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Week 12

Group Discussion (GD)

A group discussion (GD) is a process of exchanging views by participants on a given subject,

aiming to bring together a set of people to share their ideas and perspectives.. To summarize a
group discussion effectively, consider the following steps:

• No new points: Do not introduce new points during the summary. Focus on the ideas
that were discussed by the participants.

• Avoid personal viewpoints: Do not share your own opinions or viewpoints during the
summary. Instead, focus on presenting the collective insights of the group.

• Be concise: Keep the summary brief and to the point, focusing on the most important
points and insights.

• Incorporate all key points: Ensure that the summary includes all the important points
and insights shared by the participants.

• Maintain a balanced tone: Do not dwell on one side of the discussion. Present a
balanced summary that reflects the diverse perspectives of the group.

• Present a comprehensive summary: After the discussion, present a summary that

includes all the key points and insights. This can be done using a framework such as,
"We had a healthy group discussion and, as a group, evaluated this topic from
different perspectives. Some of my friends spoke in favor of the topic and the reasons
they gave were (elaborate),".

• Ask for feedback: After presenting the summary, ask the participants for their
feedback to ensure that the summary accurately reflects their perspectives and
insights.
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By following these steps, you can effectively summarize a group discussion, providing a
clear and concise record of the conversation while maintaining the integrity of the group's
ideas and insights.

Job Interviews

Job interviews are an essential part of the hiring process, and it's important to make a good
impression. As an interviewer, it's crucial to understand if the candidate fits the job and the
company culture. One way to make the interview process easier is by taking notes.
Standardized note-taking methods like text snippets can help you stay objective and focused
on the candidate's skills and qualifications.

During the interview, it's important to be professional, communicate effectively, and dress
appropriately. Nonverbal cues such as maintaining eye contact, using appropriate gestures,
and speaking confidently can convey confidence and credibility. By preparing for common
interview questions, practicing good posture, and being aware of nonverbal cues, candidates
can make a positive impression during a job interview and increase their chances of success.
To prepare for a job interview, follow these steps:

• Research the company: Spend time learning about the company, its mission, products,
and recent news. This will help you understand the organization's values and goals,
allowing you to convey how your skills align with their needs.

• Review the job description: Carefully analyze the job description to understand the
role, responsibilities, and required qualifications. This will help you prepare for
common interview questions and highlight your relevant experience.

• Practice answering interview questions: Prepare for common interview questions by

practicing your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).This
will help you provide clear and concise responses that demonstrate your skills and
experience.
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• Dress appropriately: Choose appropriate attire for the interview, considering the
company culture and industry standards.This will make a positive impression and
show that you have taken the time to prepare.

• Arrive early: Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for the interview.This will give you
time to relax, use the restroom, and familiarize yourself with the interview location.

• Bring a copy of your resume: Bring multiple copies of your resume, along with any
other relevant documents or certifications. This shows that you are organized and
prepared, and can also help refresh your memory if you need to reference any past
experiences or accomplishments.

• Bring questions to ask: Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the

interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the company and the role, and can help
you better understand the position and organization.

• Follow up: After the interview, send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer.This
leaves a positive impression and reiterates your interest in the position.

By following these steps, you can effectively prepare for a job interview and increase your
chances of success.

Common interview questions include:

1) Tell me about yourself: This question is often used to learn more about your
background, experience, and interests.

2) Why do you want to work here?: This question is used to assess your interest in the
company and the position.

3) What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?: This question is used to evaluate
your self-awareness and ability to reflect on your strengths and areas for
improvement.
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4) What are your long-term career goals?: This question is used to assess your career
aspirations and how they align with the company's goals.

5) Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it?:
This question is used to evaluate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle
difficult situations.

To answer these questions effectively, consider the following tips:

• Be specific: Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate your points.

• Be concise: Keep your answers brief and to the point, focusing on the most important
information.

• Be honest: Be truthful in your responses, avoiding exaggeration or misrepresentation

of your skills or experience.

• Highlight your achievements: Use your answers to highlight your accomplishments

and how they relate to the position.

• Practice: Practice your answers to common interview questions using the STAR
method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

By preparing for common interview questions and following these tips, you can increase your
chances of success in a job interview.

Stages of Job Interview

The job interview process typically involves several stages, including:

1. Introduction: This stage involves meeting the interviewers, being escorted to the
interview room, and making a positive first impression by offering a firm handshake,
standing confidently, and making good eye contact.

2. Small talk: This stage involves engaging in small talk to establish rapport and create a
comfortable environment.
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3. Information gathering: This stage involves the interviewer asking questions to learn
more about the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.

4. Question and answer: This stage involves the candidate answering questions about
their experience, skills, and qualifications, using the STAR method to provide clear
and concise responses.

5. Wrapping up: This stage involves concluding the interview on a positive note,
reiterating the candidate's interest in the position, and gathering business cards from
everyone present.

To prepare for a job interview, research the company, review the job description, practice
answering common interview questions, dress appropriately, arrive early, bring a copy of
your resume, and prepare questions to ask the interviewer. By understanding the stages of a
job interview and preparing effectively, candidates can increase their chances of success and
make a positive impression on the interviewer.

Some common mistakes to avoid during a job interview include:

• Being unprepared: Research the company and the role you're applying for, and be
ready to answer questions about your experience and skills..

• Dressing inappropriately: Choose appropriate attire that matches the company culture
and the position you are applying for.

• Talking too much or not enough: Strike a balance between talking too much and
talking too little, and avoid dominating the conversation or being overly silent.

• Criticizing previous employers: Focus on your positive experiences and the lessons
learned from any past positions, rather than speaking negatively about previous
employers..

• Not asking questions: Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer,
demonstrating your interest in the company and the role.
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• Using your cellphone: Avoid using your phone during the interview, as this can be
distracting and unprofessional.

• Not researching the company: Demonstrate your interest in the company by

researching its values, mission, and recent news..

• Losing focus: Stay focused on the interview and avoid daydreaming or allowing your
mind to wander.

• Displaying low energy: Maintain a positive and enthusiastic demeanor throughout the
interview, as low energy can be a career killer.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of success in a job
interview and make a positive impression on the employer.

Using Proper Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues

Verbal and nonverbal cues are both important in making a good impression during a job
interview. Verbal cues include speaking clearly, using appropriate language, and answering
questions directly. Nonverbal cues include maintaining eye contact, using appropriate body
language, and dressing appropriately. It is important to be aware of both types of cues and to
use them effectively to convey confidence, interest, and professionalism. Some tips for using
proper verbal and nonverbal cues during a job interview include practicing good posture,
maintaining eye contact, using appropriate hand gestures, and speaking clearly and
confidently. Additionally, it is important to dress appropriately for the interview and to be
aware of the company culture and expectations. By using proper verbal and nonverbal cues,
candidates can make a positive impression during a job interview and increase their chances
of success.

Nonverbal communication refers to the use of body language, gestures, facial expressions,
tone of voice, body posture, and other nonverbal cues to convey information.. Examples of
nonverbal communication include:
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• Facial expressions: Facial expressions are universal and can convey emotions such as
happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust..

• Body movement and posture: Body movement and posture can convey confidence,
interest, and professionalism.

• Gestures: Gestures such as pointing or nodding can emphasize spoken words and
make your message stronger.

• Eye contact: Eye contact can convey honesty, interest, and engagement..

• Touch: Touch can communicate affection or power, depending on the context.

• Space: Personal space can convey comfort, respect, and boundaries.

• Voice: Tone of voice, volume, and inflection can convey emotions and attitudes.

By being aware of these nonverbal cues and using them effectively, candidates can make a
positive impression during a job interview and increase their chances of success.

Nonverbal communication can be used to convey confidence in various ways. Some

examples include:

• Effective eye contact: Establishing and maintaining good eye contact communicates
sincerity, interest, and engagement. Ideally, look directly into the other person's eyes
for at least two to three seconds before looking away.

• Facial expressions: Being mindful of your facial expressions and choosing

expressions that match your intended message can convey confidence and credibility.

• Tone of voice: Your tone of voice, including voice inflection, pitch, and volume, can
convey confidence and assurance. It's important to speak clearly and with confidence.

• Posture: Maintaining a positive and confident posture, such as standing or sitting up

straight, keeping your shoulders back, and avoiding slouching, can reflect confidence,
energy, and a positive attitude.
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• Gestures: Using purposeful and controlled gestures to emphasize your points can
convey confidence. However, it's important to avoid fidgeting or using distracting
mannerisms.

By being mindful of these nonverbal cues and using them effectively, individuals can convey
confidence and credibility in various professional settings, including job interviews and the
workplace.