- The document provides guidance on preparing for and participating in a group discussion interview, including researching topics, communicating effectively, and making a good impression. - It offers tips for both the individual, such as having relevant questions prepared and exhibiting positive body language, and for participating constructively in the discussion as a group. - The document concludes by emphasizing the importance of courtesy, respect, and avoiding aggression while contributing to and summarizing the discussion.

1. By Ransom.J GEMBA School of HR

2. Purpose of the Interview Preparing for the Interview Pre-interview Preparation Typical Structure of the Interview Typical Questions After the Interview

3. Research - position, company, & industry Know yourself and be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments, and career goals Prepare necessary materials (Copies of resume, references, portfolio/pen, palm pilot or organizer, breath mints) Ask for directions and where to park

4. Don’t focus on your history; focus on the key skills and the needs of the organization. Example: “Tell me about yourself”  “Tell me about your background in a way that shows you are right for this position.” Interviewers want organized, succinct answers. S ituation - A ction - R esult. Interviewers often really aren’t that interested in the whole story.

5. Product or Service Sales/Assets Competition History Field Offices Industry Trends Chain of Command Size

6. The tell-all question: “Tell me about yourself.” The surprise question: “What’s your passion?” Strengths and weaknesses questions Questions about the future: “What are your long-term goals?” Scenario questions: “What if…?”

7. Small talk “ Tell me about yourself!” Discussion of your background and how it relates to the position Your opportunity to ask questions Conclusion Listen

8. What will my duties entail? What kind of work can I expect to be doing? Can you describe a typical day? Where does this job fit into the organizational structure of the company? Who would I report to? Who would I be working with? What is the size of the department I would be working in? What is its structure? How is it organized? May I see it?

9. Exhibit quiet confidence. Organize your thoughts and apply your knowledge, skills and abilities. Think globally! Relate “outside” experiences to demonstrate your qualifications.

10. Portfolio Copies of your resume List of Professional References College transcripts Federal application Two quality pens Notepad Comb or brush Breath mints

11. Why do you want to work for the firm? What can you do for the company? Your accomplishments/experience Your strengths/weaknesses Your initiative, goals and attitudes Your responses should be unique and specific

12. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination (you may want to conduct a dry run prior to your interview day) Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to allow you to park, walk to the interview, use the restroom, or just gather yourself

13. Only 1 chance to make a good 1 st impression Dress appropriately Smile Maintain eye contact Firm handshake Remain poised and confident

14. Positive Signals Leaning forward = interest Smiling = friendly Nodding = attentive and alert Eye contact = curious and focused Negative Signals Crossed arms = defensive Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or bored Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy Leaning back= discomfort

15. Questions asked by the interviewee To determine if you are an appropriate fit for the company and position, prepare a list of questions for the interviewer Sample Questions What type of assignments can I expect within the first year? What do you like most about this company? What is the biggest challenge facing this department right now? What skills are you looking for in this position? What is the next course of action?

16. -Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences -Master the art of storytelling -Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments -Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process

17. Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know” Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good” Think before speaking Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutes If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you

18. Remain calm, relaxed, and be yourself Try to focus on the message you are trying to convey--NOT how well you are doing!

19. Suit-Single or double breasted Polished shoes Solid white shirt Conservative tie Neatly groomed hair, beard, and mustache Avoid strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing

20. Sari or Salwar Kamiz Pant or skirt suit Pumps with small to medium heels Light makeup, perfume, and jewelry Wear neutral color hosiery

21. Ask good questions Thank the interviewer Request a business card Inquire about next steps in the process

22. Send a thank you note within 24 hours Letter may be handwritten or typed; e-mail is also acceptable Tailor each one to the individual.

23. Remember that only 15% of the success of an interview is out of your control Take some time to reflect - Overall, how well did I do? - What went well? - What steps can I take next time to improve?

24. Conduct a test run the day before the interview Practice! Practice! Practice! • Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short answers • Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers • Schedule an appointment for a mock interview with Career Services Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the interview Be relaxed and be yourself!

25. Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions. Don’t make negative comments about previous employers or supervisors (or others). Don’t treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This is insulting to the interviewer and the organization. Don’t give the impression you are only interested in salary. Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment. Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke. Don’t take cell phone calls during an interview. If you carry a cell phone, turn it off during the interview.

26. Courteously thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity to interview with the agency. Extend a handshake and exhibit enthusiasm about the career opportunity. Consider following up with a thank you note or e-mail of appreciation to the interviewer(s) to further show your interest.

27. Make one last solid impression. Let them know that you want the job! Shake hands, thank them, be positive. Be confident: show that you believe that this is a beginning. Ask for the interviewer’s business card.

28. Name & Contact Information Objective Education Work Experience Honors Skills Activities References

29. This is a conversation…not an interrogation. Tell me what you think…. Try to stay on one page or two. Stay consistent (grammar, punctuation, style) and on the conservative side Do not use first person (I, we, my, our, etc.)

30. DO NOT use templates in Word Your resume will look like many other applicants’ Sometimes difficult to upload on web or to email Use good quality paper

31. Include name, complete address, phone number and email address Appropriate email address include hotmail, yahoo, or gmail Keep it large—make an impression! Include both the local and permanent address if you will be moving elsewhere after graduation

32. It helps you to understand a subject more deeply. It improves your ability to think critically. It helps in solving a particular problem. It helps the group to make a particular decision. It gives you the chance to hear other student’s ideas. It improves your listening skills. It increases your confidence in speaking. It can change your attitudes .

33. A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits and skills that it desires in its members. In this methodology, the group of candidates is given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think about the same, and then asked to discuss the it among themselves for 15-20 minutes .

34. FACTUAL TOPICS Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware in his day-to-day life. Typically these are about socio-economic topics . E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are meant to generate controversy . E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers

35. ABSTRACT TOPICS: Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for discussion, but their possibility cannot be ruled out. These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity. E.g. A is an alphabet, The number 10

36. Speak pleasantly and politely to the group. Respect the contribution of every speaker. Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely. Think about your contribution before you speak. Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information. Be aware of your body language when you are speaking. Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

37. Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument. Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch. Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive. Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute. Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalize too much. Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak.

38. Communication Skills Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject Capability to co-ordinate and lead Exchange of thoughts Addressing the group as a whole Thorough preparations

39. Avoid raising new points. Avoid stating only your viewpoint. Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD. Keep it brief and concise. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD. If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end. Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.

42. [email_address] Keep your head and your heart in the right direction and you’ll never have to worry about your feet... THANK YOU! [email_address]