Module II: Communication Skills for Career Building

 CV and Résumé Writing, Interview Skills, Group Discussion,

 Effective Profiling,
 Communication and Networking: Building relationships,
 Seminar & Conference Paper Writing,
 Expert Technical Lecture: Writing and presenting.
 Writing the Statement of Purpose (SOP) for admission in Higher Studies,

C.V. / Résumé Writing:

In modern world of science and technology Résumé writing has become an art. In simple
terms, Résumé or curriculum vitae is an extract or selective record of one ‘s achievements
including education, work, experience, qualification, abilities and so on. As a CV reflects
the complete achievements of a person in various fields, it enables the employer to form
some idea about the proficiency of the applicant.

Difference between CV and Résumé

Curriculum Vitaé mean record or course of your life in Latin. It is a document giving
details of the qualifications and the jobs you have had in the past that you send to someone
when you are applying for a job. CV is detailed, complete and in reverse chronological order
record of your professional history. It contains your full introduction. It could be of 3- 10
pages.
Résumé is a summary of one’s qualification and skills. It is your brief introduction of 1-2
pages. It contains Information/ introduction/ experience as per relevant to the job requirement.
It is shorter, more focused and targeted list of relevant skills and accomplishment.

Why effective CV / Résumé is important

• Recruiters if receive around 100 CVs.
• Have to select only 1.
• Less time to review your CV.
• Around 20 to 60 seconds to read a CV.
• The initial impression is important.

Parts of CV / Résumé

• Candidate’s Information
• Objective
• Previous work Experience
• Education

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 • Skills and Abilities
• Other Certifications
• Honors
• Publications
• Presentations
• Professional Membership

• Courses/Trainings attended (Professional/Other)

Additional Information
• Objective/Professional interest statement
• Computer/Technical Skills
• Additional Experience
• Committees
• Community Server/Volunteer
• Foreign Languages
• Interest /Hobbies

Parts of a Résumé
There are some standard parts on which a resume should be designed. Some of the most
important parts of a resume:
1) Headings/Personal Information: The sender ‘s detail is the first thing that
anemployer wants to know.
 Always put on the top
 Your Name
 Must be the first line of CV/ Résumé
 Bold
 Larger font used in body
 Photograph (Use A Professional Photo)
 Contact Information
 Mobile No
 Email Address

2) Career objectives: The purpose of Résumé is to generate interest immediately and

a statement of career objective may attract the employer at
once.
 Statement must be clear, concise and to the point
i. Bad: “I want to get a job”
ii. Weak: “To attain an internship in livestock industry.”
iii. Good: “To attain an internship in the livestock industry with

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 detailed insight into genomics and
bioinformatics.”
 Avoid being over specific
 Target the company’s perspective

3) Education: If education is the applicant ‘s strongest point, it should be

discussedthoroughly. Educationist considered the strongest
selling point.
 Start from Last School attended
 Write Course/Degree Name
 Year of Passing
 CGPA/% obtained

4) Work experience: This part of the CV/ Résumé provides an overview of the
applicant ‘s professional experience. Work experience should be written with
proper emphasis. Details of the section will be based on the points, listed below:
a) Name of the location of employer
b) Post on which the applicant has worked
c) How long he worked there
d) His duties and responsibilities in bullets
e) His achievements or his contribution
f) Experience should be listed in reverse chronological order
g) Don’t be over descriptive

5) Special qualification or Skills: Those special qualifications which can be valuable to

an employer are given in this section in a CV. All of them important. Highlight the
skills most relevant to the job.
6) Project Experience: It should focus on relevant project experience. The graduate
level projects must be included in it. It must be in reverse chronological order.
7) Extra-Curricular Activities: It may also include extra-curricular awards. It should
include a brief description if not self-evident from title. It is good to include
leadership positions. It should scream ―I am a leader‖. Do not include hobbies or activities
not related to the job or your story.
8) Achievements and awards: It must contain all academic and professional awards.
9) Strengths: Strengths are things you are best at, traits or capabilities that make you
excel at your work. Employers are not interested only in candidates who simply
know how to do certain things. When deciding who to put on the shortlist, they
have specific strengths in mind. In other words, they need someone who excels at
particular abilities.
10) Personal details: DOB, Father ‘s name, Nationality, Marital status, Languages known.
ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT
 11) References * : Some employers need references from persons who know the
applicant ‘s work and the professional competence.
 Follow the requirement
 If not mentioned, then “On Request/demand”
 Ask referees beforehand
 Use the best ones.
 Carefully choose someone who know you and likes you
 Credible and competent
 For each referee, list: Name, Title, Organization, Business address, Phone
number and email
12) Declaration: A declaration in a r Résumé states that all the information you have
included is correct to the best of your knowledge.
13) Date, Place and Signature

Types of CV/ Résumés

Chronological: This is the most common style, in which the personal details, along with the
academic record are stated plainly in a chronological order; quite often it is reverse
chronological order. It is mainly used by individuals with: -

 Solid work history

 Few or no gaps between jobs

2) Functional: It does not just mention the duration of work; it emphasizes more
upon the quality of work, and special accomplishments of the applicant.

3) Chrono-functional/Combinational/Combined: It is a fusion of the best

characteristics of chronological and functional resume. It not only highlights the
quality of a candidate ‘s special skills, but gives account of his personal details,
academic record and experience. It is used mainly by individuals: -
 Freshly graduated from school
 With uninterrupted work history
 Applying for specific jobs

Styles of CV/ Résumé

Electronic CVs
a) Email Attachment
• Currently the most widely used delivery method
• PDF most widely used format
• Easily convert your Microsoft Word CV to PDF using various online resources

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 b) HTML Resume
 Shows your creativity
 Easily available and free of cost from many service providers like google
 Link to different sections of your CV
 Very detailed
 You can add forms of social media like twitter, facebook pages and
personal/professional blogs
Scannable/ Paper Résumé
 Best to use black color fonts
 Use proper font type (do not try anything fancy)
 Many companies scan paper resumes into their database
Interview Skills
An interview is usually called a formal meeting. It provides an opportunity to the participants
to exchange views and also a evaluate others.
Job interviews should be a process of two-way communication. Not only are they a tool for
employers to use to evaluate you, but they are also an opportunity for you to assess the job, the
organization, and to see if there is a "fit."
The keys to a successful interview are preparation and practice.

Purposes of an Interview
 The applicant ‘s objective is to find the job best suited to his goal.
 To find the best person available for the job.

Types of Interviews
Interviews give you an opportunity to impress employers with your knowledge and personality.
Interviewers ask candidates different questions to assess their suitability for a given position.
Depending on the type of job and the stage of the recruitment process, companies may use
different types of interviews to narrow down their search. There are 10 different types of
interviews along with actionable tips to increase your chances of success in each type.

What Are The Main Types Of Interviews?

Employers use many different types of interviews to evaluate candidates. In most cases,
they would tell you in advance what type of interview to expect. Here are the 10 most
common interview types employers use for recruitment:
Face-to-face interviews
A face-to-face interview is one in which you and the interviewer meet in person to
discuss your credentials. The interviewer can be the employer, manager, someone from
the HR department or a third party recruitment consultant hired by the company. The
interview usually takes place on the company premises. After asking general questions
related to your skills, education and experience, the interviewer usually proceeds to

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 assess your subject matter expertise.
Tips for preparing
Research the company and their work culture while preparing for these interviews.
Understanding the company's business model and work ethics well can give you an
advantage over other candidates. Another important aspect to keep in mind while
attending face-to-face interviews is your body language. The way you walk, sit and
speak communicates your personality to the interviewer. Be confident and comfortable
while attending the interview. Use this personal meeting as an opportunity to leave a
positive impression on the interviewer.
Panel interviews
In a panel interview, you would be facing questions from multiple interviewers. The
interview panel may include people from different departments or disciplines. The panel
usually takes a collective decision about your selection for the job. For example, an
interview panel may include a project lead, HR manager and subject matter expert. The
project lead may focus on your suitability for the team, the HR manager may evaluate
you in terms of your salary expectations and long-term career goals, and the subject
matter expert may test your subject knowledge.
Tips for preparing
In a panel interview, you are required to impress all the interviewers to increase your
chances of selection. Greet the panel members when you enter the interview room.
Make eye contact with all the panel members during the interview. But, direct your
response to the interviewer who asked you the question. Ensure that your answers to
questions and counter questions from different interviewers are consistent.
Group interviews
In this type of interview, companies interview several candidates simultaneously.
Companies mostly use group interviews when they require to recruit multiple
candidates in a short period of time. The interviewer may ask questions to the entire
group at a time or may ask each candidate to answer individually. They may also ask you
to interact with other candidates or may even give you a task to perform in a team to
assess your communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
For example, the interviewer may ask all the candidates present to divide themselves
into several small teams. Each team may require to interact with its members to
understand one another. After giving some time to spend together, the interviewer may
ask each candidate for their opinion on who would be a good leader for their team and
why.
Tips for preparing
In a group interview, look for ways to make yourself stand out from others. Whenever
required, express your opinion clearly and confidently. Listen carefully when others are

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 speaking. Respect others' opinions and be polite to other candidates. Try to present
yourself as a positive individual with a problem-solving attitude.
Telephonic interviews
Companies often use a telephonic interview to shortlist candidates for a subsequent
face-to-face interview. When there are multiple rounds of interviews planned for a
position, companies may conduct the telephonic interview in the first round. They may
ask you some basic questions like your background and why you applied for the
position. If they decide to move further with your selection, they may call you for a face-
to-face interview.
In some types of jobs like telemarketing, receptionist and voice-based call centre
positions, companies may require to assess your telephone skills. In such cases,
companies may use the telephonic interview as an additional round for finalising the
candidates. Similarly, in the case of remote positions, a telephonic interview may serve
as a formal interview.
Tips for preparing
The advantage in the case of a telephonic interview is that you can refer to notes during
the interview. But, try to prepare for it as you would for a formal face-to-face interview.
Remember that you are required to express yourself only through your voice unlike in
the case of a face-to-face interview, where gestures and body language serve as an
additional means of communication. Hence, make sure that you speak clearly at a good
pace without any long pauses. Try to find a quiet and distraction-free place for the
interview.
Video interviews
Companies usually conduct video interviews for remote positions or in cases where it is
not possible for the candidates to attend an interview in person. You can attend a video
interview using a PC, laptop or smartphone. You may require to install the
teleconferencing application your employer uses for the interview.
Tips for preparing
In terms of interview questions, you can prepare for a video interview just like you
would do for a traditional face-to-face interview. Dress professionally in clean and tidy
clothes. Have a steady internet connection with reasonably good speed. Find a quiet
place with a neutral backdrop and organise your workstation well.
Off-site interviews
Off-site interviews are mostly informal in nature. The recruitment manager may invite
you for a personal meeting over lunch or dinner. Your etiquette and personality may be
more in focus during these types of interviews. The interviewer may observe you and
assess your interpersonal skills and table manners.
Tips for preparing

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 Although the interviewer may try to make you feel comfortable by creating an informal
atmosphere, be sure to act professionally. If you require to order the food, choose
something that would allow you to have a conversation while eating. Be careful to eat
and drink properly without spilling on the dress or table.
Stress interviews
Companies use stress interviews to see how a candidate reacts in a stressful situation.
You may encounter this type of interview if you are applying for a high-stress position.
The interviewer may try to assess your ability to solve challenging problems, work in a
multi-tasking environment or deal with clients that are difficult to handle.
Tips for preparing
To create a stressful situation, the interviewer may ask you unusual questions, interrupt
frequently, increase the pace of the interview, get rude with you, behave unusually or
ask you to perform an odd task. You may feel uncomfortable or intimidated but be sure
to remain calm, handle the situation gracefully and focus on solving the problem.
Prepare for some common stress interview questions and comments like:
 I do not think you are suitable for this position.
 What would you do if you were caught stealing?
 How would you sell this item to a customer?
 That is a stereotypical answer. Tell me something new.
Take the time to breathe, regain composure and maintain your own pace. Try to keep
smiling and remain cheerful throughout the interview.
Structured interviews
In a structured interview, the interviewer asks the same set of questions to all the
candidates. The interviewer then compares the responses of the candidates to find the
suitable one. The questions you encounter in a structured interview can either be open-
ended or close-ended. In the case of close-ended questions, you usually require to
choose the right answer from a list of alternatives. Open-ended questions can have
several different answers and may allow you to elaborate your response.
Tips for preparing
The easiest way to prepare for a structured interview is to look for common questions
asked in such interviews and think of the answers beforehand. Ask yourself what skills
you possess that can help you excel in the given position.
Unstructured interviews
In an unstructured interview, the interviewer may change the questions and ask follow-
up questions based on your response. They may have a few pre-determined questions
in mind but may modify them or add more questions based on how the interview
progresses.
Tips for preparing

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 To do well in an unstructured interview, prepare for the common types of questions
related to your area of expertise. Instead of memorising the answers, focus on
understanding the logic behind them.

Case interviews
In a case interview, the interviewer gives you a problem or explains a situation and asks
you to provide a solution. The problem or the situation given can be an imaginary one or
based on a real-life experience. The idea is to test your problem-solving aptitude at
work.

Tips for preparing

Listen patiently and pay attention to the details. Analyse the given situation and try to
give a practical solution that would be apt for the given scenario.

Preparation of Interview
Before the interview
 Research the Company
A company's website is an excellent place to begin. It usually gives you information
on whether it is international or domestic, what its revenues are, how many locations
it has, and the nature of its major products. Most companies are very proud of their
websites.
 Practice interviews
Write down a list of possible questions that you think may be asked, then have a
friend act as an interviewer and direct them to you in a practice interview situation.
Don't stop until you feel comfortable answering each question. Practicing beforehand
will make you feel more comfortable and relaxed duringthe interview.

 Dress Professionally
In today's environment, wearing a suit isn't always necessary. Contact the HR
Manager of the company or your recruiter, and find out what the dress code is for the
company at which you are going to interview. Then dress one level above.
 Arrival
Try to arrive at the interview location a little early. This gives you time to determine
where you need to go, and will give you a few minutes to collect your thoughts. DO
NOT arrive late. Nothing destroys your chance at impressing an employer more than

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 arriving late and offering no explanation. If you learn at the last minute that you are
going to be arriving late at the interview, call and let the interviewer know.
Interviewers understand that things can come up suddenly. You are never considered
late if you call and make them aware of the fact.

During the Interview

 First impressions
First impressions take only thirty seconds. Establishing rapport, direct and sustained
eye contact, a firm handshake, a warm smile, good posture, and introducing yourself
in a confident manner are important ingredients. A well-groomed, professional
appearance is critical. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, whether it is a
woman or a man. (No one likes a weak handshake.) Always maintain eye contact
while shaking hands.
 Smile
A smile denotes confidence in a candidate. Try to smile often. Also, don't be afraid to
use some hand animation while answering questions. This suggests enthusiasm in a
candidate.
 Know Your Resume
Be prepared to talk about every fact that is on your resume. Many people embellish
their accomplishments on their resumes. Avoid this, since the only point of reference
an interviewer has aboutyou is the resume you provide to him/her beforehand.
 Body Language
Use good posture, and look the interviewer right in the eye. Sit up straight. Never
slouch.
 Speak Clearly
Don't mumble. It portrays a lack of confidence. Speak with assurance. This indicates
confidence.
 Be Truthful
Don't lie when asked about something you haven't done. The next question will be "tell
us about it."

After the Interview

 Back in Touch
Ask the interviewer when s/he expects to get back to you on her/his decision.
 Get Everyone's Business Card
Before you leave, be sure to get the business cards of all of the people with whom you
visited. If you cannot do that, ask a secretary for their names and e-mail addresses.
 Thank the Interviewer
Verbally thank the interviewer for taking the time to interview you, before leaving.

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 Within a day, send

thank-you letters to all of the interviewers with whom you spoke. This does not need
to consist of a written letter sent via snail mail; an e-mailed thank-you works just as
well.
 Do not give up
Sometimes, within ten minutes of the start of an interview, you will know that the job
is not one you want to pursue. If you begin to feel this way, don't give up on the
interview. Continue to interview as if the job was the most important thing in the
world. This provides you with practice for your next interview, which may be for
your dream job! Not all interviews will lead to offers of employment, but, if you
approach every interview as if it's the most important interview you ever had, you will
come out a winner!

Additional tips
 Focus on presenting a positive, enthusiastic tone.
 If you are asked to describe a weakness, mention lessons learned, and steer away
from negative descriptions.
 Think about three or four key points that you want to make about your personal
characteristics, skills you have learned, and relevant experiences that demonstrate
that you could perform the job well.
 Find specific, rather than general, examples from your experience that illustrate
important points about yourself.
 When answering questions, focus on experiences that demonstrate
flexibility,adaptability, responsibility, progress, achievement, creativity,initiative,
and leadership.
 If the employer signals the end of the interview and asks you for questions, and you
haven't discussed some key points, say: "There are a couple of points I would like to
mention."
 After the interview, write a brief thank you letter. Express your appreciation for the
opportunity to interview and learn about the organization, re-confirm your interest,
and re-emphasize how your background and skills might be of interest to the
organization.

Group Discussion
Meaning of Group Definition

Group discussion is formed by combining two different words i.e. group and discussion. Here,
group means a number of people or things that are put together considered as a unit whereas

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 the word ‗discuss‘is derived from the Latin ‗discovered‘, which means to shake or strike.
Thus ‗discussion ‘refers to examine the topic thoroughly to reach a conclusion. Collectively, it
is called Group discussion which means the exchange of ideas by participated candidates on a
specific subject or topic. The whole concept is to bring collectively a unit of people on a
common platform to share their ideas.
Generally, group discussion is a method used by the companies or organizations to check
whether the candidates have certain personality or skills which are must for their members or
employees. Nowadays, group discussions have become a main stage in the recruitment
process.
Group discussion also talks about how candidates behave, participate and contribute in a group. Also,
recruiters come to know about how much importance applicants give to the team objectives as well as
their own, how well they listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are they in accepting the
views contrary to their own

Improve Interest in Lessons: It improves How is it conducted?

 A typical GD comprises of a small group of candidates i.e. 8 to 12 members
 Students sit in a circular or C shape arrangement

 Each group is then given a topic for discussion

 Students are given a paper and pen and 2 minutes to think before they start discussing
 A GD should last not more than 15-20 minutes

Types of GD
 Factual Topics
 Abstract Topics
 Controversial Topics
 Case Study based

Salient features/nature of G.D

 Group discussion is basically an interactive process which provides an opportunity to
the participants to express their view and feeling orally.
 It is a group process. It provides an opportunity to person-to-group interaction
 It is a productive activity. It is a goal-oriented activity.
 Group discussion is a planned activity.
 Topic may be given to judge your public speaking talent.
 Discussion revolves around a specific subject.
 The examiner does not interfere once he announced the topic.
Maintain cordiality and free expression of thought and opinion.

Importance or Objectives of Group Discussion in Education and Learning

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 Group discussion plays a vital role in a student ‘s life. Group discussions in the classroom are
not only beneficial for a student ‘s social skills only but also enhance their educational
development and learning too. Nowadays group discussion plays a key role in selecting the
best among the best. It is one of the best tools to study the behavioral and attitudinal responses
of the applicants or the candidates. With the help of group discussion, many things for a
particular candidate can be assessed, such as his/her mental capacity to think, creative mind,
analytical abilities, comprehending a subject and then speaking on it, awareness, attitude, and
energy levels.

 Enhance Critical Thinking: Group discussion is used in a classroom to improve

learning, asking open- ended questions will encourage critical thinking and help
students think for themselves
 Help with Understanding: Group discussion use to help students to understand a
topic or concept deeply which will stay for a long time in their minds.
 Improve Communication Skills: It is also used to improve communication skills as it
can encourage students to become more confident in speaking up and asking
questions. This will help them improve their communication in the long run because it
should make them more confident to ask if they ‘re stuck and need help.
 Provide the Feedback: When learners discuss and explain the concepts to each other
aloud in a group, it helps the teacher to hear if they have learnt a concept or not. This
is perfect feedback on teaching. It means that, if the teacher sees that they don‘t
understand something clearly, they can help them by stepping in and adding some
more context or information in their discussion.

 Productive activity: Group discussion is always supposed to be a productive activity in

a business concern.

Benefits of Group Discussion

 Stimulation of thinking in a new way
 Expansion of knowledge
 Understanding of your strength and weakness.
 Your true personality is revealed and qualities of leadership crystallize
 Provides chance to Expose
 Language skills
 Academic knowledge
 Leadership skills
 People handling skills
 Team work
 General knowledge

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 What is judged?
• How good you are at communication with others.
• How you behave and interact with group.
• How open minded are you.
• Your listening skill.
• How you put forward your views.
• Your leadership and decision-making skills.
• Your analysis skill and subject knowledge.
• Problem solving and critical thinking skill.
• Your attitude and confidence.
• Your team building skills
• Out of the box thinking

Tips/Important points in group discussion

1) Be assertive: An assertive person is direct, honest careful about not hurting others
‗self-respect ‘.
2) Keep eye contact while speaking: Do not look at the evaluators only. Keep eye
contact with every team member while speaking.
3) Initiate the GD: Initiating the GD is a big plus. But keep in mind – Initiate the group
discussion only when you understood the GD topic clearly and have some topic
knowledge. Speaking without proper subject knowledge is bad impression.
4) Allow others to speak: Do not interrupt anyone in-between while speaking. Even if
you don‘t agree with his/her thoughts do not snatch their chance to speak. Instead
make some notes and clear the points when it‘s your turn.
5) A patient listener: Speak less and listen more! Pay attention while others are
speaking. This will make coherent discussion and you will get involved in the group
positively. You will surely make people agree with you.
6) Speak clearly: Speak politely and clearly. Use simple and understandable words while
speaking. Don ‘t

be too aggressive if you are disagreeing with someone. Express your feelings calmly and
politely.
7) Speak sensibly: Do not speak just to increase your speaking time. Don ‘t worry even if
you speak less. Your thoughts should be sensible and relevant instead of irrelevant
speech.
8) Be analytical and fact-oriented: It is necessary to make relevant points which can be
supported with facts and analyzed logically.

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 9) Accept criticism: If any member of the group criticizes or disapproves a point, it is
unwise to get upset or react sharply. In case the criticism is flimsy, the same can be
pointed out politely.
10) Maximize participation: one must try to contribute fully, vigorously & steadily
throughout the discussion.
11) Show leadership ability: A group discussion also evaluates your leadership qualities.
12) Make sure to bring the discussion on track: If by any means group is distracting from
the topic or goal then simply take initiative to bring the discussion on the track. Make
all group members aware that you all need to come to some conclusion at the end of
the discussion. So, stick to the topic.
13) Positive attitude: Be confident. Do not try to dominate anyone. Keep positive body
language. Show interest in discussion.

Use statements like

• ―I agree with my friend that…‖
• ―I‘d like to add a point to what my friend said...‖
• ―I would further like to add something to…. ‖
• ―Sorry, but I beg to differ…‖
• ―In my opinion…‖
• ―According to (state source/facts/stats) …‖
• ―I think we are diverting away from the subject…‖
• ―Please allow our friend who has been trying to say something a chance‖
• ―I request to give his/her opinion on…‖

Initiation Techniques
• State the topic
• Quote
• Definition
• Question
• Shock Statement
• Facts, figures & statistics
• Initiate a GD only when you have understood the topic & have a valid point
• Don ‘t starts a GD just for the heck of it
• Opening sentence should lead the GD
• Keep it brief

How to summarize?
• If the moderator asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.
• Avoid raising new points

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 • Avoid stating only your viewpoint
• Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD.
• Keep it brief and concise
• It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD.
• Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.

Summary/ Conclusion
• Begin with, ―In a nutshell. ‖ Or ―To summarize…‖
• State group opinions not just your opinion
• Incorporate all the major points
• Keep it brief
• If a consensus than conclude with one
• If mixed opinions then take a poll by a raise of hands/yes-no & conclude
• End GD after summary

Do`s in group discussion

 Be a good listener
 Do not use high vocabulary
 Appropriate to the issue
 Make original points and support them by substantial reasoning
 Listen to the other participants actively and carefully
 Whatever you say must be with a logical flow and validate it with an example as far as
possible
 Make only accurate statements
 Modulate the volume, pitch and tone
 Be considerate to the feelings of the others
 Talk with confidence and self-assurance
 Speak pleasantly and politely to the group
 Respect the contribution of every speaker
 Remember that a discussion is not an argument
 Learn to disagree politely
 Think about your contribution before you speak
 Be aware of your body language when you are speaking

Don’ts during group discussion

 Do not get personal with anyone
 Never ever try to bluff
 Do not be shy /nervous / keep yourself isolated from G.D

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

  Don ‘t make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funny.
 Don ‘t engage yourself in sub-group conversation.
 Do not get irritated
 Don ‘t lose your temper
 A discussion is not an argument.
 Don ‘t shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.
 Don ‘t use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and
table thumping can appear aggressive.
 Don ‘t dominates the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students
achance to contribute.
 Don ‘t interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak.
 Don ‘t worry about making some grammatical mistakes, for your interest the
matteryou put across are important

Effective Profiling

What Is A Personal Profile For A CV?

A personal profile for a CV lets hiring managers know about the most important aspects of your
professional and educational experience. Unlike other parts of your resume, which you can alter
for a specific job, you might keep this short description the same. It may seem like a simple task,
but it does require some thought. You can think about why a hiring manager might choose you
for an interview. You may find some reflection can help you to include a wide range of
information that clearly shows why you would be the best candidate.

Your personal profile is one of the first things that a hiring manager may see on your resume.
Make sure that it is short and includes your educational background, skills and a summary of
your relevant experience. This is a great way to capture a recruiter's attention and help them
understand why you would be a preferred candidate over the others. As an entry-level candidate,
you may want to include your career goals in this section. If you are a seasoned professional, you
could highlight your work experiences and significant achievements throughout your career.

How To Write A Personal Profile For A CV

The following steps can help show you how to write a personal profile for a CV that is clear and
compelling:

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

1. Summarise your career stage

Use this section to highlight where you are in your career. For recent graduates, you may
mention that you have recently completed your education along with your area of study. Entry-
level candidates may share their short-term experiences, such as trainee or intern positions. More
experienced candidates may summarise their previous work and designation.

2. Highlight your pertinent skills

You may use this section to give the hiring manager an idea of your strongest skills that would
be pertinent to the role you are applying for. A great way to highlight this is by using impactful
words such as highly organised, detail oriented or self-motivated.

3. Mention your education and experience

The job you have applied for may require that you meet certain criteria. To demonstrate that you
are an eligible applicant, you may mention your degree, your vocational training and
certifications and your previous work experience.

4. Describe your career goals

An important factor to mention in your personal profile is your career goals. This helps the hiring
manager understand your dedication to your work responsibilities. It also helps demonstrate how
you may contribute to the company's goals.

Tips To Write A Personal Profile

To increase your chances of success against other candidates and get an interview, here are some
tips to craft your personal profile:

Keep it short

A personal profile provides a quick overview of your professional experience as a potential

candidate for the company you are applying to. So, personal profiles that perform well are
generally three to five sentences long. It is best if you can share certain highlights in a single
sentence rather than two, as it gives you more space on your resume for other important
information. The more concise the personal profile is, the better it may communicate your
message.

Customise it for the role

While most of the personal profile remains the same across applications, you may want to
customise it according to the role. You might do this only when the changes present you as a
better candidate. A way to customise your personal profile is by reviewing the keywords in the

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

job description you are applying for and then changing words to match. This may capture a
hiring manager's attention more easily.

Use a professional format

It is important to create a personal profile that leaves a strong impression on the hiring manager,
but it is equally important to ensure that it looks professional. You may use corporate fonts like
Times New Roman, Proxima Nova or Helvetica for a professional look. You may also use a
second font to pair with the primary font. You can even italicise or bold statements to make them
appear more prominent and draw attention to those sections.

Another way to look professional and create an impression is by mixing colours to highlight
important sections. Use corporate colours such as black, navy blue, dark grey or blue green. It is
best to use a maximum of two colours in your resume.

Avoid corporate jargon

It is best to stay away from industry jargon or even acronyms. What you intend to communicate
versus what a standardised version of the acronym means could be different and cause confusion
for the hiring manager. The use of technical jargon may also not add value since you do not
know who is initially screening your resume. If they are not an expert, you may miss an
opportunity. By being clear and engaging, you may increase your chances of getting an
interview.

Add important numbers

Since your personal profile section is short, you can try to avoid using general phrases other
applicants might include on their resumes. You can be strategic about what to share that may
make you appear as a strong candidate. You can add achievements, such as receiving a particular
award, or factual numbers, such as increasing sales by a specific percentage, which might help
you get an interview.

Remember to proofread

Carefully review your profile to ensure that there are no spelling or grammar mistakes and that it
is easy to understand. You can rewrite sentences as necessary but try not to overuse contractions.
You may even get it checked by friends or family to be sure that there are no errors in your
personal profile and resume.

Examples Of A Personal Profile

Here are a few examples you may review before creating your own personal profile:

 A competent content marketing manager with over five years of experience, looking to
leverage demonstrated marketing and strategy skills to increase your company's revenue.

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

 I have previously exceeded revenue targets for a fast-paced marketing start-up company.
I have also led multi-functional teams of eight or more people and increased work output
by 34%, resulting in cost savings of 5.3 lakhs per year.

 An innovative visual designer with over three years of work experience in medium-sized
companies. I have worked on over 30 client projects and managed a team of two. I am
skilled at using desktop publishing software. I am seeking to leverage my skills to work
on branding and website design projects for your company.

 A detail-oriented computer science professional with over six years of experience

working at major tech firms. I am proficient in five programming languages. I am looking
to make use of my robust programming and managerial skills for your company and
grow the team further.

 A local-based business development executive with a background in lead generation and

sales for marketing and advertising agencies. I am skilled in negotiation, verbal and
written communication, time management and organisation. I expanded the previous
company's business by 41% during my two-year tenure. I am looking to leverage my
sales and management skills to increase your company's revenue and incorporate
efficient working structures.

 I am a recent graduate of PCU, and I am looking to begin my journey in human

resources at small- to medium-sized companies. I can assist in the recruitment process
and set up of workflow structures to increase productivity across the company. My
organisation skills along with my previous internship experience make me an ideal
candidate for the role of a junior human resources executive.

Communication and Networking: Building Relationships

Introduction:
 Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful relationships in the business
world.
 Networking is a critical skill that involves building and maintaining relationships for
personal and professional growth.
 This lecture will explore the fundamental principles of communication and networking
in the context of business.

What is networking?

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

Networking is about building long-term business relationships that are beneficial to both
parties. When networking, you meet and get to know people who not only offer career advice
or guidance, but can help expand your effectiveness in your organization. Networking creates
the right connections with the right people and fosters those relationships regularly.

In business, networking is important because it:

Builds your reputation

Builds trust and support
Invites opportunity
Inspires creative thinking
Related: The Complete Guide To Networking
14 reasons to start networking
We compiled 14 reasons why networking can benefit you in business.

1. It increases business connections

Meeting like-minded people in the same or similar industries introduces you to others with
similar goals. Sharing ideas and solutions with others can help you achieve your career goals
and provide evidence of your expertise. A network becomes a pool of resources you can turn to
to solve problems or exchange ideas. As a bonus, networking can produce lifelong friendships.

2. You find inspiration

Sharing challenges, experiences or goals with others allows for an exchange of ideas or insight.
When others offer input it may result in an influx of new perspectives not considered before.
When you're the one offering advice, others may see you as knowledgeable or reliable, which
builds your reputation and increases the chance that others might turn to you in the future.

3. You are visible

Being visible isn't about showing up at every event, it's about demonstrating that you are a
reliable and supportive member of your profession. As you network effectively, you become a
familiar face who is easily recognized. People may want to get to know you, giving you an
opportunity to showcase your skills and discuss what you have to offer. Being visible increases
the chance you'll stand out as a candidate, especially if you're looking for new job
opportunities.

4. It enhances career interests

Networking advances career interests by introducing you to people who can provide advice for
career advancement like proofreading a resume or cover letter or practicing interview
questions. Or, you may meet mentors in the same industry who can offer advice on asking for a
raise or promotion.

5. It creates job opportunities

In some cases, available jobs aren't listed on a company's careers page and require inside
knowledge. Your networking relationships might inform you of unadvertised job openings or

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

even refer you. Be sure to let your network know if you're looking for a new job so they can
offer chances for career advancement or personal growth.

For people who run their own business, networking can expose you to new clients or business
investment advice. If you're doing the hiring, networking might provide the ideal candidate.

6. You know more

Networking creates access to new and valuable information, especially when it comes from a
wide array of knowledgeable people. You may hear about new developments or learn
techniques others are using in your industry. Try pursuing contacts you can learn and grow
from to stay ahead of your competition.

7. You find career advice and support

Meeting people with common challenges may provide valuable suggestions or advice for an
approach you hadn't considered before. Networking can introduce you to mentors who can
provide professional critiques and help you achieve your career goals.

8. You build self-confidence

Networking boosts self-confidence and develops social skills. Striking up conversations with
people you don't know lets you grow to become self-assured and comfortable. Forming
business relationships can strengthen other office, professional and personal relationships by
developing people skills.

Related: How To Network if You're an Introvert

9. You might consider a different approach
Sometimes it is difficult to see a problem, especially if you've tried to find a solution for a while.
Turn to your network to help you look at the situation from a different angle. Fresh eyes may
see an alternate solution or help you overcome roadblocks. Asking your network for opinions or
advice conveys trust and helps to develop long-term relationships.

10. You get answers to questions

Networks can help answer tough questions and form action plans to overcome a hurdle or
meet a benchmark. Asking industry-related questions might provide information on new
business trends, or you may hear an industry tip on a new piece of cutting-edge technology.
Asking questions yields answers that might give you an advantage over your competition.

11. You may find personal solutions

Your network is valuable in aspects other than business. Perhaps you plan to remodel your
bathroom in the spring and a networking event introduces you to a reputable contractor.

Your network is a resource for people who can provide services to you personally and hiring
them can boost your professional relationship.

12. You develop long-lasting relationships

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

Networking introduces you to like-minded professionals who may also share your common
interests. Interacting with peers or industry professionals can often help you develop significant
relationships for sharing goals and aspirations. Your network may introduce you to people with
whom you form deeper friendships where you can support each other professionally and
personally.

13. It has positive health effects

Forming bonds increases your mental and physical health. As you build relationships, you
establish a sense of worth and value. Providing advice to others and helping them succeed can
give you an emotional boost. Relationship building requires several soft skills, such as
communication and teamwork, that strengthen each time you network.

14. You can follow your dream

Networking is an opportunity to find a job you'll love. You may meet people who are hiring for
the ideal job or offering an internship or apprenticeship. Your network may alert you to new job
opportunities or refer you to hiring managers. Be sure your network knows what you're looking
for and what you bring to the job.

Related: Networking Resumes: How To Create a Resume To Build Your Professional Network
Upgrade your resume
Showcase your skills with help from a resume expert
How to network effectively
Networking is ongoing, rather than taking place exclusively at an event. Building networks takes
time, patience and consistency.

Tips to effectively build your network:

1. Look for professional and social opportunities
Business events are just one networking opportunity, consider the many places you interact
with other people. As you meet others, share what you do or what job you're looking for. Be
sure to tailor your approach to the formality of the event.

2. Plan ahead
Before you attend an event or gathering, find out who will be at the event and perform
research if needed. Have questions or topics ready for whomever you've decided to approach.
Remember to include topics of common, non-business interests such as hobbies or pastimes.
Have business cards ready to hand out and create a system for remembering or filing contacts
with appropriate details such as company, contact information and how you met.

3. Leave a positive impression

Optimistic people make a good impression and those who display excitement about what they
do can inspire others. Apply active listening when speaking to someone and repeat their
question or dilemma back to them. Others are more likely to respond well or remember you if

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT

you seem interested and respond in an informed and thoughtful way.

4. Follow up and follow through

If you made a promise, follow through; follow up if an offer was made to or by you. Return
phone calls or answer emails and texts promptly. Above all, consistently demonstrate and
uphold your business standards to build an effective and positive network.

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT