Interviews & GDs

The Interview

After the CV and application letter comes the interview

preparation:
 Preparing for the Interview

 At the Interview

The Interview is your second chance to show that you are the
best applicant. So..
 Be well prepared

 Be confident but don’t exaggerate

Style of Interview
 Who Interviews
- Panel normally, composition depending on the seniority
of the job
- Maybe one on One

• Assessment Methods
- Questions
- Role plays
- Tests or demonstrations
 Why Interview?
The aim of the Interview is to assess how well you meet the
selection criteria. So….

 Read the selection Criteria

 Ask Yourself “ What will the employer be looking for?” “ what

sort of questions will I be asked?”

 Think about how you can describe your skills and experience
to meet the selection criteria
 Being Prepared

 Write a list of all the issues to think you may be asked about

 Think of how you would answer a question on these Topics

 If you don’t know the answer to one of these “questions”,

now is the time to find out
 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)
The Interview

 Duration – from 20 minutes to an hour

 Listen to the questions; ask for the question to be

repeated if necessary
 Take your time to answer the question

 Don’t talk too much

 Don’t say too little; Avoid “yes” and “ no” answers

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 Play

 A mixture
Answering Questions

 Answer as fully as possible, elaborating from your

experience (even closed questions)

 Answer hypothetical questions from your own experience

 If asked discriminatory questions (and you shouldn’t)

answer but ask why it is relevant

 If you cant answer a question, admit it

Pressure Questions

 Don’t panic if the panel disagrees with your answer or

seems to be putting you under pressure. It may be
deliberate!

 Try to demonstrate that you can handle the situation.

Explain why you believe you are correct.
 Handy Hints

 Show some interest in the prospective employer during

the interview by mentioning something about your
Organization/job (read the annual report; visit
beforehand; speak to existing staff)

 Draw on “life experiences” if you cant think of a work

example to demonstrate your skills and knowledge

 Demonstrate that you can acquire the

knowledge/experience if you don't have it now
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 be
asked 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 positive
light

 Know your strong points and emphasize these

Do you ask Questions?

 Yes. You should be given an opportunity to ask questions

 This may be the opportunity to show that you have done

some homework about the prospective employer
Types of Interview Questions
Standard or traditional-
targeting your education, work
experiences, and career
goals
Sample Questions
 Tell me about yourself?
 What is your greatest strength?
Weakness?
 Why did you choose to
interview with us?
 What did you like most about
your last job? Least?
 What are your short and long
term career goals?
Types of Interview Questions
Behavioral Questions
-These focus on your actions
and/or behaviors in a previous
setting.
- Past behavior provides clues
to future behavior
Sample Questions
 Describe a time you had to
make a difficult decision?
 Tell me about a time you
worked under a deadline?
 What do you do when a team
member is not pulling his/her
weight?
 Think about a time you made
a mistake. What did you learn
from it?
Types of Interview Questions
Inappropriate or unethical
questions
- Questions which probe into your
private 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?
Types of Interview Questions
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?
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 the

interview process
 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
Follow-up

 Ask good questions

 Thank the interviewer

 Request a business card

 Inquire about next steps in the process

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 the

worthiness 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 the
group is measured.
Prerequisites of a Group Discussion

 Topics given by panelists

 Planning and preparation

 Knowledge with self-confidence

 Communication skills/ power of speech

 Presentation

 Body Language and personal appearance

 Being calm and cool

Prerequisites of a Group Discussion

 Extensive knowledge base related to state, country and globe.

 Areas are politics,sports,science &trade commerce,Industry and
Technology, MNC etc
 Analyze the social,economical issues logistically .
 Listening skills
 Co-operation.
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 leadership

crystallize
Benefits of Group discussion

 Provides chance to Expose

 Language skills

 Academic knowledge

 Leadership skills

 People handling skills

 Team work

 General knowledge.
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.

Do`s in group discussion

 Appropriate to the issue .

 Make original points & support them by substantial

reasoning .
 Listen to the other participants actively &carefully.

 Whatever you say must be with a logical flow,&validate it

with an
example as far as possible.
 Make only accurate statements.
Do`s in group discussion

 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.

 Don’ts during group discussion

 Being shy /nervous / keeping isolated from G.D

 Interrupting another participant before his arguments are

over
 Speak in favour ; example:Establish your position and
stand by it stubbornly

 Changed opinions

 Don’t make fun of any participant even if his arguments

are funny.
Don’ts during group discussion

 Don’t engage yourself in sub-group conversation.

 Don’t repeat and use irrelevant materials.

 Addressing yourself to the examiner.

 Worrying about making some grammatical mistakes,for your

interest the matter you put across are important.
Important points in group discussion

 Be assertive: An assertive person is direct , honest careful about not

hurting others ‘self-respect’.

 A patient listener: listening to another person is one way of showing

appreciation.

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

 Be analytical and fact-oriented : It is necessary to make relevant

points which can be supported with facts and analyzed logically.
Accept criticism
 If any member of the group criticizes or disapproves a point, it is
unwise 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 your
leadership qualities.
End of Day 12