QUESTIONNAIRE
Rohit Sudheendranath Company: ITC Group Discussion 1.What topics did you study for the discussion? • Topics: No specific topics need to be studied. Most topics for the discussion are workable on the basis of common sense and logic, and require little prior knowledge. For example, in my , the topic was to discuss the viability of the different sources of electricity, like Nuclear power, Hydro Power etc. 2.What if the topic goes against your beliefs? Should you stick to your opinion or compromise? • In general, it is advisable to stick to one's own perspective, and try to convince the others to follow your line of thought. This is the best method for success. However, sometimes one must be prepared to arrive at a compromise agreed upon by all the members. If a consensus is reached, it is a sign of good negotiation skills. 3. Which is more important in a GD- Content, fluency or presentation? • All three are important. Fluency is important to showcase your communication skills, content shows your knowledge. 4. If contradicted convincingly during a discussion, what should one do? • If contradicted convincingly during a discussion, try to accommodate your perspective with that of the other person, and reach a compromise. The objective is to have a meaningful discussion, and not to display any arrogance or a blind adherence to your line of thought. In fact, reaching a consensus is a sign of good leadership. 5. Some tips for our readers? • It is better to be concise and clear in the views. Speaking too much is not appreciated at all, even if you have substantial technical knowledge.
Personal Interview. 1. What preparation should be done, especially for an ITC interview? • In the ITC interview, there are two parts, the first is the technical part, the other is HR. The panelists focus to a large extent on the contents of the CV and question about the projects done in the past. It is advisable to be thorough with that before appearing for the interview. 2. What are the general Do’s and don’ts of an interview? • In any PI, the main focus should be to make the panelists see the positive qualities in you. even when you outline your limitations, the attempt should be to make people see the positive side of the limitations in your character. As an example, if you mention your weakness as being too sentimental, it can also be interpreted positively. It could mean that you are very involved in your work, and are emotional about it. This may be a quality that the interviewer is looking for.
4.What if the interviewer expresses his/her dissatisfaction with your performance? • If the interviewer expresses his/her dissatisfaction with your performance, it is advisable to explain the reason for the shortcoming. For example, if your CG is not satisfactory, it is better to enlighten the panelists about the various extra academic activities you were associated with. 5. How do you convince the interviewer that you are fit for the job if he speaks of another interviewee with better credentials? • In any PI, the main trick is to deviate from the uncomfortable topic tactfully, and focus on the strengths alone. To justify your superiority over others, elucidate your CV again, mentioning your strengths and weak points. 6. What should one do if the interviewer hints that your performance is not satisfactory? • It is better to avoid providing an opportunity to the interviewer any chance to prove that you are wrong. 7. What should one focus on-GD or the interview? • The distribution of the marks for the group discussion and the personal interview was not disclosed. 8. Is there any advantage in applying early? • There is no advantage in applying early.. 10.What kind of technical questions should one be prepared for?
• Revise all projects done in the past. Details regarding the same will be asked. 11.What was the selection process like? • Initially there is a group discussion, and those who qualify in this are asked to appear for the pi.The Pi lasted for 35 minutes(approx). There are a different set of panelists for the different faculties. 12.What kind of qualities were they looking for? • Leadership skills, academic proficiency and organizational ability. 13.How important is honesty in an interview? • Honesty is not the most rewarded virtue in an interview.
Extra Tips • An interview is a place where you have to market yourself. Focus mainly on your strengths.
• In the HR part, students should discuss the activities in which they have actively contributed. Mentioning the position of responsibility held is not sufficient. • If a question is asked about your interests, you can answer in an innovative manner, even if it means discussing something completely unique. A unique topic increases the curiosity of the panelists and thus diverts their attention from the topics you wish to avoid.
• Second year students should try to start the application for various internships by September. trying for an internship is more advisable than applying for a project in the department • In answer to questions like " Discuss a situation where you had to put mind over matter", it's better to concoct a story if you can say it confidently, Else, discuss an event where you were forced to be pragmatic rather than sentimental.
S. Shahzad Anjum ITC
1. How important is the body language? • Body language is vital. Try to stay alert, and be polite and calm. Aggression is not appreciated in a Gd.
2. What are the topics that can be prepared in advance for the GD? • In the GD conducted by ITC, most topics are analytical in nature. They do not require any prior knowledge. For example, an excerpt from a story can be given and you may be asked to analyze the characters and comment on their virtues and vices. The group should reach a consensus about the most likable as well as disreputable person in the story.
3. How much time were you given to think? • After the topic was given, a time of around 5 minutes were given to prepare the points. Some students exceeded the time given, and they had to be called upon by the management to speak. This was a gesture that sent out the wrong signals.
4. Do you think that speaking first matters in a GD? • It depends on the situation. In some cases, it is better to speak later, as you have time to gauge the mood of the group. It helps you to analyze the points which may allow the group to reach a consensus. On the other hand, if you speak first, your point may be countered by everyone, and you may not be able to defend yourself unless you are well versed about the topic, In some situations however, speaking first gives you a lead, and other group members may follow your line of thought. This happens in case an abstract topic is given, on which no one has an established opinion.
5. Basic do’s and don’ts of the GD. • Do’s: Be concise, clear and polite. If possible, provide facts and statistics so that you appear to be well versed with the topics. Opponents will not generally doubt the veracity of your figures. If the topic requires prior study, at least try to prepare a structure for the discussion, so that you can lead the group to reach a consensus at the end. Consensus is important as it is a sign of positive leadership skills. • Don’ts: Never be aggressive. Give space to everyone to speak. And emphasize on the quality of the statements, not the quantity.
6. Is it advisable to interrupt someone in a GD? • If you have a point which can make a very good impression on the judge, you may interrupt the person. In general avoid it and allow everyone to speak. But ensure that you seize every opportunity to speak as the point which you have thought about may have occurred to others as well.
7. If the topic of the GD is against your personal beliefs should you stick to the topic or voice your opinion. • The aim of any discussion is to reach a conclusion, and it is better to judge the general perception of the topic and try to frame the points accordingly.
8. How do you respond if someone contradicts you during the GD? • You may correct yourself if you see that your perspective has some loopholes, that have been pointed out. It is not necessary that one is always correct.
9. Should one be completely honest in a PI? • It is not necessary to say the truth but lie to the extent that you can pull it off. Even in the CV, do not exaggerate to an extent that you are unable to justify yourself during the interview.
10. Do’s and don’ts in a pi? • Do’s: Body language should be positive, Even if the interview and gd take place late at night, you should not slouch. Stay alert and composed. Also be very open during the interview. If you need time to answer, ask for it. Do not get nervous or lose your confidence. • Don’ts: don’t get nervous and communicate well. The recruiters are looking for two important qualities: Confidence and communication ability.
11. What if the interviewer says that there is a more qualified candidate for the post? • Appreciate the fact and enquire from him/her the parameters on which the capability is judged, and explain your credentials in those aspects. Also mention that you would like to improve upon those so that you could be the preferred candidate in the future.
12. Does taking time to answer a question go against you even if the answer is a good one?
• Ask for time to think on a particular question. It should not affect the score. It is better to think and answer well.
13. Is there any advantage in applying early? • No advantage. All applications are considered at the same time.
14. What do you do if are caught in a trap? • It is better to stand corrected gracefully. 15. How to approach the topic of Intern compensation. • It is better to avoid this question since it is generally mentioned in the application form itself.
16. What was the Selection process? • First is the group discussion, then the technical interview followed by the HR interview. In some cases the students were allowed to appear for the HR interview directly.
17. What were the qualities being looked for? • Knowledge, confidence, communication ability, dedication.
18. What were the Academic questions? • 2nd year project has to be studied properly. Besides this, the technical part contains mostly industry related topics. Chemical students revise fox and McDonald for fluid dynamics as well as McCabe Smith. Concentrate on the fundamental things like Bernoulli equation and how it is derived. Intricacies will not be asked.
19. What do you know about our organization? • Read the website of the company as well as the Wikipedia page on the company. Mention the CSI (Corporate Social Initiatives) by the company.
20. Why do you want to work for us? • Mention the various CSI of the company to show that how important the particular organization is in Nation Building. Explain that it would be a privilege for you to work for that company.
21. Why should we hire you? • Mention the positive qualities in you and how they would help the organization to expand.
22. How long would it take to make a meaningful contribution to our firm? • It depends on the capacity in which I am employed, and the responsibilities I have been entrusted with. In general, 1 month is sufficient to understand the organization and contribute to its growth.
23. What is the toughest decision you have ever had to make? • Either concoct a situation where you had to be pragmatic or mention some incident that you experienced during your work as CTM/ as a member of other societies.
24. Mention your short term and long term plans. • At present my objective is to work for an established organization. Later if the situation demands your having to pursue higher education, you may go for it. But now the aim should be to work for a corporate.
25. Favorite subject/topic/area of interest. • Prepare a topic well beforehand and mention the area in which you wish to work. It is possible that you may get the project in your area of interest.
26. Topics in GD; • There can be factual topics that require some prior knowledge. • Abstract topics that have no defined parameters of perception. eg: blue. • Case study like topics, where background information is given an the student has to analyze and speak. These are workable on the basis of common sense.
Aritra Mitra Company: ITC
GD & PI What is the dress code for GD/PI?
•
1. Formal What is the importance of body language in a GD/PI?
•
2. Very important/It should show your enthusiasm in joining the company and should show a positive energy.
Group Discussion 3.
What were the topics of the GD? •
4.
What are the basic dos and don’ts in a GD? •
5.
About 10 minutes
Do you think speaking first matters in a GD? •
7.
Be active, be firm on point, hear carefully, give others time to speak
How much time were you given to think? •
6.
A case study is given, where the characters of 6 persons were given and we had to grade them and discuss about each ones personal qualities.
No
In a GD which is given more importance – content or fluency and presentation? •
Content
8.
Is it advisable to interrupt someone in a GD? •
9.
If the topic of the GD is against your personal beliefs should you stick to the topic or voice your opinion? •
10.
If he is speaking for a lot of time u can interrupt him.
Voice your opinion
How do you respond if someone contradicts you convincingly during the GD? •
If valid appreciate and present my point
11. Do you recollect the GD topics of your friends or batch mates? •
In ITC all were case-studies
Personal Interview 12.
Do you think one must be completely honest in a PI? •
13.
What are the basic dos and don’ts in a PI? •
14.
Should know company background and own CV…if you are not sure about something mention
How important in a PI is maintaining eye contact? •
15.
Good to be honest but at times you can fake but should be aware of limits
Very important
How must one respond if the interviewer hints that your performance is not satisfactory? •
Convince him
16. What should be done if one realizes that the interviewer has misunderstood his statement? •
17.
Repeat and explain
How do you convince the interviewer that you are fit for the job if he speaks of another interviewee with better credentials?
•
Concentrate more on your strong points
18.
Does taking time to answer a question go against you even if the answer is a good one? •
19.
no if taken a reasonable amount of time
Should one admit his mistake if pointed out or justify what he has said? •
It depends on the situation but if caught bluntly accept if u can escape can do that even
20. Were you asked any technical questions (related to academics) in your interview? What were those questions (Please provide their answers too)? •
Yes on electrical department subjects and on my summer project
Other related questions:
21. What should we focus more on pi/gd? •
Both are equally important
22. Is there any advantage of applying early? •
no
23. 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. •
accept
24. How to approach the matter of intern compensation. •
If it is through T n P it will be fixed
25. What was the Selection Procedure like? How many rounds of interviews and what was each round about? •
1 GD round and 2 PI’s
26. What do you think the company was looking for in each of its candidates? •
Academically proficient and presentation skills
How should the following Questions be answered?
27. What do you know about our organization? •
See website and products, ventures and kind of profile
28. Why do you want to work for us? •
Praise the company and say its good to work their
29. What do you find most promising about this position?
•
Responsibility, exposure to good working culture
30. What is the toughest decision you have ever had to make? •
Say something personally done
31. How sensitive are you to criticism? •
They help to identify our weakness try to avoid negative one