August 27, 2014

How to face interviews and group discussion

Tips on Group Discussion
Source: http://www.campusinteraction.com

To help you better we have compiled a list of points that you should keep in mind while you participate in a group discussion.

Group discussions are an important part of the selection process for admission into a B-School of your choice. You have passed the intelligence test, with GD, your oratory and communication skills along with your problem solving skills will be tested.

Let's read about the points that you should keep in mind:

1.      Adequate matter/ Subject matter is essential :
You should have subject knowledge and be well aware of the latest happenings around you, not just in India but around the world as well. To be in a better position, make sure that you have in-depth knowledge on the subject. Subject knowledge is a pre-requisite while you are preparing for a group discussion because you will then have the power to steer the conversation to whichever direction you want to. If you can memorize some relevant data, it will be an added advantage.

2.      Make Sure you Read Widely:
Being an avid reader will help you in group discussions. Last minute preparations you are strictly a no, while you are preparing for group discussions. You should read over a period of time. Reading not only adds to your knowledge database, but enhances your vocabulary skills as well. Plus reading over a period of time, helps in your understanding of a particular subject/ topic better.

3.      Choose Magazines that are Rich in Content:
Always opt for magazines that are content rich and not just full of advertisements. Often magazines have columns which are promoting a particular institute etc. Avoid such magazines, do some research and buy the best that will be beneficial for you in the long run.

4.      Be Aware of Topics that are Repeated:
Often, there are topics which re-appear with minute changes and minor variations. Be aware of such topics well in advance so that you have ample time to prepare for the same. For example the issues of terrorism, gender inequality, poverty, Ayodhya conflict, liberalization and privatization, reservations in educational institutions etc often appear as GD topics. Make sure you know these topics well and can come up with some unique, insightful points along with dates, stating facts.

5.      Work on your Communication Skills:
You should be well versed in your communication skills. You should have a good vocabulary and a decent command over English. Much before your actual group discussion, rehearse well. You can sit with a group of friends and choose a topic and indulge in a friendly banter. Not only will this increase your knowledge, you will be a better speaker by the time it is time for your GD.

6.      Listen to the Topic Given During GD Carefully:
Listen to the topic carefully and understand it... Be alert and vigilant. Sometimes, the topic may be really simple but the manner in which it is presented to you, can be baffling. The first thing that you should do after hearing the topic is by structuring it on the sheet that is given to you to make notes. Make a rough sketch of the points that you would like to speak aloud. You will be at an advantage if you open the discussion, but then beware of what you speak. Deviating from the main topic, or passing strong statements like "I agree/ or disagree" should be avoided. Your strategy should be to test the waters and make a generic statement relevant to the topic. If you can, back it up by relevant data.

7.      Try and Maintain a Balance in your Tone:
Besides what you are saying, remember that the panelists are observing your body language as well. If you do not agree with the other student's point of view, do not raise your tone in objection. Listen to his point of view and instead of dismissing it upfront, try and draw a common ground. .

8.      Listening Skills are Essential:
Carefully listen to what others have to say. Just speaking throughout the discussion doesn't make you smart, you should also give others a chance to speak. Try and listen to him/her, respect their view point too. If the speaker is making an eye-contact with you remember to acknowledge him by saying "yes, you agree" or just by nodding your head, so that the speaker is aware that his listeners are listening to him and paying full attention. This will also show that you are vigilant and are an active participant in the discussion.

9.      Body Gestures are very Important:
The panelists observe the way you sit and react in the course of the discussion.Body gestures are very important, because your body language says a lot about you.In a GD, sit straight, avoid leaning back on to the chair or knocking the table with pen or your fingers. Also, do not get distracted easily. For example, if the door in room you are sitting in opens, do not look back to see who it is , this will show how distracted you are.

10.  Be the first and also the Last to Speak:
As mentioned earlier, initiating a GD is an advantage. Closing it too also adds brownie points. If you can grab the opportunity to close the discussion, then you should summarize it. If the group has not reached a conclusion try concluding it .

Imagine you are driving and you have the power to accelerate or brake according to the situation on the road and avoid any accidents. Try to be that conscientious driver in a GD. Take the initiative, know when to apply your brakes and when to seize the opportunity and accelerate the conversation to reach to a desired destination; conclusion in your case.
Good luck!
(SOURCE : Indian blogger)

Ways to Be Confident in an Interview

A strong handshake portrays confidence.

Exuding confidence in an interview can be challenging, particularly when you really need the job. Confidence displayed during a job interview remains a key area where self-promotion pays off. Job candidates who radiate self-assurance and expertise make a positive impression on hiring managers, and this helps them to stand out. Ways to be confident in an interview include looking good, displaying knowledge of the company, listening actively and selling your individual brand.

How to Not Be Tense During a Job Interview

Laughter may reduce tension during job interviews.

Tense muscles and a "knotted stomach" during a job interview are a natural part of the body's reaction to situations that seem critical or urgent. Some types of interviews test how well you deal with stress, asking tough and uncomfortable questions, and gauging your responses and reactions. However, during a job interview you can bring both your physical and mental self under control in order to perform well in front of hiring managers and selecting officials.
(SOURCE : Chron)

Preparing for an Online Exam: Test Preparation Strategies

Online exams differ greatly from in-class tests, from the testing conditions to the materials you have available. Below are strategies to help you use your testing environment and study notes to their fullest extent.

    Know exactly what will be covered and what kinds of questions will be asked. Practice tests, if provided, will be your best source of information.
    Begin your study-review preparation far in advance of the test.
    Take all comprehension checks, progress tests, and practice tests. For each question missed, find the relevant information in your text and read to locate the correct answer. Make a note in the margin using a different color of ink to call attention to this information. You need to correct your thinking, and this will require extra attention.
    Work with a tutor to help clarify "muddy" concepts.
    Organize your review so you have time to study everything. This includes text chapters, study guide exercises and progress checks, online lectures, online readings, summary outlines, lists of terms, sample problems, charts and graphs, practice exams.
    Mark your textbook and online reading printouts to identify key information so it can be easily found. Your online tests are open book, but since most exams are timed you must organize your materials ahead of time.
    Reserve time before taking the exam for a last, once-through review.
    Take a break before starting the exam so you are rested and thinking clearly.
    Make sure your environment is distraction, interruption free. Alert others that you need the designated amount of time to complete your test and cannot be interrupted.

Have a Job Interview But Afraid to Give a Presentation?

Yes! You jumped up and punched the air. Why? You have just landed a job interview

You were lucky enough to get the job interview. Now as you further read the letter, you have just realised that you must prove yourself by giving a presentation to the interview panel on the day. To assist your future employers in their assessment of your qualifications, they have asked you to make a presentation on a particular subject related to the position you have applied for.

In addition to traditional face to face interviews, many businesses now use other ways of selecting potential employees. These include job interview presentations. In this economy, companies are slashing costs and slashing their workforce, to only keep the staff that are most skilled and are capable of delivering by adding value. So it is getting harder and harder for people to find jobs as each available job is going to have more competition. It is really important for you to stand out from the pack, otherwise you have no chance.

The only huge secret to delivering a compelling presentation during an interview is to prepare yourself ahead of time. Those who are prepared for such competitive moments in life will perform better because they will be more confident and self-assured.

To make both your presentation and interview the best anyone in that company has ever seen.

Improve Communication skills

1.      Do not hesitate. Talk to whoever you can. Decide among your circle of friends that you will only talk in English with each other. This way you can get rid of hesitation and also have your friends correct you when you are wrong.

2.      Start a conversation with strangers in English. Since you do not know them personally, you will feel less conscious about what they would feel about you.

3.      Maintaining a diary to record the events of your day is a great way to practice your writing skills. Take your time to use new words and phrases when you write in your diary.

4.      Read the newspaper. Read it aloud when you can. Concentrate on each word. Note down the words you don't understand and learn their meanings. Try to use these words in your own sentences.

5.      Watch English movies and English shows on television. Initially, you can read the sub-titles to follow the conversation. As you practice more, you will realize that you are able to follow the conversation without needing to read the sub-titles.

6.      Set aside an hour every day to watch English news channels. This is one of the most effective ways of improving your comprehension.

7.      Podcasts are available on the internet. These are audio and video files and many of these can be downloaded for free. These are a great way to practice listening skills and develop an understanding of different accents.

8.      It is usually quite difficult for a beginner to understand the words of an English song as there is background music and the accent of the artist may be unfamiliar to the listener. Read the lyrics while you listen to the song and you will comprehend better. Once you start following the voice of a particular singer, you will find it much easier to understand the singer's other songs too.

9.      Another effective way is to record your own voice and listen to it. You will notice hesitations and pauses. You may also notice that you make some grammatical mistakes while speaking that you do not make while writing. You must aim to improve and rectify these mistakes in subsequent recordings.

10.  Ask people who speak better for advice. There is no shame in seeking help especially if you are trying to improve yourself. Talk to them in English and ask them to correct you whenever you are wrong.

Importance of Communication

1.      Communication is necessary in team building, knowledge transfer and effective social living.

2.      Through communication only, we can able to share our ideas, feelings, thoughts, pains and etc to others.

3.      So, it is a very important thing in one's life to become an active participant in the developing society and to get a job in his/her carrier

Disclaimer:
The above article doesn't give you any guarantee and the sole purpose of this article is to share my learning in the way I understood. Any comments to refine this article are welcome with great pleasure. Please report any breaking link by commenting below.

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