Management degrees are reputed to hold on to and often lead to a prosperous career, however before someone attempt to get admission into any reputed management institutes like IIMs OR XLRI OR Narsee Monjee OR GNIOT Gr. NOIDA, one must face Written test followed by a Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI). There are several students who stumble upon this hurdle and could not cross it, which results in disqualification and wait for another year to get admission in preferred institute.
Lets check out what are the key things which can be done to improve a candidates chances in Group Discussion’s and Personal Interviews.
Group Discussions: Lets understand first why a Group Discussion is Organised as part of admission process, as they have already tested your intelligence during written test. A group discussion generally refers to a communicative situation that allows its participants to share their views and opinions with other participants. Group Discussions or GD’s are a test for candidate’s ability to perform in tense environment along with group of people who are in competition to each other. Its intended to pressurise you to make mistake like interrupting others, raising your voice, showing your disagreement by shouting, trying to show that I am the boss etc. a good and prepared candidate knows this and do not commit these mistakes. Rather they choose to do below things.
- Read Business Magazines & Newspapers daily so that you have enough knowledge on current affairs and business activities.
- Lead the discussion if possible, opening statement should be very unbiased and inclusive so that others can also find ways to pitch in. this will help you make a director of discussion and you may simply earn brownie points if you cover the topic with sincerity. IF you mis the chance to start the discussion then also no worries, enter the discussion at right point where you have strong points to make and/ or you have unique approach to the topic, this way you will have strong impression on judges mind.
- Its Not necessary to arrive at consensus during a Group Discussion but Ensure that group concludes the discussion within time provided.
- A participant must focus to showcase logic, articulation skills, leadership skills, Politeness, and Quality of content. Your arguments should be based on facts, situations, and knowledge.
- GD is not a debate, remember that you must not proves others wrong, instead focus on keeping yourself right.
Now as we know how to participate and focus areas during a GD let’s check what are the key points to keep check on during an interview.
Personal Interview: In personal interview always Answer with sincerity and honesty, It’s fine if you don’t know the answer and accept it politely, don’t attempt to guess the answer. Being courteous is another important point which helps create a good impression. Sometime its candidates loo
- Practice for Classic Interview questions, so that your flow and confidence will be high (will provide a list below)
Some interview questions and way to approach them.
- Tell me about yourself- Be professional and showcase that you are capable to pursue management course.
- How would you describe yourself? This question can be tricky one you are appearing for a professional course and its recommended that you answer this by highlighting your capabilities as an aspirants. This is an extension to the first question.
- Where do you see in next 5 years? – this question gives you an opportunity to describe your career goals. Use it Wisely Do not give impractical statements like I will be CEO of Worlds top Organisation in next five years.
- Why do you want to Join this Institute? to answer this question do some research about institute and note some best point of institute as why you really want to take admission.
- What interests you Management Course? Answer with politeness and honesty. Every candidate is different and there is not standard answer for this question but you should genuinely know what is your motivation for the management course, for some it may be career prospects, for some challenging work environment etc.
- What motivates you?- In all Sincerity this is an individual choice and you can be very vocal about it.
- What are you passionate about? Everyone has passions if you have not discovered yet then you may choose to describe things which you most enjoy.
- What are your greatest strengths?- Highlight your strength but be polite and do not over commit.
- What are your greatest weaknesses?- Mention your points where you want to improve yourself but do not feel low confidant while answering this. Its OK to know your weaknesses you can only improve something when you know that it requires improvements.
- Do you want to know something from Us? While concluding the interviewer may ask you this & you should take this as an opportunity to show how deeply you want to understand and interested in the management course. So you may ask any question which showcases that you are a serious candidate and really want to utilise the learning capabilities institute may provide. Just for example : an aspirants seeking admission in PGDM International Business) may ask- What is the exposure we may get on International markets while pursuing this course?