Interview & Group Discussion

What is an Interview
entrevoir (French) to have a glimpse of A meeting between two or more people with an objective Information sorting model

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

Errors in recruiting:
Type A recruiting the wrong person Type B missing out recruiting the right person

 Type of interviews
One on One Panel Interview (elaborate the way students should deal with the panel) Group Interview

Type of questions
Factual recall Comparision Opinion Case problem /Logical deduction Hypothetical Leading Pumping

Rhetorical (Asked to produce effect not get information)

Competencies companies look at

Action Oriented Composure Conviction and Courage Creativity Dealing with Ambiguity Integrity and Trustworthiness Intellectual Horsepower Self-confidence Self-development Positive Attitude Decision Making Results Driven Planning, Organizing and co-ordination Problem Solving Communication Skills Inter-personal skills Negotiation and conflict management

Passion for technology

 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

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

 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? What if you were a tree/animal/car/mountain? 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? 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?

 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? What kind of latitude is available for the jobholder to make decisions on the job? (You may want to simplify the language) Growth avenues for an individual in this job? Does the organization provide assistance for lateral movements? What is the general reporting system? (Killing 2 birds in a stone) What opportunities are provided for learning, training and development? What are my prospects of getting this job? (avoid this question if
your interview has gone bad)

Would you insist on any long-term commitment from me? / Is there a bond? What are the organization's growth plans? (Only if PPT or
website does not cover this)

Things you Should Never say in an Interview

What does your company do Slangs It would be hella cool to get jiggy with this job Dont lie - Bill gates offered me a $100,000 bonus In five years, I see myself on a boat in the Caribbean Sorry, I dont know how to do that You see, I just went through a painful divorce What can your company do for me I left my last job because my boss was a real jerk / This campus is no good. My salary requirements are very flexible

 Its not a ONE DAY, ONE WEEK, ONE MONTH job 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. Make a list of companies you want to work with and study them Know your core strength hijack the interview Learn to identify the trap Prepare for the soft questions well in advance These have to be thought through before facing a interview panel Practice in small groups Use the mirror Select your cloths, shoes, folder well in advance. Visit the net to see more questions on campus recruitment

How to prepare for an interview?

 What is a GD
GD is a discussion in a group, not a debate Avoid making it a fish market Discussion should lead to a conclusion on the said topic by the group Depth of discussion is the primary count for selection

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

 How do you conduct yourself in a GD

Be loud Dont shout Take control of the group if the group is going off track Keep time Allow others to speak Do not repeat statements made by others Come out with fresh ideas/observations Do not look at the evaluator discuss amongst yourselves Quantitative data to support observations Hijack discussion if necessary Be assertive, you might be aggressive if needed Never loose your cool, raise your voice to make a point but come back to normal pitch when the group starts paying attention to you. Never contradict yourself

GD Evaluation Parameters
New Ideas / Awareness Communication / Grammar Clarity of thought Leadership / Group Involvement Assertiveness Body language Confidence Listening skills Time Management Reasoning ability Inspiring ability Creativity/ Out of box thinking

Preparation for a GD?

Its not a ONE DAY, ONE WEEK, ONE MONTH job 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 Practice in small groups Use the mirror Select your cloths, shoes, folder well in advance. Visit the net to read more about GDs

Questions??