Entries Tagged 'GD / PI / CV' ↓

Employers receive hundreds of resumes every single day. To ensure that your resume is not of the many that is crumpled up and thrown into the bin, extra thought must be put into your resume. Your CV must be different, that transfix the reader and impel the recruiter to short-list you.

Entry- level resumes
1) Length of CV: Your CV should not be longer than a page and a half.
2) Extra-curricular activities are important: At this stage, you have no industry experience to boast of. State relevant projects that you have worked on, awards that you have won and companies you have Interned with. Participation in extra curricular activities is valued. Companies are also impressed with someone who can work well in a team and has good inter-personal skills.
3) Singing and painting are not business interests: Mentioning interests like singing, dancing, music, cooking etc. is redundant and uninteresting to the employer. You must speak the employer’s language if you hope to get his attention. Your resume must be business-led. Mention a business interest. If you have cited that you like reading, be prepared for the interviewer to ask you all kinds of questions about the last book you’ve read, what the book was about, why you chose to read it and more!
4) Add skills and knowledge to your professional career: Gain expertise in an area that will add value to your professional career. Such skills add to your knowledge of the industry and increase your skill base. It makes the employer sit-up and take notice. Hone your computer skills.

A mid-level executive’s resume
1) Length of CV: Your CV should not be longer than two pages. Mention your achievements briefly; recruiters do not have the time to read lengthy resumes.
2) Ability to fit into the organization: When you have two-four years of experience to fall back on, recruiter’s are more concerned with industry knowledge and adaptability to the organization. Ability to fit into the organization’s culture is their concern. They must view you as flexible enough to start off in their company as if you were always a part of it. The organization sees if you have been flexible in previous roles and whether you are prepared for a new responsibility.
3) Personal initiatives: Companies are on the prowl for a progressive and career-conscious individual. Again, personal initiatives taken to add to your skill and knowledge base must be stated in your resume. Mention events where your ideas have been successfully implemented; your projects that have earned accolades for the company or your analytical skills that have been admired by your previous workplace.

Points to remember
1) Bring to light important experiences: There is no need to constantly alter your CV if you have applied for the same position across industries. Focus on the experiences that you think matter to the employer.
2) Know your current affairs: Keep abreast of news and current affairs by religiously reading the dailies. Read business articles, especially those that relate to your industry. This in turn, adds to your expertise in the industry.
3) Verbal and written communication: Verbal communication skills and writing skills are increasingly becoming the primary criteria while hiring. Contemplate the recruiter’s most likely questions and go over the answers. Avoid ambiguity while answering a question; be direct.

Personal interviews for entrance to MBA institutes are tough for many of us. However why are we so afraid of a small conversation of questions and answers. Instead of taking it as big deal to crack, approach towards it as just another formal conversation.

Do your homework:
It is better to be prepared for an interview in advance than fumbling there. You should know what and how you want to convey to the interviewer. Many of the candidates lack such preparation; hence you can have an advantage of standing out by doing your ground work perfectly. Be ready with how to talk about experience and achievements, so that it would not look like exaggeration.

Open Ended Questions:
In the interview what the toughest part is open ended questions. Interviewer might ask you questions such as “What are your strengths?” or “Tell me something about yourself?” or “Why are you right for that particular business school?” At such a time do not revolve around your academic records that have already been mentioned in your application. Take such questions as an opportunity to prove your skills and abilities. It will also show how different are you from other candidates.

Don’t Be Foolish:
Don’t waste your time as well as interviewer’s time. Sometimes, interviewer takes his/her time to ask question. So do not fill the silence by saying something foolish. Rather, if you find the silence too long and awkward for you then you can start the conversation again by saying “Is there something specific that you would like to know about it?” in accordance with your last response.

With above points in mind, you can definitely crack the MBA interview and get admission in the best college.

Having good skills and abilities are just not enough to get a job. One always likes a person with good mannerism. Hence your behavior is also seen through out the conversation with interviewer. Below are the interview etiquettes, which can help you to get a job.

Before Interview:
1) Know everything about the company, where you are going for an interview. Interviewer is likely to ask questions like ‘why do you want to work with this company’. So research about the company before the interview. Your research will help you to answer such questions.

2) Carry your certificates and other important papers neatly in a nice briefcase or portfolio. This way you look organized and highlight your professionalism too.

3) One of the points to consider is your dressing. Dress appropriately. Formals is the best choice for interview. However avoid bright colors. Mind your hairstyle too. Ensure that your haircut does not give you a causal look.

4) Wear minimum and subtle jewellery. It should not be too flashy. If you use perfume, make sure the fragrance is mild and not too strong.

5) Be punctual. Go for an interview 15-20 minutes early than given time. If you can not reach early, definitely don’t be late.

6) Its better to turn off your mobile phone and pager. If not, at least keep them on silent mode.

During Interview:
1) As soon as see the interviewer shake hands and say something like “please to meet you”. Stick to professional and formal language. Don’t use slang and casual language. Be polite too.

2) Wait to be told to sit. Or ask and then sit if given permission. It shows good manners.

3) Sit properly. If you are confused about where to keep your hand, keep them folded on your lap. But surely do not cross your arms over chest, it indicates closed mind.

4) Do not show your nervousness to interviewer by fidgeting or any such acts.

5) Maintain eye-contact with interviewer but don’t stare too.

6) Don’t bring salary’s topic until interviewer comes to it. However be ready for negotiations on salary, perks and other benefits.

After Interview:
1) Be prepared for the two-three interview sessions at the same company. If they call you back, it means they are interested to hire you but narrowing down the competition.

2) If you don’t hear anything from them in the time frame they have given. It’s fine to call them once or send a enquiry email. But still they don’t, do not bother them again. They would definitely get back if they are interested.

One of the basic form of interview is telephonic interview. These are some of the tips to crack the telephonic interview successfully:

* First of all know for which job you are being interviewed for. Do not waste their as well as your time.

* Give exact information of your contact details to interviewer along with STD or ISD code, so that they can connect you easily.

* Make your family members understand the importance of the interview call so that they cooperate with you and make no noise.

* If you are feeling stressed or tensed, it is better to have a mock session in advance. Make your friend call you and ask you mock questions. So that you have an idea about how good you can speak.

* For interview, choose the place where you can sit comfortably and jot down notes. Also keep a notepad and pen with you, so that you don’t have to rush for it keeping interviewer on hold.

* In addition, gather all the things such as CV and certificates for your reference, so that you can promptly refer to it and answer the question. It will also help you to highlight your experience and achievements.

* If you are forgetful, write down points that you would like to mention during the interview. Also note down clarifications if any so that you can seek answers from interviewer.

* Do not drink anything or eat during an interview. That creates a noise, which would leave bad impression.

* Ensure that you can hear interviewer clearly and also ask him/her if you are audible.

* In middle of a conversation, if you have completed response but interviewer has not asked further question, don’t break the silence with babbling around. Instead ask question related to your last response.

* Avoid to shuffle, sneeze or cough during the interview. If you do so quickly follow the act with “excuse me”. Though it might not give you extra marks this is matter of manners.

It happens with many of us that despite of having a good resume and bright skills, we end up in the soup in the interview. We must understand that in as less time as 15 minutes, we need to prove our skills and abilities to interviewer, which is not an easy task. Here are some tips for you to help you to deal with those tricky questions.

Don’t Badmouth, Instead Be Positive:
Many a times we are asked tricky questions like “Why did you leave your last job?” or “Why have you changed jobs frequently?” reasons of such questions might be many, affirmative or assertive; however you need to give a positive answers. No employer would like to employ a person who doesn’t take responsibilities and blame others. Answer such questions confidently and positively. You may say something like “each job opened doors of new challenges, which I fulfilled.” Or “I was ready for new challenges each time I left the job.” This would help to create positive impression.

Be realistic:
“Why should we appoint you?” This is another tricky questions that interviewer might ask you. Take this opportunity to praise yourself. However don’t overdo it, take realistic approach and answer this. You can highlight your skills and capabilities here. Also you can state your experience and ability to meet challenges. You can tell them that you have all the attributes that are required for the particular job profile.

Be calm:
Question might be any, convince them calmly and confidently. Do not get panic. It is important to maintain your cool. This will help you to think better and be alert, so that you can answer quickly and thoughtfully. Also your capacity to handle pressure is judged at the interview. Hence, on all sides it is better to be calm at the interview.

Communication Skills:
Develop some verbal communication skills. It will not only help you to crack tricky questions but also will help you on the job.

Be Precise and Direct:
It’s not a story telling session. Directly come to the point and answer precisely. Give examples of your success and achievements, but stick to the point. Do your homework well before you go for an interview that will help you to answer questions in a better manner. Know to market your skills and appear for an interview.

All The Best!

GD Preparation - A few useful Tips ‘n’ Tricks !!

Read the newspapers, current affairs magazines and business magazines.

Try and make your viewpoints on the various issues i.e. whether you agree or you disagree and why. For example India and the WTO? Discuss them with your friends or knowledgeable relatives.

Make notes or file news paper clippings of the news items that you think are important for the area in which you intend to specialize, your country or the world as a whole.

Read books on the area you are planning to specialize into.

Read General Books.

Never get tensed about GD. Do not let this spoil you schedule which includes a good nights sleep.

Normally the candidate is asked to report in the morning and the GD turn may come in the evening. Hence ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to survive the whole day and the GD.

A Group Discussion is a verbal dialogue and exchange of thoughts and opinions between a group of people. It is a personality test commonly used by institutes where there is a high level of competition.

Candidates and executives are selected for managerial appointments, training, awarding of scholarships, admission to post graduate or specialized courses using this test.

A typical GD involves 8 to 12 participants discussing a topic for a stipulated time, usually for 15 to 20 minutes. Like an interview, a GD can be administered easily because it is a verbal test. It has all the advantages of field tests which make it more objective and reliable. Candidates can even rank themselves and then compare the rank to that given by the examiners. No special materials are required to conduct a GD and it can be done anywhere, any time. Thus, a GD is economical and time saving.

A Group Discussion can be Structured, Unstructured, or Specialized.
1. Structured GDs: The topic is stated and the time limit is set. No consensus is expected at the end. No leader is chosen. These are easier to handle. Topics chosen are general and do not require technical knowledge.

2. Unstructured GDs: A leader must be chosen and the group has to reach a consensus. The leader has to direct the group, set the tone for discussion and ensure that the discussion is smooth. Sometimes to make things complicated, the group is asked to decide on a topic, discuss it and reach a consensus.

3. Specialized GDs: These include role-plays or scripted GDs. Candidates are given a certain brief about a role that they need to play. Candidates are provided with the profiles of the people they are supposed to play and a subsequent situation they must deal with.

A GD monitors the level of coordination and cooperation. Your ability to work in a team comes to the fore. Do not lose your temper or appear distressed. It is a sign of inability to work in a team. The objective is to work together and accomplish the task within the time allotted.

If you can articulate and express yourself well, you will do marvelously at the GD. Of course, wide general knowledge of the subject will supply more points to talk about. Competition within the group can be tough and each candidate will try to impress all others in the group. In a bid to make a good impression and make as many points as possible, there will be overlapping, confusion, conflict of the interests and confrontation.

Learn the answers to the questions that frequently arise in your mind !!

1.What is a GD?
GD is a discussion by a group of people which involves an exchange of thoughts and ideas. Group Discussions are largely used by institutes where there is a high level of competition.

2. What is Evaluated?
GD is a means to assess one’s overall personality.

The qualities judged are:
Mental Agility
Spontaneity of Decision
Interpersonal Skills
Alertness
Power of Assimilation
Clear & Logical Exposition
Leadership
Intellect
Moral Integrity

An Examiner can easily make an assessment of candidates on above parameters in a GD. All that one observes in a GD can be categorised into two broad areas: the Content and the Process. The content is all about the ‘matter’ (or the ‘what’) spoken in the GD. Whereas, the process refers to the ‘how’, ‘when’ and ‘why’ of the GD. Both are equally important and need adequate attention at all stages. A high quality contribution with no regard to the ‘process’ is as suicidal as one which is high on packaging with little content.

3. How does a GD Take Place?
A Group of 6-15 candidates are made to sit in a circular or a semi-circular (U Shaped) fashion so that they can see each other and take part in the discussion easily
Roll Numbers may be allotted to participants for easy recognition. Before the GD, the examiner (observer) announces the topic for discussion and informs candidates about the time-limit. He may also draw attention towards the etiquette, rules and regulation, procedure to be followed. He also clears any doubts/queries. The individuals of the group might be given some initial time to put down their thoughts on the topic. The examiner observes the proceedings of the discussion from a distance without directly interfering into it. He examines the performance of each candidate without any prejudice or favour.

4. Are the topics decided on the basis of the academic background of the participants?
No, The grouping of members and the topics is done by the institute’s admission team. Topics basis academic background are rarely asked

5. Can a definite stand be taken?
If you have complete conviction on your stand TAKE IT (esp. in case of ethical topics) – Its important to be true and fair first to yourself and then to others.
But, at the same time appreciate others point of view and evaluate their judgment without bias. Taking one side of the topic initially and then moving to another or oscillating between the two sides during the GD shows signs of indecisiveness. Remember, Managers are Effective Decision Makers.

In most groups, you would find close to a 50:50 situation for and against a topic. Even if you are a minority take the stand. Even, in the MBA selection process, you are a minority – ‘one out of 200’!

6. What is the right time to enter to ensure I am heard?
If the order is preset by the examiner then you will have your chance as per your turn

The opportunities to enter are:
First Members
Last Members
Middle Members

The best time to enter is in the first so that you maintain uniqueness of your points, but at the risk of losing out on others points which you could build on. If you find it uncomfortable to be the first to take the plunge listen out others and then enter along with the middle/last members. Frankly, there is no right or wrong time to enter or not. Just make sure that you speak out your points in the initial round of discussion

7. How necessary is it to use examples for illustrating an idea?
Using an example simplifies the understanding of your point to the group. Substantiation is like putting a seal of authenticity to your statement. Try and use relevant facts/figures wherever possible. Use an example or two for a point that you wish to project

8. What is summarization?
Converting the entire discussion into 4 or 5 points without any bias to fully represent the thoughts of the group. In some cases, everyone might be asked to summarize so you must form a habit of summarizing.

9. What should you do if one member is very stubborn and aggressive?
Don’t get into a argument with the member – “Don’t let his virus INFECT you”. Objectively and calmly present your point of view vis-à-vis his. You could ask other group members to comment (to break the deadlock) and take the discussion forward

10.How do you participate when the noise level is high?
Every group has a High – when most people are talking – This is when you should listen and your mind should think and evaluate the plethora of others thoughts
You can interject when the group is on a low (you will be able to observe it if you are alert) – Then present your evaluation of others thoughts and perhaps take the discussion on to a more positive platform, This would show a clear structure in your thinking. Sometimes you can bring the group to a refocus, when the group digresses from the topics.

These are all positive traits of a manager and naturally gives you plus points.

Learn the answers to the questions that frequently arise in your mind !!

What is the normal duration of a GD?
A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.

How many panel members are there to evaluate?
There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.

Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the GD?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one’s thoughts, but there could be instances when this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.

Should I address the panel or the group members?
Don’t ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The GD is between you and the other members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members while the GD is in progress. Just ignore their existence.

What is the seating arrangement like?
It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the venue. It is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.

How should I address the other group members?
If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the group as “Friends”. Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round of self-introduction prior to starting the discussion and you remember the names) or simply use pronouns like “he” or “she”.

Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?
You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor.

Should I encourage others to speak up?
Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her to speak up. If someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off constantly, you may encourage him/her to continue with her point as you would like to hear her out.

Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?
It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so distracted looking at your watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.

In order to succeed at any unstructured group discussion, you must define what your objective in the group is.
A good definition of your objective is - to be seen to have contributed meaningfully in an attempt to achieve the right consensus.

The key words in this definition are ’seen’, ‘meaningfully’, and ‘attempt’. Let us understand what each of these implies in terms of action points:

The first implication is that merely making a meaningful contribution in an attempt to achieve consensus is not enough. You have to be seen by the evaluator to have made a meaningful contribution in an attempt to build the right consensus.

In other words you must ensure that you are heard by the group. If the group hears you so will the evaluator. You must get at least some airtime. If you are not a very assertive person you will have to simply learn to be assertive for those 15 minutes. If you get cowed down easily in an aggressive group, you can say goodbye to the business school admission.

Many group discussion participants often complain that they did not get a chance to speak. The fact of the matter is that in no group discussion do you get a chance to speak. You have to make your chances.

The second important implication is that making just any sort of contribution is not enough. Your contribution has to be meaningful.

A meaningful contribution suggests that you have a good knowledge base, are able to structure arguments logically and are a good communicator. These are qualities that are desired by all evaluators.

Many group discussion participants feel that the way to succeed in a group discussion is by speaking frequently, for a long time and loudly. This is not true. The quality of what you say is more important than the quantity. Don’t be demoralized if you feel you have not spoken enough. If you have spoken sense and have been heard, even if only for a short time, it is usually good enough. You must have substance in your arguments. Therefore, think things through carefully.

Always enter the room with a piece of paper and a pen. In the first two minutes jot down as many ideas as you can. It pays to think laterally. Everybody else will state the obvious. Can you state something different? Can you take the group ahead if it is stuck at one point? Can you take it in a fresh and more relevant direction? You may like to dissect the topic and go into the underlying causes or into the results.

One way of deciding what sort of contribution is meaningful at what point of time is to follow two simple rules. First, in times of chaos a person who restores order to the group is appreciated. Your level of participation in a fish market kind of scenario can be low, but your degree of influence must never be low. In other words you must make positive contributions every time you speak and not speak for the sake of speaking. The second rule is applicable when the group is floundering. In this situation a person who provides a fresh direction to the group is given credit.

The third implication is that you must be clearly seen to be attempting to build a consensus. Nobody expects a group of ten people, all with different points of view on a controversial subject to actually achieve a consensus. But did you make the attempt to build a consensus?

Try and lay down the boundaries or the area of the discussion at the beginning. Discuss what the group should discuss before actually beginning your discussion. This will at least ensure that everyone is talking about the same thing.

Try and summarize the discussion at the end. In the summary do not merely restate your point of view; also accommodate dissenting viewpoints. If the group did not reach a consensus, say so in your summary.

You must carry people with you. So do not get emotional, shout, invade other people’s private space. Do not bang your fist on the table except in extreme circumstances.

If you have spoken and you notice that someone else has tried to enter the discussion on a number of occasions and has not had the chance to do so maybe you could give him a chance the next time he tries. But do not offer a chance to anyone who is not trying to speak. He may not have anything to say at that point and you will just end up looking foolish.

The surest way of antagonizing others in the group discussion as well as the examiner is to appoint yourself as a de facto chairperson of the group. Do not try to impose a system whereby everyone gets a chance to speak in turn. A group discussion is meant to be a free flowing discussion. Let it proceed naturally. Do not ever try to take a vote on the topic. A vote is no substitute for discussion.

Do not address only one or two persons when speaking. Maintain eye contact with as many members of the group as possible. This will involve others in what you are saying and increase your chances of carrying them with you. Do this even if you are answering a specific point raised by one person.

One last point. You must not agree with another participant in the group merely for the sake of achieving consensus. If you disagree, say so. You are not there to attempt to build just any consensus. You have to attempt to build the right consensus.