Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Group Discussion Strategies

How to prepare for group discussion?

What is Group Discussion?

When facing an interview most of the candidates are sorted out in the Group Discussion round. The Group Discussion also called as GD is the toughest part of the interview. In a group discussion the interviewer give a topic to the interviewees on which they have to speak out their views either on positive side or on the negative side. In this round the number of the interviewees are from 5 to 10. It changes from company to company. If the interviewees are much more than the number of the post in the company, then the company can take a large number of interviewees per one GD round.

It is only the best way to sort out the candidates from an interview. On the completion of this GD round, the interviewer will select only 1 or 2 persons out of those many people.

What are the main things we have to learn while attending an interview?

1. Looks- The first impression is the best impression. Here it comes with your looks. How well you dressed up on the day of the interview. The nice clothing will also improve the level of confidence in you. Your well dressing will also affects the view of the interviewer. Some time in the Group discussion if you impress the interviewer with your looks than the percentage of getting success in the GD round is automatically increases while comparing to others.

2. Fear- Take out the words Fear from your mind that you are not a brilliant student. Think that the interviewees sitting with you in that interview are not more intelligent than you. Try to mingle with the other candidates in the interview to remove your fear from your inside.

3. Time to speak- Time is a main factor in any field. Selecting a right time to speak is plus point to catch the attention of the crowd in the group discussion. While speaking speak slow with clear pronunciation, so that everyone can understand your points. Do not speak less than 2 minutes if it is personal introduction round.

4. Who are you: Try to understand yourself before attending an interview. The general question in the interview is “Tell me about yourself”. It is the very strong question in the interview. Be honest most of the time. Try to prepare your profile as per the post requirement is there.

Tips to get success in the Group Discussion.

1. News papers: Reading news paper not only gives you the knowledge about the current affairs but also make aware of the new English words and improve your vocabulary skills. Reading loudly will improve your reading speed and accent.

2. Mirror: The mirror shows our inner feelings. When we try to speak in front of the mirror we can easily judge our expression while we talking with others. We can improve our expression as well as the way of talking with other by practicing before a mirror. It will also improve your confidence level and the chance of clearing the GD successfully.

3. Discuss the topic which you learn today with your family or friends: Daily discuss a topic which you learn today with your friends and family member. You can take the help of your friends and the family members to rectify your faults while speaking. Assume your mom and dad as the interviewer and ask them to give a topic of their choice. You will now have to speak on that topic. While you speaking about the topic , put a question tag and confirm your view with any of the other member in the room, for ex: isn’t it Mr. xyz, cant it possible, etc. , then say thanks for confirmation and continue on your topic.

#Note: Group Discussion (GD) is not a debate competition. Be polite and loud your voice so that your view can reach to the hear of each and every other person in the GD. Do not fight in the GD even though you think that he is wrong. Try to listen the views of the other members in the group discussion clearly and respond according to that. Listening is also a part of GD. Thats it!!! Just take a good sleep on the night before the day of the interview and rock the interview with a cool and piece mind. All the best.

how to sell your self in Interview

how to sell your self in Interview

Are you attending any interview then read these tips on How to sell your self in interview?

When you attend for an interview introduce yourself with a smile and firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact with the employer during conversation. Demonstrate to the recruiter what you want to and can do for the employer today, based on employer research.Show interest in what the interviewer is saying, by nodding your head and leaning toward him/her occasionally. Give positive answers to negative-based questions. Immediately after you leave make notes of important points of discussion

Ask the recruiter prepared questions. Initiate the next step by asking what the next step is.

Ask for the recruiter’s business card for future contact.

Here is an example about how to answer the first question most interviewers ask. “Tell me about yourself” It also allows the job seeker to share with the interviewer the most important thing they want to know – “Why should I hire you?”

1. Personal and Education

This part is used to give the interviewer relevant information concerning you personally and about your educational background. This does not include personal information such as marital status, children, etc. This does include information such as: hometown or state and/or personal attribute. The education should be either the latest obtained and/or major field if relevant to job objective.

2. Early Career/Life Experiences

This part is used to share with the interviewer past work and life experiences relevant to the job objective.

3. Recent Work History/Life Experiences

This is the time for the job seeker to relate to the employer two accomplishments/results of the job seeker that indicate why he/she is the best candidate for the position sought.

4. Why you are here

In this part, the job seeker speaks with enthusiasm that he/she is here for the specific position sought.

5. What to Do

Arrive 10-15 minutes early to the interview location for interview.

Use time wisely to review employer research information.

Have pen and paper. Asking to borrow a pen indicates lack of preparation.

Be enthusiastic. Recruiters remember a positive attitude.

Listen carefully to the interviewer’s complete question before responding.

If needed, pause and take time before answering difficult questions.

Keep going even if you feel you made a mistake.

Carry extra resumes, references, etc. organized in a portfolio

Unless asked, do not discuss salary and benefits.

Resume Writing Tips

The below mentioned points are the tips you should remember while writing a resume. Resume should be well written to increase the chance of being invited for an interview. The candidate should take effort to create a resume that will make him stand among other probable candidates, so resume is the professional reflection of individuals who are applying or looking for a job or employment.

When you are writing a resume arrange all the necessary documents, certificates and gather all the important information you need for writing the resume. List all the significant events and data for quick reference. Recall all your career plans for a good resume format. Regardless of the format, all resume contain the same information that should be presented and stated very well to yield positive result.

Apply for those jobs and positions that would fit on your qualifications and personality. You must first understand what the company is looking for and what you have to offer before you go on with your resume. Identify your significant qualifications that would make you the best candidate for the particular position or job you wish to apply.

Once you know your career path, begin your resume with the Objective Section. Your objective should be based on your career plan and should likewise concede with what the company needs. Establish your objective in such a way that you can convey to the employer that you are just the right candidate they’re looking for. Mention the exact position you are applying on the Objective Section to demonstrate clarity.

Some times a separate Summary Section is recommended; this summary should consist of brief paragraph of your important qualities to answer the question why the company should choose you or hire you over other applicants. Place the Summary Section immediately after the Objective. Once you have finished writing your Objective and Summary, and then write your experience.

In Experience Section you should begin with your job titles, followed by the company name or vice versa, depending which is more remarkable and must stick to it for consistency. Include all your work-related experience under this section including the internships and voluntary works and services. Better to list your experience in reverse chronological order and write the dates after each work you have done excluding the months unless the job is held for less than a year.

Once your have finished your work experience section mention your education. Licenses and degrees must be put ahead of your trainings and certifications. State your major course and awards but don’t include other small commendations unless you just graduate recently. Incase if you haven’t finished your degree put the expected date of completion .After education section list your affiliations and organizations. Mention those are recent and relevant. You can write some of your personal background or interest after the Affiliation Section. Personal Interest, when properly listed demonstrate your versatility. But always write that are somehow relevant on the company or the positioned being applied.

Reference section is the final section of the resume. But name and addresses of your reference must no be listed here. Prepare them in another sheet and present only when being asked by the employer. You can mention as “Reference available upon request” under the Reference Section. So with these useful tips start writing your resume and apply for the job you are searching.