The group discussion and personal interview rounds are the ones that make or break an aspirant’s acceptance in a B-school. So, focussing on the GD topic and being thorough for the interview will help one make the cut, says NIVA BHANDARI
Managing the cut-off score is just one step to getting closer to your dream B-school. What gets most aspiring management professionals worried sick, are the group discussion (GD) and personal interview (PI). Preparation for these rounds includes requisite knowledge, the right attitude, body language and the correct approach, whether you are putting your point across at the GD stage or making a mark in front of a panel at the interview level. The following are some general guidelines that will help you master them.
ACE THE GROUP DISCUSSION
This round tests a candidate’s ability to make valuable impact on a significant issue. Usually, you get only 5-10 minutes before the discussion to jot down maximum number of relevant points. A thorough background in current affairs pertaining to politics, social scenarios and social issues is a must. This is where those who have been regular with newspapers and magazines will stand a better chance to critically dissect a topic and make an impact. The moderator or examiner will value a candidate who can bring an in-depth analysis and support his/her point with research, facts and findings as evidences. The group evaluates the evidence based on the credibility of the publication. You can quote from these sources only if you are caught up on websites, books, journals and TV talk shows that highlight multiple viewpoints on a subject. For important facts and figures, an aspirant can consult select yearbooks or Government websites.
While the pre-discussion stage is important, it is what you say and how you conduct yourself when pitted against equally bright management aspirants that seal the deal. Sound thinking and careful listening is a must in GD. Make efforts to become aware of inappropriate non-verbal communication you unintentionally exhibit.
THE SPElT APPROACH
Remember to be well-balanced in the GD – neither too argumentative nor too gullible. The SPElT approach that covers social, political, economic, legal and technological aspects of a given situation is the best way to generate ideas and content on the GD topic. The need of the day is to bring “valuable content” that propels a discussion and takes it further. It is better to speak little but talk sense; rather than being in constant limelight, the aim should be to add solid inputs. Diplomacy is the best bet at this stage.
FOCUS ON THE TOPIC
Taking fellow candidates head-on is a complete no. Focus on others’ content instead of their motives. It will help you react to ‘what’ is said, thus encouraging objective analysis of the ideas and building your credibility in the GD.
Try and state the point your point and then offer examples, reasoning, and other support for the point. Offer to open/summarise a discussion only if you think you can do justice to the topic. As you participate in the discussion you reveal yourself as a creative, interested and interesting person. When you feel the argument is straying, you can grab the opportunity to give it that direction and logical flow by bringing pertinent insights.
The moderator is especially on the lookout for those who can put their arguments succinctly, logically and without getting overwhelmed. It is also important to be flexible and interject politely. Voicing strong opinion from the beginning may portray you as incapable of perceiving distinctions which are meaningful. Bring positivity and actual subject knowledge.
INDIVIDUAlITY
Assert your individuality in the PI round. Write down a list of possible questions and then prepare thoughtful answers. An interviewer might even be inquisitive about your general interests and passions. This might open doors to an interaction that steers towards the extracurricular. So, it’s better to go well-versed with all the different points on your CV because that itself will lend a variety of topics. Your answers will allow the interviewer to understand your goals, aspirations, strengths, expectations and decision-making abilities. Half the battle is won if you have clear and definitive answers to common queries such as “Why MBA and why this school”IJ An institution’s website is an excellent place to begin with. Those who already have work-experience might be asked questions about the company they worked with, its industry and competitors, policies, business model, targets, clients, challenges and the like. Freshers might be asked questions around subjects they have studied.
BE CONCRETE
While facing a panel, make sure you make concrete points and avoid beating around the bush. Try and lead the conversation to your interests and strength areas. This will create an opportunity to discuss something you like and are good at and ups your chance at getting selected. While talking, body language plays an equally important role. Appearing to be closed, defensive, guarded or too arrogant can mar your chances. So, looking confident yet approachable is the secret. Sit straight and avoid resting your hands on the table. Maintain eye contact with the panelists and don’t be verbose or pompous.
ANSWER ONlY WHEN SURE
When quizzed about projects or internships, a candidate should never seem unsure. Sometimes, interviewers also raise questions about the city or state a candidate belongs to. If you’re unsure about a topic, it’s best to accept that you do not know something rather than offer half-baked, irrelevant inputs.
No one who is nervous or clumsy makes the cut. Hold yourself well, maintain a calm demeanour and be prepared with all your documents. Mock interviews can be conducted for practice with friends. This will help you work on your specific problems areas and give you your best shot on the final day.
(The writer is Assistant Professor, Business Communication, MDI Gurgaon)