12 . Interviews and GDs

8/8/2019 12 . Interviews and GDs

1/32

Interviews & GDs


2/32

The Interview

After the CV and application letter comes the interviewpreparation:

Preparing for the Interview

At the Interview

The Interview is your second chance to show that you are thebest applicant. So..

Be well prepared

Be confident but dont exaggerate


3/32


4/32

Why Interview?

The aim of the Interview is to assess how well you meet theselection criteria. So.

Read the selection Criteria

Ask Yourself What will the employer be looking for? whatsort of questions will I be asked?

Think about how you can describe your skills and experience

to meet the selection criteria


5/32


6/32

The Opening Question

Be prepared to answer an opening question such as:

Tell the panel why you think you should be appointed to

this position

Know why you want the Position!

Everyone will be nervous , even the selection panel members!

Best way to overcome nerves, is to be well prepared

(and take deep breaths)


7/32

The Interview

Duration from 20 minutes to an hour

Listen to the questions; ask for the question to berepeated if necessary

Take your time to answer the question

Dont talk too much

Dont say too little; Avoid yes and no answers


8/32

The Questions

Normally, all members of the Panel will ask questions

Types of questions:

the hypothetical

Specific about a task or experience (targeted selection)

Role PlayA mixture


9/32

Answering Questions

Answer as fully as possible, elaborating from yourexperience (even closed questions)

Answer hypothetical questions from your own experience If asked discriminatory questions (and you shouldnt)

answer but ask why it is relevant

If you cant answer a question, admit it


10/32

Pressure Questions

Dont panic if the panel disagrees with your answer orseems to be putting you under pressure. It may bedeliberate!

Try to demonstrate that you can handle the situation.Explain why you believe you are correct.


11/32

Handy Hints

Show some interest in the prospective employer duringthe interview by mentioning something about yourOrganization/job (read the annual report; visit

beforehand; speak to existing staff)

Draw on life experiences if you cant think of a workexample to demonstrate your skills and knowledge

Demonstrate that you can acquire the

knowledge/experience if you don't have it now


12/32

Other Interview Tips

Dress appropriately and comfortably

Be on time

Look at the interviewers; smile; be confident in yourself

It is ok to take notes with you if that will help you; but you wont beasked for copies of references , qualifications etc.

Volunteer information: Sell yourself at every opportunity

Admit your deficiencies if need be, but try to put them in a positivelight

Know your strong points and emphasize these


13/32

Do you ask Questions?

Yes. You should be given an opportunity to ask questions

This may be the opportunity to show that you have donesome homework about the prospective employer


14/32


15/32

Behavioral Questions

-These focus on your actions

and/or behaviors in a previoussetting.

- Past behavior provides cluesto future behavior

Sample Questions Describe a time you had to

make a difficult decision?

Tell me about a time youworked under a deadline?

What do you do when a teammember is not pulling his/herweight?

Think about a time you made

a mistake. What did you learnfrom it?

Types of Interview Questions


16/32

Inappropriate or unethicalquestions

- Questions which probe into yourprivate life or personal background

- Questions about your ethnicity,religion, sexual orientation,disabilities, marital status

Sample Questions How old are you? Do you have children? Do you have a disability?What religion do you

practice?



17/32


Questions asked by theinterviewee

To determine if you are anappropriate fit for the companyand position, prepare a list ofquestions for the interviewer

Sample Questions

What type of assignments can Iexpect 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?


18/32

General Interview Strategies

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 theinterview process

Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words likeUm, Ah, & You know

Avoid indecisive phrases like: I think, I guess, probably, or prettygood

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 clarifyit for you


19/32

Follow-up

Ask good questions

Thank the interviewer

Request a business card

Inquire about next steps in the process


20/32

Definition of Group Discussion

Group Discussion is a modern method of assessing students personality.

It is both a technique and an art and a comprehensive tool to judge theworthiness of the student and his appropriateness for the job.

The term suggests a discussion among a group of persons.The group will have 8 & 12 members who will express their views freely,

frankly in a friendly manner, on a topic of current issue.

Within a time limit of 20 to 30 minutes, the abilities of the members of thegroup is measured.


21/32


22/32

Prerequisites of a Group Discussion

Extensive knowledge base related to state, country and globe.

Areas are politics,sports,science &trade commerce,Industry andTechnology, MNC etc

Analyze the social,economical issues logistically .

Listening skills

Co-operation.


23/32

Benefits in Group discussion

Stimulation of thinking in a new way.

Expansion of knowledge

Understanding of your strength and weakness.

Your true personality is revealed and qualities of leadershipcrystallize


24/32

Provides chance to Expose

Language skills

Academic knowledge

Leadership skills

People handling skills

Team work

General knowledge.

Benefits of Group discussion


25/32

Salient features of G.D

Topic may be given to judge your public speaking talent.

Discussion revolves around a specific subject.

The examiner does not interfere once he announced the topic.

Maintain cordiality and free expression of thought and opinion.


26/32

Do`s in group discussion

Appropriate to the issue .

Make original points & support them by substantialreasoning .

Listen to the other participants actively &carefully.

Whatever you say must be with a logical flow,&validate itwith an

example as far as possible.

Make only accurate statements.


27/32

Modulate the volume, pitch and tone.

Be considerate to the feelings of the others.

Try to get your turn.

Be an active and dynamic participant by listening.

Talk with confidence and self-assurance.

Do`s in group discussion


28/32

Donts during group discussion

Being shy /nervous / keeping isolated from G.D

Interrupting another participant before his arguments areover

Speak in favour ; example:Establish your position andstand by it stubbornly

Changed opinions

Dont make fun of any participant even if his argumentsare funny.


29/32

Dont engage yourself in sub-group conversation.

Dont repeat and use irrelevant materials.

Addressing yourself to the examiner.

Worrying about making some grammatical mistakes,for yourinterest the matter you put across are important.

Donts during group discussion


30/32

Important points in group discussion

Be assertive: An assertive person is direct , honest careful about nothurting others self-respect.

A patient listener: listening to another person is one way of showingappreciation.

Right language : Words can make friends & right words at the righttime make the best results.

Be analytical and fact-oriented : It is necessary to make relevantpoints which can be supported with facts and analyzed logically.


31/32

Accept criticism

If any member of the group criticizes or disapproves a point, it isunwise to get upset or react sharply.

In case the criticism is flimsy,the same can be pointed out politely.

Maximize participation ; one must try to contribute fully, vigorously& steadily throughout the discussion.

Show leadership ability: A group discussion also evaluates yourleadership qualities.


32/32

End of Day 12

12 . Interviews and GDs

Documents

Transcript of 12 . Interviews and GDs