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How to Face GD

A group discussion consists of:

• Communication Skills
  
• Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
  
• Capability to co-ordinate and lead
  
• Exchange of thoughts
  
• Addressing the group as a whole
  
• Thorough preparations

Communication Skills

The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time create an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive impact.

It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the wordage produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that are evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating stages.

Ability to listen is also what evaluators judge. They look for your ability to react on what other participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to add some more points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a loner or can work in a group.

You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people. Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers specialized courses in public speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of courses like conversation skills, business communication skills, business writing, negotiation skills and presentation skills. Mostly people attend these courses to improve their communication skills. Students here are involved in activities which use communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and facilitate the classes. The course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people without any nervousness.

Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject

Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.

Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities

The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.

Exchange of Thoughts

A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions are held for selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high level of competition. The number of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.

The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about their skills, which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership skills, listening and articulation skills.

A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are important points which are to be considered. .

Addressing the Group as a Whole

In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may not know everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole.

Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like "yar", "chalta hai", "CP", "I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English) should be discarded.

Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do not exaggerate.

Thorough Preparation

Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is important to concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make it to the final list from 2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year.

It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four organizations but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared.

In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a case study GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you should have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your group behaviour and communication skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the others and how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the course of the GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are open to accommodate others' viewpoints.

Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.

Points to Remember

• Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
  
• Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
  
• Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
  
• If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
  
• A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
  
• A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
  
• Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
  
• Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
  
• Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
  
• Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.

Why do we have GD ?

Reasons for having a GD

• It helps you to understand a subject more deeply.
  
• It improves your ability to think critically.
  
• It helps in solving a particular problem.
  
• It helps the group to make a particular decision.
  
• It gives you the chance to hear other students' ideas.
  
• It improves your listening skills.
  
• It increases your confidence in speaking.
  
• It can change your attitudes.
  

Strategies for Improving GD Skills for Tutorials & Seminars

Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills for university study. If you find it difficult to speak or ask questions in tutorials, try the following strategies.

Observe

Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice what other students do. Ask yourself:

• How do other students make critical comments?
  
• How do they ask questions?
  
• How do they disagree with or support arguments?
  
• What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicing disagreement?
  
• How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?
  

Practice

Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group. Start with asking questions of fellow students. Ask them about the course material. Ask for their opinions. Ask for information or ask for help.

Participate

Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions as well as more structured/formal discussion. Start by making small contributions to tutorial discussions; prepare a question to ask, or agree with another speaker's remarks.

Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners)

Do

• Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.
  
• Respect the contribution of every speaker.
  
• Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.
  
• Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?
  
• Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.
  
• Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.
  
• Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.
  

Don't

• Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.
  
• Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.
  
• Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive.
  
• Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute.
  
• Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalise too much.
  
• Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak.
  

Leading a Discussion

You may be in a seminar group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after an oral presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by:

• introducing yourself and the members of the group
  
• stating the purpose of the discussion
  
• inviting quiet group members to speak
  
• being objective
  
• summarizing the discussion
  

Chairing a Group Discussion

When chairing a discussion group you must communicate in a positive way to assist the speakers in accomplishing their objective. There are at least four leadership skills you can use to influence other people positively and help your group achieve its purpose. These skills include:

• introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,
  
• making sure all members have approximately the same time, (i.e. no one dominates the discussion by taking too much time)
  
• thanking group members for their contribution
  
• being objective in summarizing the group's discussion and achievements.

Types of GD

GDs can be topic-based or case-based.

Topic based Gds

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types :-

1. Factual Topics
2. Controversial Topics
3. Abstract Topics

Factual Topics:-

Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-to-day life. Typically these are about socio-economic topics. These can be current, i.e. they may have been in the news lately, or could be unbound by time. A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of and sensitive to his environment.
E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State of the aged in the nation.

Controversial Topics:-


Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are meant to generate controversy. In GDs where these topics are given for discussion, the noise level is usually high, there may be tempers flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check, by rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional.
E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers

Abstract Topics:-
Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for discussion, but their possibility cannot be ruled out. These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity.
E.g. A is an alphabet, Twinkle twinkle little star, The number 10


Case-based Gd:-
Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic.
The case study tries to simulate a real-life situation. Information about the situation will be given to you and you would be asked as a group to resolve the situation. In the case study there are no incorrect answers or perfect solutions. The objective in the case study is to get you to think about the situation from various angles.
IIM A, IIM Indore and IIT SOM Mumbai have a case-based discussion rather than topic-based discussion in their selection procedures.

Satyam pattern

1. Written test

2. Group Discussion

3. Interview

1. Written test was of 30 minutes, 15 questions. +1 or -1/4 (negative correction was there)
The paper was of Logical Aptitude Some questions were very easy like- one-third of a number is also half. (Ans.3/2)
arranging the sentences in a sequence. counting the number of a's, b's, i's etc in a sentence
decoding the codes.(some numbers and corresponding letters for them will be given - very easy - new code and old codes will be there)
5 ltr and 3 ltr, will be there 4 ltr has to be
weighed.
Some questions were confusing. Don't attempt the
questions if u r not sure.

I think for this paper, you can't have a book to
refer. It depends on how u analyse the questions at
that time. Be cool, don't get tensed.

2.Group Discussion for those who clear the test.
I got the topic-"Why is Indian Hockey limping"
You have to speak and tell something different(
hightlight a point which is not made by other members
of the group). I think they see leadership quality,
Taking Initiative etc.

I came to know the two other topics, which were -
"UN's peace activities" and "America's war on Iraq".

If u clear this round u will move on to interview.

3. It consists of HR and technical interview.- both
will be held at the same time by two people
In HR interview they ask questions like - tell about
yourself, your parents, brothers, sisters. why should
I recruit u?, What r your interests, hobbies-quesitons
on that.

In technical interview I was asked questions on -
circular linked list, OOPs features(encapsulation,
inheritance etc.), How a C program will be executed?
(First preprocessing, compiling etc.), Difference
between Java and C++, about bite code, threads and
process, applets, Virtual functions, abstract class,
public, private, protected, etc.

I heard that some people were asked questions on
DBMS, microprocessors, C, OS

Questions on your project.

While answering be confident, if don't know the answer
admit frankly.
[curtesy post from sridhar]

10 Days Guide to Crack INFOSYS (Infy)

Usually when you register with Infosys, you would get a mail at least 10 to 12 days before the written test either by email, or by post. Let us keep this as 10 days. Before we start off, three rules must be kept in mind.

FIRST RULE: While job hunting, check your mail on a daily basis, so that you don’t get delayed info regarding test or other such details. Even the appointment order comes by email.

SECOND RULE: Once you do receive the intimating or hall ticket, check for the following books. Not all chapters need to be followed in each book and i have given the need ones in the daily schedule.
(1) Puzzles to Puzzle you - Shakuntala Devi (very Important)
(2) More Puzzles - Shakuntala Devi (very Important)
(3) Puzzles and Teasers - George Sammers (very very Important)
(4) Brain Teasers - Ravi Narula (Optional, but few old sums are here)
(5) Quantitative Aptitude - R.S Agarwal (Important)
(6) Verbal Reasoning - R.S Agarwal (very very Important)
(7) Previous Papers - Chetana group, Mail me for more (Important)

THIRD RULE: YOU must forget all your previous failures and start a fresh with firm determination and enthusiasm. Once you do this, solving puzzles become easy. Concentrate on the bigger puzzles first. This may be the way the marks are distributed:
8 marks and 6 marks - George Sammers and Verbal Reasoning (R.S Agarwal)
4 marks and 5 marks and 3 marks - Shakuntala Devi books and Ravi Narula and Quantitative Aptitude (R.S Agarwal). Some questions from Previous Papers

Now let’s start of with the schedule:

DAY 1: Start off with Puzzles to Puzzle you - Shakuntala Devi and finish as mush as possible. Decide to only finish the book and call the day off. Note down the sums which you are not able to solve or need the answers to solve and keep this list safely. After you go through the whole book, go back to these questions and just check out the way they are solved. Sometimes they will not be explained. In this case you have no choice but to leave them. But some sums will have some funny explanations. Just remember the way or method.

DAY 2: Now take a break off from Shakuntala Devi and then start verbal Reasoning - R.S. Agarwal. In this you just have to do the Puzzle Test Chapter fully, and have a look at the Number, Ranking and Sequence Test chapter. It contains fully George Sammers type question on easier scale but you would be able to understand the basic logic of solving George Sammers type questions. Finish off the whole book during the second day. There is just one or two methods to solve these sort of questions and the explanation is very clear.
Once you get the method, you can solve al the puzzles in this, but just in case do go through all the puzzles. There have been puzzles in previous papers from here. Once ou get the method well, there will not be any revision necessary in this book. But you will have to concentrate on the method.

DAY 3: Now back to More Puzzles - Shakuntala Dei and follow the same procedure you followed for the first book.

DAY 4 and DAY 5: Get your George Sammers book and start off solving the puzzles. The first half is kind of easy, but don’t be worried if you are not able to solve much. Even one or two is enough. The Rest, you just have to use the scheme and the solutions and then understand the puzzle thoroughly. Many papers have similar sums with the names changed. Try to finish the first half in a day. And start off the second half. The second half is relatively tougher, and it will be very confusing. Just try to solve some. The second half, even the solutions will confuse you more. So just solve as many as you can. The rest you can make use of the solutions. If they are too complex, leave them aside. Note down all sums you could not solve or could solve only using the solutions and list them. When you are through the whole book, just revise all the sums, giving preference to the ones that you have listed. It is ok even if you sit with George Sammers for three days. But you must fully be able to understand the entire question in the First part. The second part, at least maybe few sums are optional.

DAY 6: Take your quantitative Aptitude book by R.S Agarwal and workout the following chapters fully. Note down tough sums and their solutions and come back to solve them and revise them.
The chapters to be done are:
(1) Time and Distance (very important)
(2) Time and Work
(3) Pipes and Cisterns
(4) Trains
(5) Boats

DAY 7: Revise Shakuntala Devi book-1 and revise it well. Not necessary to work out the problems. Just check if your method is correct. The sums you have listed, give them extra importance. By the end of this day, you must Shakuntala Devi book-1(Puzzles to
Puzzle you) on your finger tips.

DAY 8: Revise the book-2 of Shakuntala Devi, just how you revised the first book. End of this day you should have both Shakuntala Devi books at your finger tips.

DAY 9: Revise George Sammers, such that you can easily solve the whole first part. The second part, leave it, if it is tough.

DAY 10: Check out Ravi Narula. The sums are very tough. It will be enough if you just c the solutions and understand them. Some sums are asked in some papers.( There is one question about some ANYMAN reaching ANYWHERE. His tier gets punctured and he reaches late. If his tier got punctured earlier / later then he would have reached earlier/later. How far did he travel? Something like that).that is from this book. Many papers have this sum repeated. But the names are changed. Ravi Narula is just optional, but I suggest that you go through all sums and their solution at least once. Don’t take too much time on Ravi Narula. Just three or four hours would be sufficient.

INTERVIEW: Interview is Casual. If you have done excellently well in the test, your interview process is very simple and a walkthrough if you have good communication skills (Speak clearly, frankly).

Every Problem has a Solution.

General Tips To Overcome An Interview

Before the interview

1. Chronological Outline of Career and Education Divide your life into "segments" defining your university, first job, second job. For each stage, jot down :
The reason for opting certain course or profession; Your job responsibilities in your previous/current job; Reason of leaving your earlier/current job. You should be clear in your mind where you want to be in the short and long term and ask yourself the reason why you would be appropriate for the job you are being interviewed for and how it will give shape to your future course.

2. Strengths and Weaknesses
You should keep a regular check on your strengths and weaknesses. Write down three (3) technical and three (3) non-technical personal strengths. Most importantly, show examples of your skills. This proves more effective than simply talking about them. So if you're asked about a general skill, provide a specific example to help you fulfil the interviewer's expectations. It isn't enough to say you've got "excellent leadership skills". Instead, try saying:
"I think I have excellent leaderships skills which I have acquired through a combination of effective communication, delegation and personal interaction. This has helped my team achieve its goals."
As compared to strengths, the area of weaknesses is difficult to handle. Put across your weakness in such a way that it at leaset seems to be a positive virtue to the interviewer. Describe a weakness or area for development that you have worked on and have now overcome.

3. Questions you should be prepared for
Tell us about yourself.
What do you know about our company?
Why do you want to join our company?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
How have you improved the nature of your job in the past years of your working? Why should we hire you?
What contributions to profits have you made in your present or former company? Why are you looking for a change?

Answers to some difficult questions:
Tell me about yourself?
Start from your education and give a brief coverage of previous experiences. Emphasize more on your recent experience explaining your job profile.
What do you think of your boss?
Put across a positive image, but don't exaggerate.
Why should we hire you? Or why are you interested in this job?
Sum up your work experiences with your abilities and emphasize your strongest qualities and achievements. Let your interviewer know that you will prove to be an asset to the company.
How much money do you want?
Indicate your present salary and emphasize that the opportunity is the most important consideration.
Do you prefer to work in a group?
Be honest and give examples how you've worked by yourself and also with others. Prove your flexibility.

4. Questions to Ask
At the end of the interview, most interviewers generally ask if you have any questions. Therefore, you should be prepared beforehand with 2-3 technical and 2-3 non-technical questions and commit them to your memory before the interview.
Do not ask queries related to your salary, vacation, bonuses, or other benefits. This information should be discussed at the time of getting your joining letter. Here we are giving few sample questions that you can ask at the time of your interview.
Sample Questions
Could you tell me the growth plans and goals for the company?
What skills are important to be successful in this position?
Why did you join this company? (Optional)
What's the criteria your company uses for performance appraisal?
With whom will I be interacting most frequently and what are their responsibilities and the nature of our interaction?
What is the time frame for making a decision at this position?
What made the previous persons in this position successful/unsuccessful?

5. Do your homework
Before going for an interview, find out as much information on the company (go to Jobs Ahead Company Q and A) as possible. The best sources are the public library, the Internet (you can check out the company's site), and can even call the company and get the required information. The information gives you a one-up in the interview besides proving your content company or position.
Clearing the interview isn't necessarily a solitary attempt. Seek assistance from individuals who are in the profession and whose counsel you value most. Be confident in your approach and attitude; let the panel feel it through your demeanor, body language and dressing.
Getting prepared for your interview is the best way to dig deep and know yourself. You will be surprised that it would breed a new familiarity become more familiar with your own qualifications that will be make you present yourself better. All the best and get ready to give a treat.