Interview tips-2

Group Discussion:

This is generally not used as an elimination tool during placements. The HR department uses this session as a key to make those last minute eliminations after all the rounds of interviews. Group discussion, is precisely what the word indicates. A group of candidates sit down together, and discuss a topic that is provided by the HR executive. Usually, two executives from the company observe the discussion round. The topics are usually non-technical, and the candidates are tested for their general speaking ability, general knowledge, and above all, their behaviour in a group.

A group discussion generally gives a hint of the way a candidate will behave when subjected to the dynamics of a group. There are many types of candidates usually:

The enthusiast:
Usually the guy who starts speaking soon after the topic is declared orally to the group. He is usually very keen on making his points, and also keen on impressing the executives interpreting him. If there’s only one such enthusiast in the group, it works well for the group, because he will help in breaking the ice and starting the discussion. But if there are more such characters, it could lead to disruption.

The disruptor:
Usually one of the enthusiasts, who wants to make his point more strongly than the others. Sometimes, when he doesn’t get to say everything that he wants to, he breaks another candidate half way and starts speaking. This is a clear indication that he’s good within a group.

The leader:
Once the initial outburst mellows down, the leader speaks up, and tries to bring the group to a comfort zone, and tries to take the initiative in letting everyone speaking. The leader is required to be the peaceful smiling guy in the group, who can settle misunderstandings comfortably.

The silent guy:
There are generally two types of silent guys. The first kind, either isn’t very knowledgeable in the topic, or is not good at speaking. The latter problem might arise due to lack of confidence, or a weak grasp over the language of communication.
The second kind, is the kind that the executives look for. The guy who patiently waits for his turn, speaks very less, but makes a lot of sense in every word he utters.

Depending on the nature of the job that the company is considering to offer, the appropriate candidate is kept in mind while interviewing. The disruptors are always given negative points. So during group discussions, keep in mind not to pick any arguments. If you wish to contradict a point already made, ensure that you do so as politely as humanly possible!