CAT 2013: Confidence is the key to success in GDPI

Arpana Jain, a sincere, hardworking student completed her graduation with exceptional marks. Quite understandably she was invited for a series of Campus Interviews by leading organisations. But as sincere as she was in her work, she faltered with her answers during the interview and this inability to express freely and correctly cost her many a good job options.
The above scenario unfolds real-time around many colleges, across campuses. While any particular job requires certain skills (many technical), the ability to converse effectively is increasingly becoming a basic but critical factor in recruitment today.
These issues are highlighted during the process of recruitment, the starting point of which is Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI).
“Communication” an important angle
Group Discussion is an important dimension of the selection process. Here, the way each person expresses his or views or communicates is very critical. Your communication can be and is the ‘game changer’.
In the case of institutes too, they expect students to work with others for effective functioning, as people skills are important in any MBA program. And employers/selectors get a sneak review of the screened job seekers or students during the GD and PI.
And in a Group Discussion, the communication skills of the participants come to the forefront. Firstly, you need recognize what your objective is, in the group. A good example of your objective is to be noticed and to have made a meaningful contribution to the discussion, so that the group could reach a consensus. It is important that making any contribution is not enough: your contribution has to be ‘meaningful’ and significant. Normally people will point what is obvious. It will be upto you, to highlight areas or points that are not obvious. It is the different perspective that you bring to the table that will be noticed by the selectors; of course this will be appreciated too. Plus, it can be the tipping-point.
As far as PI goes, personal interview is of prime importance. Sometimes we tend to take it in our stride, and may not put any extra efforts to increase the PI score.  Since it is the last leg of the selection process, we often feel that it should not be a problem to clear this last hurdle.
You may have fared well in the different levels in the section process – like the written exam and the Group Discussion. This is just a step away from final selection, the face-to-face interaction - the Personal Interview. What can you expect? A panel of management experts, a staccato of questions that are bounced at you. A firing squad literally, but don’t let this spectacle unnerve you in any way.  Just think along these lines - a personal interview could actually be challenging and fun if you just relax and remain focused. Think of it as a ‘conversation’ with the interview panel. So, instead of getting panic-stricken, sit back and enjoy the experience. To begin with, be aware of four main focus areas in any personal interview - personal details, academic details, your background and current affairs.
In today's context, educational institutes are interested in ‘team players’ rather than ‘individual’ contributors. During the Group Discussion, the panel essentially evaluates the candidate's potential to be a leader and also his/her ability to work in teams. It must be noted that institutes are always on the lookout for ‘good communicators’, for good team players - candidates who will inspire to lead and succeed.
What are the checkpoints in GD &PI?
Communication skills, clarity and coherence of thoughts, logical presentation of ideas, ability to take the group along and give direction - are important. So that you are perceived by the interview panel as the one who gives direction to the discussion.
Then there is a question of whether one needs to be polite or aggressive in the GD. Politeness is good but may not work when you have very loud participants. Aggressiveness usually does not go down well with the selectors. Here ‘assertiveness’ - being firm, yet confident of what you are saying and, at the same time, not trying to force your opinion on others, really helps. A balanced participation is appreciated in the GD - i.e. if you are neither being too quiet nor being too aggressive. Communicate clearly with confidence
Face GD PI with confidence

• Use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily understood by all. You actually get negative marks for using fancy jargons in an attempt to show-off your knowledge. Make sure you have above average communication skills and hope you don't make grammatical mistakes!
  The participating candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and appropriateness of language. One key aspect is ‘listening’, which indicates a willingness to accommodate others’ views. 
• Maintaining good eye contact during GDPI is very important. So, sometimes this one aspect can cost you your job or admission. It is common to see that many people fail to maintain eye contact for many reasons – they may be nervous, or not comfortable. (You can try to overcome this problem by looking straight at yourself in the mirror and answering questions directed at you by yourself!)
• Remain cool even when someone provokes you with personal comments. The ability to remain objective, to empathize, to be non-threatening (and more of a team player) is important. Interpersonal skills are reflected in the ability of the individual to interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships.
• Dress appropriately. Pure formals can be Western formals such as trousers and a coat with formal shirt (and tie for guys). Or it can be Indian formals like salwaar kameez in light, sober colors. Be professional and alert. Carry a pen always. Treat this meeting with all seriousness, as a ‘preview’ to your future life.
• In GD be the 1st one to speak, for you can get an advantage over the others, primarily for the fact that you have spoken your thoughts on the topic before any other person. You can jot down/prepare 2-3 points on the topic when given time, at the beginning. If someone counters your point, give suitable examples to prove your point. Also let each participant speak once and then you can contrast their points or support them as per your choice.
• Give enough information about the questions asked. And, always remember to put a smile on your face!
• In case you do not know the answer to a particular question you may say clearly that, ‘I do not know about this’ or ‘I have not learnt enough about it’. Be honest and straightforward instead of beating around the bush. 
• Answer everything positively and say - "yes I can do" or  "I will try" instead of ‘I can’t do’.
• Above all, confidence is very vital to pass the interview and the group discussion too. Be confident, understand the topic and then put forth your views.

Every GD & PI is a learning experience. Be interested in evolving your own future. Appear to be keen, pro-active and interactive. Refine yourself as you forge ahead.
About the author:
Ramola Kumar is a Professor and Dean at the Delhi School of Communication.