Interview & Group Discussion

7/27/2019 Interview & Group Discussion

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TECHNIQUES TO FACE THE PERSONAL

INTERVIEW AND GROUP DISCUSSION

By

B.THAYUMANAVAR

B.Sc,MA,MBA,M.Phil,PGDCA,NET

Assistant Professor

PG Department Of Management Science

Sree Saraswathi Thyagaraja College

POLLACHI

642 107.


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PRESENTING ONESELF AND

DOCUMENTS

Use formal dress to appear for an interview.

Avoid using new clothes because one may not know how tofunction in them.

It is not wise to change usual hair styles or clothing patternsas they will inconvenience the candidate.

Use executive clothing, deep and bright colours may not suitthe occasion.

Cloths have to be clean and ironed to represent order anddiscipline.


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Carry a pen in the pocket or in the folder.

Carry all the documents in an order in a folder.

Avoid carrying documents in an envelope as it will

take time to show them to the interviews.

Carry only relevant documents.

Copy of the application sent and bio data and certificateof qualifying examination are important documents.


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Carrying certificates and documents in a plastic bag willnot give an impression of quality and class.

Do not present any certificate or document unless asked for.

Remember to collect all the certificates given for persual

at the interview.


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ENTRY, SEATING AND EXIT

Knock at the door and then enter even if your name iscalled out.

Greet the interviewers as soon as you enter, the lady firstand the gentlemen there after.

Sit down only after you are asked to.

Remember to say thankyou before being seated.

Avoid pulling a chair. instead, lift it if necessary and alwaysenter from the right side of the chair.

Sit without crossing legs and sit straight.


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Look at the interviewers instead of looking down.

Keep what ever paper materials you carry on your lap,and not on the table.

Bend forward while answering questions.

While answering a questioner, remember to look at the

other interviewers also. avoid fidgeting liketouching moustache, scratching nose or arranging hair.

Avoid carrying anything like a key bunch or a pen inyour hands.

At the end of the interview, get up and move out onlyafter thanking the interviewers.

While moving out, step back first, then turn and walk away.


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ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Listen to questions carefully to comprehend. if you have notunderstood a question, politely request for a repeat.

Give short answers unless asked for longer ones. exudeconfidence but not arrogance.

Be firm when you are sure, otherwise start statements with :i think oras far as i know.

Mouth all words clearly and speak loud enough to hear.

Answer immediately without wasting time.


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Avoid being humorous or ironical in your answers.

Keep looking at the interviewers and never at other things in

the room or outside.

Give authentic information about any details connected withyour bio-data.

It is discourteous to take anything from the table in front ofthe interviewer.

Avoid tightening a tie or pulling at the dress while answering

any questions.

Answer should not be given in a raised voice even when thequestion comes in that manner.


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Answer questions in simple single sentence.

Avoid giving additional information unless asked for.

If you are complimented for the answers, rememberto thank the interviewer.

If your answers or opinions are rejected by theinterviewer, remember to say sorry.

Avoid repeating answers, phases or words.

Be aware of mannerisms and avoid them.


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DEMEANOURAND

INTERACTIONS Keep a smiling face so as to welcome any questions.

Avoid any disagreement with the interviewer unless itinvolves your belief systems.

If or when an interviewee has to disagree with theinterviewer do it politely after expressing regret orasking for pardon.

It is unwise to contradict an answer through asubsequent answer.


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If an error is brought to the notice of a candidate, he should

accept the same.

Use a language that is easy to understand but formal in its

usage.

A candidate should avoid offering her hand for a hand shake.all the same, if offered by the interviewer, she should accept

it.

While a male candidate has to stand up to shake hands a ladymay accept an offer while being seated.

A candidates behavior should convince the interviewer about

the quality of personality that the candidate has.


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Avoid any exhibition of emotion about an answer that a

candidate considers very dear or correct.

The interviewee should not condemn or deprecate any other

person, group, community or nation during an interview.

If or when a candidate is asked about achievements or successeshe should take care to list only those which can be proved

with evidence.

There is nothing wrong in requesting an interviewer to ask a

candidate questions on a subject of her choice.

Once the subject is announced as the favored one, a candidate

should make sure that all questions are answered.


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If you get an opportunity to open the discussion

or to conclude do it well.

Be punctual.

Dress neatly.

Be confident of success.


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Techniques For LeadingGroup Discussions


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What is an effective group

discussion?An effective group discussion is one in whichthe group is able to accomplish its purpose or

to establish a basis either for ongoingdiscussion or for further contact andcollaboration among its members.


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The elements of an effective group

discussion:

All members of the group have a chance to

speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings

freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts. All members of the group can hearothers ideas

and feelings stated openly.

Group members can safely test out ideas that arenot yet fully formed.


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discussion (cont.):

Group members can receive and respond to

respectful but honest and constructive feedback.

A variety of points of view are put forward and

discussed.

The discussion is not dominated by any one

person.


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discussion (cont.):

Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the

content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities.

Even in disagreement, theres an understanding that the

group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a

problem, create a plan, make a decision, find a precept or

set of precepts all can agree on, or come to a conclusionfrom which it can move on.


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Possible uses for a group discussion:

Create a new situation form a coalition, start an initiative,

etc.

Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among

groups or organizations.

Discuss and/or analyze an issue.

Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacycampaign, an intervention, etc.

Discuss policy and policy change.


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Possible uses for a group discussion(cont.):

Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups.

Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations,

development, etc. Decide on an action.

Provide mutual support.

Solve a problem.

Resolve a conflict.

Plan your work or an event.


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Why should you lead a groupdiscussion?

A group discussion gives everyone involved a voice.

A group discussion allows for a variety of ideas to beexpressed and discussed.

Group discussion is generally a democratic, egalitarian

process.

A group discussion leads to group ownership of whateverconclusions, plans, or action the group decides upon.


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Why should you lead a group

discussion? (cont.)

An effective group discussion encourages those who might

normally be reluctant to speak their minds.

Group discussions can often open communication channelsamong people who might not communicate in any other

way.

In some cases, a group discussion is simply the obvious, or

even the only, way to proceed


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You might lead a group discussion

because:

Its part of your job.

Youve been asked to.

A discussion is necessary, and you have the skills to

lead it.

It was your idea in the first place.


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Some people who might find

themselves leading a group discussion:

Directors of organizations

Public officials

Coalition coordinators

Professionals with group-leading skills

Teachers

Health professionals and health educators Respected community members

Community activists


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When might you lead a group

discussion?

At the start of something new.

When an issue can no longer be ignored. When groups need to be brought together.

When an existing group is considering its next

step or seeking to address an issue ofimportance to it.


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How do you lead a group discussion?

If you have the opportunity to prepare beforehand:

Choose the space.

Provide food and drink.

Bring materials to help the discussion along.

Become familiar with the purpose and content of the

discussion. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information,

readings, or other material in plenty of time to study it

well beforehand.


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General guidelines:

Think about leadership style. Put people at ease.

Help the group develop ground rules.

Generate an agenda or goals for the discussion.


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Lead the discussion:

Set the topic.

Foster the open process.

Involve all participants.

Ask questions or provide information to move the

discussion.

Summarize and/or clarify important points and conclusions.

Wrap up the session.

Follow-up if necessary


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Dos for discussion leaders:

Model the behavior and attitudes you want group

members to employ.

Use encouraging body language and tone of voice, as well

as words.

Give positive feedback for joining the discussion.

Be aware of peoples reactions and feelings, and try torespond appropriately.


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More Dos for discussion leaders:

Ask open-ended questions.

Control your own biases. Encourage disagreement, and help the group use it

creatively.

Be a recorder if necessary.

Keep your mouth shut as much as possible.


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Donts for discussion leaders:

Dont let one or a small group of individuals dominate the

discussion.

Dont let one point of view override others. Dont assume that anyone holds particular opinions or

positions because of his culture, background, race, personal

style, etc.

By the same token, dont assume that someone from aparticular culture, race, or background speaks for everyone

else from that situation.

Dont be the font of all wisdom.


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TO EMERGE SUCCESSFUL

IN GROUP DISCUSSION


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REMEMBER THESE DOS AND

DONTS WHILE IN G.D.

Group discussion has become an integral

part of the selection procedure for Job Recruitment,

and Admission to Quality Academic Programmes.

The strategy for success involves many Dos and

Donts. Here are a few vital points to be borne in

mind at the time of preparation.


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Gather full details of controversial topics of public

interest by following daily news, editorial comments and

articles written by experts in magazines.

Maintain a personal diary of events covering national /

international news items of significance.

Dont swallow news reports hook, line and sinker. Melt

them in the crucible of your mind and arrive at your own

conclusions.

Develop language skills including basic grammar,

pronunciation, and effective expression.


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Observe the techniques of successful speakerscadences, voice modulation, pauses, etc.

Use simple yet forceful language; dont go for bombast.

Arrange your facts logically.

Dont take extreme positions.

Meet opposition with a smile.

Be broad minded in your approach.

Dont be unduly emotional during discussion.


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Discuss and not dispute. Produce light and not heat.

If you present an argument, give facts to support it.

Be impartial. Keep a balanced view.

Dont insult a person or a group.

Appreciate good views expressed by others.

Dont explode if anyone gives a blunder.

Be a good listener.

Dont try to monopolies the time given for the group.


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Don t try to monopolies the time given for the group.

Speak patiently and convincingly.

Use appropriate and relevant quotations or proverbs toestablish your point.

Encourage a silent or shy member to speak.

Dont use provocation language or gestures.

Dont hit on the table to prove a point.

Look at the members by turn.

Dont block others.

Dont retort strongly if someone attacks you


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Don t retort strongly if someone attacks you.

Continue to be pleasant; a smile helps a lot.

Light humor is ok; dont be a clown.

Check your body language.

If someone asks your views, take it as an opportunity to speak.

Dont shy away from it.

Show willingness for co operation and teamwork.

Be polite; show no sign of arrogance or superiority.

D t t lk t f t ifi i l it d t b d i ith


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Dont talk too fast sacrificing clarity; dont be dragging either.

Dont shout or whisper; speak normally.

Avoid mannerisms such as you see, I mean, sort of and

ya ya.

Give priority to group interest and not self interest.

Never give an impression that you are confused.

Use expression such as As you put it rightly and we

should appreciate the views of.


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When you want to differ, use phrases such as Let us look at

this from a different angle.

Dont just repeat the view given by another participant.

Dont give crude or uncivilised views or unpalatable

expressions.

Illustrate your views by examples.

Dont get disheartened if one of your views is not being

carried.

Dont blow your trumpets.


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If you get an opportunity to open the discussion or to

conclude do it well.

Be punctual.

Dress neatly.

Be confident of success.


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GROUP DISCUSSION

TECHNIQUES


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Skills / Attitude

Assessed Communication Skill

Leadership

Planning Skill

Decision Making Skill

Motivation

Interpersonal Relationship


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Oral Communication Skills

Expresses Ideas Clearly in English. Willingly Speaks Out and Contributes.

Shows Tact and Sensitivity Towards Others.

Listens, Establishes Rapport and EngagesOthers in Dialogue.

Listens to Others Suggestions.

Communicates Succinctly, Confidently, Clearly,Persuasively and Logically.

L d hi Skill d


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Leadership Skills and

QualitiesEncourage Others to Contribute to the

Discussion and Move Others Towards a Stated

Goal or Objective.

Defines Goals and Support/Motivate Others inReaching Goals

Contributes to a Good Sense of Team Spirit

Influences Others Through Argument andPersuasion

Respects Others

Is Creative/Visionary


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Planning Skill

Encourages Team to Take a Structured

Approach in Defining Objectives and

Planning SolutionShows Ability in Identifying Problems and

Suggesting Solutions

Understands Objectives and Sets Priorities

Ensures that Own and Groups Time is

Managed Well


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Decision Making Skills

Eager to See Decisions Taken and

Have Confidence to Make Decisions.

Ability to Process Information Using

Logical, Objective Analysis and to Identify

Alternatives.

Ensures that in the End, Some Sound

Decision is Taken


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Motivation

Shows Energy, Enthusiasm and Drive inFacing the Task

Shows Determination and Commitment to

Achieving the Best Possible Solution

Willing to Stand His / Her Ground When He

/ She Believes He / She is Right

Shows a Positive Attitude to Accepting a

Challenge


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Interpersonal Relationship

Understands the Behaviors andMotivations of Others and Respond

Sensitively

Works Harmoniously with OthersTowards the Accomplishment of Common

Tasks

Be Friendly

Be Diplomatic and Tactful


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RecapGet a Good Grasp of Any Information You Are

Given, but Don't Waste Time on Minute Details

In the Light of the Information, Decide Your

Objectives and Priorities

Be Assertive - but Diplomatic

Be Tactful, Be Persuasive & Work with Group

Try to Get the Task Done, but Also Get on With

Other Members of the Group and Support Their

Ideas When You Agree With Them

Keep Cool and Use Your Sense of Humour


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Handling Difficult Situations

A Person who Tends to Dominate

the Discussion

Ask Closed Questions

Use Direct Questions to Draw Other

Participants (e.g. lets hear what Harini

has to say on this point)


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A Person who Disagrees / Argues all

the Time

Keep Cool

Ask Questions to Draw Out Foolish

Statements From This Person

Point Out the Time Factor


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Loss of Direction

Indicate Tactfully that the Meeting has

Gone off Track. Restate the Task;

Summarize the Main Ideas so far.


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Ask for Feelings and Opinion

Ask Questions to help People Express

their Ideas, Draw People Out.

What is Your Reaction to?

How Do You Feel About?

What Brings You to Conclude that.?

What Promoted Your Decision to.?


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Paraphrase

Help People Reach Mutual

Understanding; Clarification

Are You Asking Me.?

Let Me See if I Understand Your Position. Are

You Saying That.?

Before You Go On, Do You Mean That?


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Encourage Participation

Encourage Drawn Back People to

Participate

Suraj, How Would You Answer Anitas

Question?

We Have Heard From Everyone but Kiran,

What is Your Feeling on This, Kiran?


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Test for Consensus

It Seems That We Have Come to

Agreement on This Issue. Does

Everyone Accept the ..?

Senthil, is that Your Feeling Too.?


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Explore an Idea in More Detail

What Are Some Other Ways to

Approach This Problem?

Are There Other Things We Should

Consider?


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Check Targets or

GoalsAre These the Most Important Goals?

Are We in the Right Direction?

Is This Relevant to Our Discussion?


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Confront Differences

Eswari, You Seem to be Holding Back

on This. Is There Something You

Would Like to Make Suggestions or

Comments?


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Conclusion

We Have Considered Every

Possibility, We Must Choose From

These Three Alternatives.

We Have Discussed Both Sides

Carefully. Its Time We Made A

Choice.


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Watch out!

Use of Words

Body Language

Eye Contact

Voice-Tone / Pitch

The DOs During Group


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The DOs During Group

Discussion Introduces New IdeasExpresses Ideas Clearly and Convincingly

Encourages Others to Give Opinions

Listens Before Contributing

Steps in and Redirect the Conversation

When Necessary

Be Sensitive to the Feelings of Others

Be Natural

The DONTs During Group


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The DONTs During Group

Discussion

Dominate the Discussion by TalkingMost of the Time

Stray From the Subject

Interrupt Other Contributors

Keep Silent

Be Wishy-Washy


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THANK YOU

Interview & Group Discussion

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