Gayatri Kannan __________________________________________________________ GD & PI 1.
What is the dress code for GD/PI?
-> Formals, preferably full arm collared shirts, trousers (for girls), sandals (preferably covered in the front), no perfume. 2.
What is the importance of body language in a GD/PI?
-> How you sit matters a lot. Don’t be relaxed. Lean forward to show interest. Nod or approve when somebody says something to show that you are listening. Look at the speaker. If you are taking notes, you must nod or show in some way that you are paying attention. Don’t fidget; don’t express disapproval by facial expressions at somebody else’s words. You may not like what the other person is saying, but don’t show that openly.
Group Discussion 3.
What were the topics of the GD?
-> ITC: Case Study: Ministers handling different portfolios. There is a village with no power. Different ministers have put forth their thoughts on various alternative sources of energy. Discuss which form of alternative source of energy will be most suited after taking into consideration all their advantages & shortcomings. 4. What are the basic dos and don’ts in a GD? -> Don’t shout, don’t speak all the time, give others a chance to speak. Put across your points formally. U can change your opinion, if you are convinced. If you are not very sure, don’t start. Consolidate what other people are saying. Encourage other people to speak. 5.
How much time were you given to think?
->
We were asked to start whenever we were ready.
6.
Do you think speaking first matters in a GD?
-> Not really. Don’t speak unless you have a really good point. If people are quiet, then you can start by discussing what the case is all about. 7.
In a GD which is given more importance – content or fluency and presentation?
->
Content & presentation matter more than fluency.
8.
Is it advisable to interrupt someone in a GD?
->
Not unless they are very aggressive and they are repeatedly making the same point.
9. If the topic of the GD is against your personal beliefs should you stick to the topic or voice your opinion? -> Definitely voice your opinion. However do not let personal belief cloud your reasoning and logical skills. Lend an ear to what others are saying and consider their point of view as well.
10. How do you respond if someone contradicts you convincingly during the GD? ->
U can give in.
Personal Interview 11. Do you think one must be completely honest in a PI? ->
No. Don’t lie, but answer diplomatically.
12. What are the basic dos and don’ts in a PI? -> If you are lying, the interviewer can easily make that out. You can ask them questions, steer the interview towards your strong points (impresses them). Body language matters. Your hands should be on your lap or on the table. Ask for a paper and pen if you need them. 13. How important in a PI is maintaining eye contact? -> Maintain eye contact. It shows your confidence and gives the interviewer the impression that you are being honest. 14. How must one respond if the interviewer hints that your performance is not satisfactory? -> Emphasize your strong points, mention all that you are good at… you can also ask the interviewer for his/her feedback. 15. How do you convince the interviewer that you are fit for the job if he speaks of another interviewee with better credentials? ->
Don’t speak against them, but put forth your strong points, say how you will be good for the job.
16. Does taking time to answer a question go against you even if the answer is a good one? ->
No.
17. Should one admit his mistake if pointed out or justify what he has said? ->
Justify if you think you are right. It doesn’t go against you if you admit your mistake.
18. Were any academics-related questions asked? -> Deutsche Bank: questions based on their written tests, questions on probability, finance, ITC: supply chain questions
Other related questions: 19. What should we focus more on PI/GD? ->
Some companies don’t have GD. Pi is the deciding factor.
20. Is there any advantage of applying early? ->
Generally, no.
22. Any good books /online repositories referred while preparing for the interview. ->
Going through the company website is really important.
24. How to approach the matter of intern compensation. ->
Don’t. You will find out.
25. What to tell if asked whether applied for other interns. ->
Be diplomatic. Say that you are keeping your options open.
26. What was the Selection Procedure like? How many rounds of interviews and what was each round about? -> DB: written test (mostly on data interpretation, probability, math, reasoning, logic), interview (testing our CV) + interview (test based) + interview in Kolkata(Board of directors).HR interview. ITC: 2 rounds of interview + GD 27. What do you think the company was looking for in each of its candidates? ->
DB: They wanted people good at what they were doing…smart people. ITC: People focused on academics.
28. What courses did you have to revise, what books/ online material did you consult while preparing for the interview? ->
Math, puzzles, website
How should the following Questions be answered? 29. What do you know about our organization? -> Refer to the website. Mention recent happenings in the company, interesting fields…mention the CEO in reference to something (only if you can pronounce the name correctly!). 30. Why do you want to work for us? ->
Show them how it fits into your career path.
31. What can you do for us that someone else can't? ->
Go through website + job profile. Just state what you can do.
32. What do you find most promising about this position? -> Either say that it will give you an opportunity to prove yourself, or emphasize on how it can be a learning curve. 33. How sensitive are you to criticism? -> Open to criticism. Ask the interviewer for his/her feedback. It will help you for other interviews in the future. 34. Tell us more about the presentation. ->
Listen to presentation carefully; ask questions only if they are genuine.