Tips to ace your B-school GD and interview

From how to prepare to what to wear and what to avoid, management consultant Ashish Sood presents a lowdown on what a candidate must do to make the right impression in a B-school Group Discussion and Personal Interview round. Illustrations by Uttam Ghosh

Congrats! You have cracked CAT or XAT or FMS or any such MBA exams. Yippee!

Even as you begin to start celebrating, beware, as the bigger hurdle is just around the corner -- the dreaded Group Discussions and Personal Interviews.

In fact, it is even more of dread to those who have got a higher number of calls than for those with fewer calls under their belt. The reason being the higher number of variants of group discussion that they have to practice and the fatigue that the longer season may lead to.

I am sure that every one who is applying to a B-school is familiar with the variation of GDs commonly encountered in the processes. They are abstract and feature any current topic, other general topic for discussion and sometimes include a case study. There is enough material available for all the above, both online and offline.

Thus, without getting into the details about the basic variations in the subject of group discussions, I will discuss other aspects of group discussion as to how to conduct in the discussion.

But firstly, why is a GD necessary? What is the panel looking for?

The panel wants to see how you are able to fare in a group scenario, both as an individual as well as a member of the group. The panel will test you on your ability to work with the limited extent of information, conduct complete analysis of all the data, go through a proper decision making process just like in the real board room and yet be able to come to a solid conclusion in the given time frame.

It is very important to adopt a holistic approach while analysing the topic of discussion and not just limit yourself to one or two facets of the issue. This becomes even more important when the issue is very well known; for instance, it could also be something as controversial as the Babri Masjid case.

In such a scenario, everyone ends up saying the same thing and there is almost no discussion at the end of it. Before you begin to lose hope, let me tell you that this would be a great opportunity for you to make an impression by merely focussing on a different aspect of the case that no one has touched upon yet.

In any GD, do always remember that sometimes it may be necessary to make assumptions, but don't be too liberal with it. Make only justifiable assumptions and support it with facts.

A chemical engineer from Delhi College of Engineering, Aashish Sood holds a master's degree in Finance and Operations from IIM Lucknow. He has over 4 years of work experience and is currently working as a Management Consultant.

In any group discussion, it is important to keep track of the following:

• In case you know sufficient about the topic or case, it would be preferable to start the discussion. If however you don't, then do not make the mistake of starting the discussion in a desperate attempt. It is preferable to wait for a couple of minutes and make a reasonable estimate of the topic before pitching in.
• The group discussion is not a test of how well you are able to speak about the topic but rather how well you discuss and analyse the topic.
• It is not necessary to agree to what others are saying. In fact, a contrary viewpoint is always welcome.
• Do remember that in a group discussion, listening is equally important as speaking. It is also required in most of GDs for someone or all to sum up the discussion.
• Sometimes it is better to remain quiet in the discussion as an additional voice in a fish market would only worsen the situation. So it is best to abstain.
• No GD can be won by acting as a moderator only but acting so in addition to normal contribution would be a bonus.
• Never ever resort to shouting in the discussion or extensive hand movement obstructing others. This is a sure sign of desperation on the part of the candidates.
  

Some important tips for conducting a successful interview

• Always look at the interviewer in the face. In case there is more than one, take turns between them.
• Try to smile while you are talking. Even in case of a stressed interview, remember that the interviewer may just be trying to see if you feel flustered or keep a smile on the face.
• If you don't know the answer to a question or the question itself, don't try to lie or guess your way out of it. The interviewers are experienced and will spot through it. In such cases, it is best to admit your ignorance.
• Always prepare in advance for the possible questions that you expect that may be asked in the interview with regards to work experience, academics etc. In case you have any "gaps" in the career, be prepared for a question on it and keep a logical explanation handy.
• Devote sufficient time and revisions to the HR questions such as why this and why that, strengths and weaknesses, leadership situations etc. It is also advisable to keep one or two instances for each in mind just in case the interviewer decides to ask for it.
• Believe it or not, everyone has weaknesses. So it is better that you know your weaknesses and be prepared for it in the interview rather than the interviewer making up one for you and then you having to defend against it.
• It is also important to sufficiently prepare for the most common HR question of all -- "Tell us something about yourself". This is one open-ended question that can help you in paving way for the direction of the interview. Unfortunately, this is also one of the questions that most of the people do not fare well in.
• Never under estimate the power of Google. Conduct proper research on the company/Institute/course/job that you are appearing for because the interviewer just might have done the same for you.
• Do not lie or fake your skills and achievements in the interview as most of the interviewers are experienced and can spot through it. Also, getting defensive in the interview will not help you cause.
• I know that it may be difficult to make an interview session interesting. However, it yields good results if the interview can be made a conversation instead of a question-answer session.
  

Some general tips you must consider

The Suit

• Choose between solid colours (preferably navy, charcoal or grey)
• The suit has to be buttoned down and of good fit
• The rest of the attire should complement the suit you are wearing-- trousers, shoes, tie et all
• It is advisable to wear a mellow coloured, long sleeved shirt (Avoid wearing plain white though)
• Even your socks and shoes should complement your overall attire. Imagine a candidate wearing yellow socks with sports shoes over a formal attire.
• Avoid white shoes under dark trousers
• Shoes should be black/ brown, formal shoes. Avoid party wear and sports shoes
• Avoid wearing bright colours, jazzy patterns anywhere on your body -- tie, shirt or accessories.
• Men and Women: Avoid wearing any jewellery that might distract the interviewer's attention

Movements

• Walk gracefully
• Do not fidget
• Do not clutch your knees or hands while talking
• Sit down by first pulling the chair back, and then pulling it up while sitting
• Stand up in one fluid motion
• Minimise showing your back to the interviewer
• Handshakes should be firm and smooth

Posture

• Always appear comfortable
• Sit with your back straight
• Do not slouch
• If you are on a couch, do not lean back; sit slightly on the edge
• Hands or legs should not be crossed
• Lean slightly towards the person in front (but not too much)
• Don't keep your hands or folders on the desk that the interviewer is using

• Show complete due diligence for the interview
• Keep your mobile (all of it) on the silent mode
• Listen attentively to the panel but give equal attention to all the members
• Keep one or two handy questions to be asked

What you must avoid

• Wearing loud clothes, metal buttons, double breasted jackets, and chunky jewellery
• Unmatched jacket and trousers
• Wearing anything that is less than formal
• An overdose of perfume, deodorant or aftershave
• Carry a cell phone, heavy wallet and other non-essential items to the interview room
• Smoking outside the interview room or entering the room while chewing gum