Now that most MBA entrance exams are over, it is time to start preparing for stage two of the admission procedure - the GD/PI process. NNE has always endeavored to provide the best possible services to help students prepare better. In part 1 of our 2 part series on cracking the Group Discussion (GD) and the Personal Interview (PI), we present the views of students from reputed institutes on how to ace the GD-PI process.

Sumit Singla is an alumnus of XLRI. At XLRI, he was a member of the Placement Committee. He has industry experience of over 7 years, and is currently working in a reputed MNC in the capacity of Assistant Manager, HR.

Ayaz Matin is a second year student at FMS, Delhi. He was among the top 1 percentile students in the entrance test conducted by FMS, Delhi. He did his summer internship in an organization of repute.

In the following conversation, they talk about the best approach in a "fish market" GD, how to handle a stress interview, importance of hand gestures, how to justify a gap year and much more.

Here are excerpts from the conversation

» What if the topic of the GD is abstract or an aspirant is not able to comprehend the topic? 

Sumit (XLRI): The best thing about abstract topics is that there is no fixed route to the discussion. One can talk about one's own interpretation of the topic. However, if you are a little uncomfortable, try to listen to 1-2 people first, and then build your own views on the topic. After 2-3 minutes of careful listening, you should be able to talk.

Ayaz (FMS): The best strategy in such a case is to listen to 4-5 entries by other individuals and try to grasp what is being spoken in the GD. Once it is a little clear which way the GD is headed, you can try and contribute making sure that you don't go way off the content that was being discussed.

» What does the panel look for, when they ask, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

Sumit (XLRI): In my opinion, they don't want to hear that you want to be the CEO or the Head of HR/Finance/Marketing. And saying, "I want to be on the other side of this table" is equally stupid. What they want is to hear the kind of responsibilities and challenges that you would like to handle. Even if you want to be the CEO, don't name the designation. Do enough research to find out what the responsibilities of a CEO are, and name them. Also, be realistic. Do some research before the interview so that your expectations are realistic, and not like a dream.

Ayaz (FMS): They want to see if you have a goal, or just doing an MBA for the sake of it. MBA is a degree which should have an important reason behind it when a candidate wants to pursue it.

» How to handle a stress interview?

Sumit (XLRI): The simple answer is 'Don't get stressed'. Easier said than done! Try to have some rationale for each thing you say. In case you need to think before answering, just take a deep breath before speaking. That will calm you down, as well as give you a few extra seconds. If the interviewer is constantly bombarding you with questions, and your previous answer is incomplete, you can even ask for permission politely to continue with the last answer.

 
Ayaz (FMS): Once you have a feeling that you might be a part of a stress interview, ensure that the smile never leaves your face. Be earnest and be genuine. Enthusiasm and a smile are your best weapons in any interview. If you are unable to answer questions, you can ask them for a few seconds to think or say politely that you don't know the answer instead of playing a guessing game.

» What is the best approach in a "fish market" GD?

Sumit (XLRI): The most important rule here is: "do not try to out-shout anyone". By doing so, you will only succeed in raising the decibel level of the discussion. However, you must display positive body language and not appear like a helpless observer. Keep trying to interject and to show reason to all others, but do not let your body language or expressions show that you are frustrated or irritated. All these things are difficult to do, but they help!

 
Ayaz (FMS): A fish market GD is a common phenomenon, especially in cases where the time given is less. You can try and ask everyone to ensure discipline and decorum. If no one is ready to comply, I'd suggest being very attentive but a little quiet during it so that you do not appear to be a part of the fish market. Often I've seen that one or two good points are enough to make the panel notice you.

» In case an aspirant has a gap year, how does s/he justify the break?

Sumit (XLRI): If the aspirant has done something worthwhile like learning dance, working for an NGO, or pursuing some other worthwhile venture, this question becomes easy to answer. However, if the gap year has been utilized only for studying, even that is a good answer. One can justify it by saying that “I was very serious about this attempt, and I wanted to give it my best possible shot. Hence, I only pursued my topmost goal this year –wanting to do an MBA from a good institute”

Ayaz (FMS): One needs to be honest about the reason behind the break, but also be able to show that they were doing something constructive during it. Panels hate people sitting idle and not doing anything at all.

TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW, CLICK HERE