Peeyush Agarwal REGARDING APPLICATION Last year there was no time limit allotted for filling of forms (like the 30-minute limit imposed this year). It was followed by a verbal ability test with a time limit of almost 25 minutes and a quantitative test soon after. People generally call their friends to stay by their side for help while giving the two tests. However, for vocabulary and analytical parts, one has to be quick and well-versed. 1. What is the importance of body language in a GD/PI? → Extremely important, as it reflects your confidence level. If people aren’t confident, their body language shows it. The interviewer doesn’t expect you to be confident throughout. If he perceives you are nervous, he will help in making you feel comfortable.
2. What were the topics of the GD? → (for BarCap) GD was conducted in Kolkata. There were two rounds of GD:First was on Time Management- for instance, a list of 15 laundry tasks were provided and the group had to decide upon 5 tasks to be completed in the morning session which were highest on priority.Second was more like a test of one’s communication skills. One had to give a presentation on how one would go about while shifting one’s office from one city to another, Singapore to Tokyo for instance. 3. What are the basic dos and don’ts in a GD? → Never contradict yourself. Do not stay quiet, do put forward your points. But at the same time, do give others a chance to speak and do not cut their speech. 4. How much time were you given to think? → About 5 minutes. 5. Do you think speaking first matters in a GD? → Depends. In a GD, you are not expected to know all the points related to the topic. You should try and moderate the discussion a bit. But again, speaking first shows leadership skills. 6. In a GD which is given more importance – content or fluency and presentation? → Both are equally essential. 7. How do you respond if someone contradicts you convincingly during the GD? → Accept his point if it’s convincing enough. 8. Do you think one must be completely honest in a PI? → No. One has to manipulate his answers according to what pleases the interviewers. 9. What are the basic dos and don’ts in a PI?
→ One must be extremely thorough with his own résumé as its points are discussed in the interview. One should be prepared with answers of all possible questions that could be asked pertaining to the résumé. 10. How important in a PI is maintaining eye contact? → Depends on the profile. In some profiles they try to make you feel comfortable, whereas in others they expect you to display your level of confidence. As a managerial rule, eye contact is important to show that one is confident of himself. 11. How must one respond if the interviewer hints that your performance is not satisfactory? → Pull up your socks. Concentrate on answering the following questions well. You shouldn’t appear nervous. 12. What should be done if one realises that the interviewer has misunderstood his statement? → Explain your point but in a polite manner. 13. How do you convince the interviewer that you are fit for the job if he speaks of another interviewee with better credentials? → Accentuate your positive qualities. Highlight the points that show that you are better. 14. Does taking time to answer a question go against you even if the answer is a good one? → Depends on how important the question is. 15. Should one admit his mistake if pointed out or justify what he has said? → That is subjective. In case of a single mistake, try to justify yourself. If there are multiple mistakes, try to be diplomatic and stick to what they say. 16. Were you asked any technical questions (related to academics) in your interview? What were those questions (Please provide their answers too)? → I pointed out Economics as my strength and so they put forward questions on Economics. Other candidates were mainly asked questions related to coding (pointers, etc.).
Other related questions: 17. What should we focus more on pi/gd? → Both are important. However, if one is unable to clear GD, he is not eligible for the PI session. 18.
Is there any advantage of applying early? → Depends on the company. For companies like BarCap, applications are on a rolling basis and hence, applying early is advantageous. For some other companies, a deadline is set and all the forms received within that deadline are sent to the company through T&P at the same time so applying early doesn’t make much of a difference.
19.
How to approach the matter of intern compensation. → It is not advisable to negotiate. One generally gets a fair idea from the Pre-Placement Talks and on collecting
fundae from seniors who have done their internship in the same companies. 20.
What was the Selection Procedure like? How many rounds of interviews and what was each round about? → (For BarCap) One has to fill forms and send them. This is followed by a verbal test (tests grammar and vocabulary) and a quantitative test (tests analytical abilities). Further, there is a GD, a presentation and a PI session.
21.
What do you think the company was looking for in each of its candidates? → Because of the range of profiles, the company was mainly looking for candidates with good technical skills, soft skills and interest in the financial sphere.
22.
What courses did you have to revise, what books/ online material did you consult while preparing for the interview? → I had gone through the Economic Times as I have a genuine interest in Economics. During the time of my selection, financial crisis was at its peak and so I had gathered enough knowledge related to it. Apart from that, one should always refer to the company’s website.
23.
What do you know about our organization? → Mention all the information collected from the company’s website and wiki, whatever you have read upon.
24.
What can you do for us that someone else can't? → Give fundae (say things like – you belong to one of the best institutes in the country, you are a quick learner, an innovative thinker, etc. and that you can bring these skills together in organisation and solve matters quickly).
25.
What do you find most promising about this position? → Give them a good enough reason to believe that you are deserving. Say things like – I shall get a platform to learn how technology interacts with finance to deliver products.
26.
What is the toughest decision you have ever had to make? → Recount some incident and make it sound like a complicated situation that you had to face and which you handled successfully.
27.
How sensitive are you to criticism? → The interviewers will understand that from your PI. If you did not take the PI really well, tell them you are a bit sensitive. If it goes well, say you are less sensitive and that you take it well and build on it to improve your traits.
ShubhadityaMajumdar
Q1. What is the dress code for GD/PI? → White shirt & Black trousers are not required. Wear formals. A tie is not reqd.
Q2. What is the importance of body language in a GD/PI? → You should be confident, but not too aggressive. Show a positive attitude and show that you can listen to and work with others.
Q3. What were the topics of the GD? →
1. 2. 3. 4.
Time prioritization. A list of tasks was given to the group. We had to come up with the top 5 priorities. Mock case study. A topic was given and 1 hr was provided to prepare for it. A business is being shifted from Tokyo to Hong Kong. What are the steps you would need to take and what challenges do you foresee? You could give your own interpretation.
Q5. What are the basic dos and don’ts in a GD?
→ Never cut someone off. Listen to their points. Speak confidently when you are given your chance. In the end, try and summarize everybody’s points. Think before you speak. You must give logical points.
Q6. How much time were you given to think?
→ 10 minutes to think, 20 minutes for the GD. Q7. Do you think speaking first matters in a GD?
→ No. It doesn’t matter. Q8.In a GD which is given more importance – content or fluency and presentation?
→ In the order given. Q9. Is it advisable to interrupt someone in a GD?
→ No. Q10. If the topic of the GD is against your personal beliefs should you stick to the topic or voice your opinion?
→ You should stick to the topic. Q11. How do you respond if someone contradicts you convincingly during the GD?
→ You would acknowledge it and change your perspective accordingly. Q12. Do you recollect the GD topics of your friends or batch mates?
→ Mentioned earlier.
Personal Interview Q13. Do you think one must be completely honest in a PI?
→ Most of the time you should speak the truth unless you can pull it off really well. Q14. What are the basic dos and don’ts in a PI?
→ Be confident. Speak the truth. Give short answers. Show some interest in the company. Ask them questions. Seem inquisitive. Q15. How important in a PI is maintaining eye contact?
→ Very important. Shows that you are listening and not avoiding a question. Q16. How must one respond if the interviewer hints that your performance is not satisfactory?
→ Always be enthusiastic irrespective of what body language they are showing you. Q17. What should be done if one realises that the interviewer has misunderstood his statement?
→ You can interrupt them and repeat it. Q18. How do you convince the interviewer that you are fit for the job if he speaks of another interviewee with better credentials?
→ NA Q19. Does taking time to answer a question go against you even if the answer is a good one?
→ You can ask for 2-3 mins, but don’t take too long. Q20. Should one admit his mistake if pointed out or justify what he has said?
→ If it has been pointed out rightly, you should admit it. Q21.Were you asked any technical questions (related to academics) in your interview? What were those questions (Please provide their answers too)?
→ HR related questions, challenges you have faced, risks you have taken, what were their outcomes… give a layman’s description of your project. Q22. What should we focus more on pi/gd?
→ GD, because it is the first one. Q23. Is there any advantage of applying early?
→ Officially, no idea, unofficially yes, for BarCap. Q24. What to do if you are caught in a trap:1) accept fault and give a clean chit or 2) try to make up excuses.
→ 1) If you feel that you have made the mistake, then accept it.
Q25. What was the Selection Procedure like? How many rounds of interviews and what was each round about?
→ The online application mainly included the CV, 3 subjective questions about BarCap & the financial market, 2 tests on Maths (DI) & English. 1 round of GD (Cal) and 1 round of PI(KGP). Q26. What do you think the company was looking for in each of its candidates?
→ Overall they were looking for people with an ability to work as a team, people with good speaking skills, decent programmers. Q27. What courses did you have to revise, what books/ online material did you consult while preparing for the interview?
→ Only C/C++, economy, finance. Q28. What do you know about our organization?
→ Visit the website, read their articles, have recent news of the company. Q29. Why do you want to work for us?
→ Give a positive answer. Cite a logical answer why you want to shift out of engineering. Q30. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
→ NA Q31. What do you find most promising about this position?
→ Since I want to go into that field, BarCap would be a good stepping stone. It will also provide international exposure. Q32. What is the toughest decision you have ever had to make?
→ Come up with a good one, and mention what happened after that. Give a bit of background info. Q33. How sensitive are you to criticism?
→ If I get to know that it is correct, then I will accept it. Q34. Can you give us an idea of the application that is to be submitted online?
→ Highlight your achievements. Mention your extra academics. Q35. Can you brief us on the online numerical & reasoning tests?
→ Answered already. Q36. What technical questions were you asked and what were your answers?
→ Technical questions asked were mainly on programming.
Megha Bajaj
1.
What is the dress code for GD/PI? →
2.
Formals (full armed shirt, light-coloured, and trousers). What is the importance of body language in a GD/PI?
→ Body language is more important than speaking. You should show interest in what the others are saying, pay attention to them, lean forwards, and don’t cross your legs. 3.
What were the topics of the GD? → The GD had 4 students, 2 interviewers. There was a list of priorities that the group had to unanimously decide upon.
4.
What are the basic dos and don’ts in a GD? → Don’t interrupt anybody. Give everybody a chance to speak. Give precise answers; accept what other people say (works in your favour). You can shift your opinion if you think the other person makes sense. Show that you are open to ideas.
5.
How much time were you given to think? → 5 minutes.
6.
Do you think speaking first matters in a GD? → No.
7.
In a GD which is given more importance – content or fluency and presentation? → Content is more important. It is important to show how valid your point is. Be specific. Your presentation also matters.
Personal Interview 8.
Do you think one must be completely honest in a PI? → Be diplomatic. Say half-truths.
9.
What are the basic dos and don’ts in a PI? → Stress on body language. You should be dressed properly. Be confident; carry yourself smartly. Answer to the point; don’t ask about intern compensation.
10.
How important in a PI is maintaining eye contact? → Very important. Look at all your interviewers.
11.
How must one respond if the interviewer hints that your performance is not satisfactory? → Don’t give in, just like that. Focus on your strong points. Try to be calm and control the situation.
12.
What should be done if one realises that the interviewer has misunderstood his statement? → Subtly repeat your statement. Say “I’m sorry, I meant…”
13.
How do you convince the interviewer that you are fit for the job if he speaks of another interviewee with better credentials? → Don’t negate the other person. Bring out your credentials. Take hints from the website.
14.
Does taking time to answer a question go against you even if the answer is a good one? → No, 5-10 minutes is ok. Use your time wisely to frame your answer. Don’t fumble with words.
15.
Should one admit his mistake if pointed out or justify what he has said? → Admit your mistake if it’s a genuine one.
16.
Were you asked any technical questions (related to academics) in your interview? → No.
17.
What should we focus more on pi/gd? → Equally, as both show your different skills.
18.
Is there any advantage of applying early? → No.
19.
What was the Selection Procedure like? How many rounds of interviews and what was each round about? → BarCap: Essay GD Case Study PI
20.
(1st 3 at Kolkata, last at KGP)
What do you think the company was looking for in each of its candidates? → Technical skills, public skills, public dealings (for non-core companies). CG + Technical questions (for core companies).
21.
What courses did you have to revise, what books/ online material did you consult while preparing for the interview? → Just go through the website.
22.
What do you know about our organization? → Go through the website, the presentation, latest news of the company, about the company and how it fares.
23.
Why do you want to work for us? → Justify it very well. Say that you are suited for it; it will give you an opportunity, and goodwill.
24.
What can you do for us that someone else can't? → Answer diplomatically. Say what they want from you (website).
25.
What do you find most promising about this position? → Mention experience, opportunity, exposure that you will get.
26.
How sensitive are you to criticism? → I accept criticism open-mindedly. I am not narrow-minded.
AKANKSHA PRASAD 1.
What is the dress code for GD/PI? → Formal shirt and trousers.
2.
What is the importance of body language in a GD/PI? → Very important. The first impression you set is dependent on your body language.
3.
What were the topics of the GD? → For Deutshe Bank, there was no GD. For BarCap, there were two rounds of GD, each spanning around half an hour. The topics were based on Time Prioritisation and Case Study.
4.
What are the basic dos and don’ts in a GD? → In a GD, one should listen attentively and patiently and make a point to say something meaningful himself.
5.
How much time were you given to think? → 5-7 minutes in each GD.
6.
Do you think speaking first matters in a GD? → Not exactly. What matters more is that your point must be substantial and significant. It is essential to comprehend the topic well. I would advise you to listen to the others for 2 minutes and then join the discussion.
7.
In a GD which is given more importance – content or fluency and presentation? → Both. Content – 60%, fluency and presentation – 40%.
8. Is it advisable to interrupt someone in a GD? → Never. 9.
If the topic of the GD is against your personal beliefs should you stick to the topic or voice your opinion? → Voice your opinion. You should ascertain that the group sees your reason and appreciates the points you put forward, although the final conclusion is achieved by the group collectively.
10.
How do you respond if someone contradicts you convincingly during the GD?
→ Listen to it, put your own opinion forward and arrive at a general conclusion. It is fine if you accept others’ points as long as they do not absolutely contradict each other. 11. Do you recollect the GD topics of your friends or batchmates? → No. 12. Do you think one must be completely honest in a PI?
→ It depends. You should know how to present yourself in a way that the company feels like hiring you. It is okay to manipulate your answers but not in a negative way. 13. What are the basic dos and don’ts in a PI? One should be confident and well-prepared. Do not be nervous, just be yourself. 14.
How important in a PI is maintaining eye contact?
→ Overall body language counts a lot, not just eye contact. Although eye contact is essential as it reflects your self-confidence. 15.
How must one respond if the interviewer hints that your performance is not satisfactory?
→ Try to show him how deserving you are. Cite experiences and point from your CV to support your assertion. 16.
What should be done if one realises that the interviewer has misunderstood his statement?
→ Clarify in a proper and polite manner. Do not interrupt the interviewer though. 17.
How do you convince the interviewer that you are fit for the job if he speaks of another interviewee with better credentials?
→ They generally don’t do it. They may give a similar hypothetical situation. 18.
Does taking time to answer a question go against you even if the answer is a good one?
→ No. On the contrary, it is appreciated that you are well-prepared and think before you speak. 19.
Should one admit his mistake if pointed out or justify what he has said?
→ If you know it is a mistake, it is always better to accept it. 20. Were you asked any technical questions (related to academics) in your interview? What were those questions(Please provide their answers too)? → I am pursuing Instrumentation Engg in IIT Kharagpur and BarCap is an IT company so there is absolutely no link. They might put forward some coding questions which almost any IITian can answer. 21. What should we focus more on pi/gd? → Both are equally important. 22. Is there any advantage of applying early? → All names are sent out together by the T&P Section. Though for companies like BarCap, slots fill up soon and so there are a fixed number of candidates. 23. Clothing to be worn, body language for specific interviews. → Formals. 24. What to do if you are caught in a trap:1)accept fault and give a clean chit → It is better to accept your fault.
or 2)try to make up excuses.
25. How to approach the matter of intern compensation. → You don’t do it, T&P does it for you. However, most companies make a mention of it in the Pre-Placement Talk. 26. What was the Selection Procedure like? How many rounds of interviews and what was each round about? → In BarCap, the first day comprised of two rounds of GD held in Kolkata. There were three rounds of interviews in Kgp. HR and IT technical questions were asked by three panels, each of which interviewed all the candidates. 27. What do you think the company was looking for in each of its candidates? → People who could assimilate within the BarCap culture. 28. What courses did you have to revise, what books/ online material did you consult while preparing for the interview? → I went through finance-related material. Wikijobs.com is a good site that can be referred to. One should research on the background and recent initiatives of the company. 29. What do you know about our organization? → Tell them all you read about the company on the internet. Do not miss out on the recent events. Basically glorify the company. 30. Why do you want to work for us? → Cite the above reasons and tell them that you see yourself working for a company like theirs. 31. What can you do for us that someone else can't? → Highlight your skills backed with instances. Skills may include planning, managerial skills, analytical skills and so on. 32. What do you find most promising about this position? → (For BarCap) It is a big organisation, transparent and with a great work culture. During internship, I shall get to know a lot of people and learn a lot of things. (Never mention compensation.) 33. What is the toughest decision you have ever had to make? → Joining IIT Kgp with M.Sc. Chemistry with the hope of changing department at the end of first year, instead of trying for a second attempt at JEE. 34. How sensitive are you to criticism? → Not really sensitive. If someone criticises me, I analyse my flaws. After all, every person has a different viewpoint.
Gaurav Agrawal
1. What topics did you study for the discussion? -> In the GD, we were given a list of 10 events, to be held at clashing timings. We needed to propose a priority list, of working on and attending them, depending upon the relative importance of the events. Initially we had different views, but we all (new faces for each other) realized that we had to reach at a consensus, so we all made sensible compromises, and finished the GD with a consensus. We were next given a job to prepare PPT on how to plan a shift of a trading floor from UK to Japan. We were given 30 minutes for this. As such, all four of us were selected. So, reaching a consensus, and team work mattered a lot in our case. 2. What is more important - content, fluency or presentation? -> Content is more important than both fluency and presentation. 3. Do you think that speaking first matters in a GD? -> Not necessarily.
4. Is it advisable to interrupt someone in a GD? -> No. Speak politely after the other person has finished speaking.
5. What if the topic goes against your beliefs? Should you stick to yourself or go with the flow? -> If you stand out, you should have strong points to support you. Mostly, one should go with the flow. And never go against things all the time. It shall be harmful for your image.
6. What if someone points out your faults? -> Accept your fault diplomatically.
7. How far does honesty take you? -> There’s no need to be completely honest. One should know how to prove oneself. Though, one must never fake positions. If you worked somewhere show more than what you really did/achieved. But substantiate this with facts. Be strong, confident and firm.
8. What body postures/ gestures should one maintain? -> An eye contact and a smile is all what you need. Greet them when you first meet them. If there’s a lady panelist in the panel, greet her again, after you’ve greeted them all. A smile indicates that you are involved in the interview, and are enjoying it.
9. What if in the interview, someone points your mistake?
-> Don’t get psyched. If you have a justification, produce it calmly, and politely.Gradually, shift the focus of the interview to something you are strong in. For egs. “ I couldn’t work on ‘A’ but, as I was always interested in ‘B’, I really worked hard on that.” This shifts the focus on ‘B’, where ‘B’ is something in which you are strong. Play with the course of the interview, in your favor.
10. What if they point out that they have another applicant with better credentials? -> In the PPT, note what the company is looking for. Show those qualities in you.
11. What kind of technical questions were asked in the interview? -> There weren’t any technical questions asked in the interview.
12. Does applying early really matter? -> It depends from company to company. In my case, many of m friends who applied at the end got the intern. 13.How to answer a question like - " Why do yo want to work for us" ? -> Tell them you would love to work in the environment they provide,I said, I wanted to meet successful people, and get exposed to the global multi cultural and dynamic work platform.
14. Any tips for our readers? -> Do ground work. Visit the company's website, and learn things about the company. Be confident and don't get nervous or hyped.