduct
• Quick rejection tool

4. Do’s and Don'ts
Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone
you are not. Be yourself.
Take time to organize your thoughts.
Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding
the subject.
Don't start speaking until you have clearly
understood and analyzed the subject.

5. Your body language says a lot about you .
Language skills are important only to the effect as to
how you get your points across clearly and fluently.
Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a
balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.
Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be
abrasive or aggressive.

6. GD Evaluation Parameters
New Ideas / Awareness
Communication / Grammar
Clarity of thought
Leadership / Group Involvement
Assertiveness
Body language

7. GD Evaluation Parameters
Confidence
Listening skills
Time Management
Reasoning ability
Inspiring ability
Creativity/ Out of box thinking

8. Types of Roles that can be played in
Group Discussion
Initiator
Channelizer
Contributors
Moderator
Limelight Seeker

9. Yes Minister
Confrontationist
Sum Up
On Loan
Concluder

10. Preparation for a GD?
Start reading. Simple reading you can do is pick the
news paper daily and read it loud. It helps improve
verbal communication, builds energy & improves
pronunciation.
Compile a list of GD topics which are a mix of
Current affairs, Sports, Politics, topics related to the
core subject

11. Practice in small groups
Use the mirror
Select your clothes, shoes, folder well in advance.
Visit the net to read more about GD’s

12. PERSONAL INTERVIEW
An interview is a conversation between two or
more people where questions are asked by the
interviewer to elicit facts or statements from the
interviewee.
Knowing yourself is the most important part of the
Interview

13. Commonly asked questions:
Personal
Background
Self description
Values
Strength and weakness
Education

14. Objectives of an interview
Informing applicants about the job (in a campus
this happens through a PPT)
Choosing people for the job
Can s/he do the job : Competence
Will s/he do the job: Motivation
Will s/he fit the team/organization: Match
Influencing suitable candidates to accept the job

15. Type of interviews
One on One
Panel Interview
Group Interview

16. Type of questions
Factual recall
Comparison
Opinion
Case problem /Logical deduction
Hypothetical
Leading
Rhetorical (Asked to produce effect not get
information)

17. Competencies companies look at
Action Oriented
Composure
Conviction and Courage
Creativity
Dealing with Ambiguity
Integrity and Trustworthiness
Intellectual Horsepower
Self-confidence

18. Self-development
Positive Attitude
Decision Making
Results Driven
Planning, Organizing and co-ordination
Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Inter-personal skills

19. Negotiation and conflict management
Passion for technology

20. Facing the interview
Know your subject
Watch your Body Language
Eye contact
Sitting posture
Facial expressions
Erratic body movements
Dryness of throat
Pitch of speech
Excessive perspiration

21. Answer Soft questions without conflict with any
other part of the interview

22. A Few Soft Questions
Tell me something about yourself (What are you
really like?)
What are your strengths / weaknesses?
3 good/bad things your friends/mother/father would
tell us?
Why this Institute / Major?
Why did you decide to interview with us?

23. Why are you taking up a job instead of going in for
higher studies?
Where do you see yourself 5/10 yrs down the line?
Tell us how you solved a problem in your
assignments, or social life or personal life?
What are your most significant accomplishments?
What type of boss are you looking for? / Who has
influenced your life the most and why?

24. What kind of salary are you looking for? (Agree to
the PPT value – ask details of package if not
provided)
Would you like to ask any questions?

25. Questions you should ask (If given a
chance)
What are the key responsibilities of the job and what
scope does the job provide in enlarging it? (Only if
the PPT and initial chat did not provide data on this)
How would you measure my performance on this
job?

26. Growth avenues for an individual in this job?
Does the organization provide assistance for lateral
movements?
What is the general reporting system?
What opportunities are provided for learning,
training and development?

27. Things you Should Never say in an Interview
What does your company do
Slang’s
Don’t lie
What can your company do for me
My salary requirements are very flexible

28. Thank you