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Sunday, January 6, 2008

CAREER

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GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) for admission into all graduate academic programs (except management) in universities across USA and Canada and some selected universities across the world including India. The exam is a Computer Adaptive Test and is administered at any of the Sylvan testing centers in the country after prior registration.

Complete Idea - GRE

Studies In USA

Essay Get the tricks

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What is the GRE and how is it structured?
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What is a CAT and how does it work?
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How is the GRE scored?
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How important are my GRE scores?
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Can I cancel my scores?
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How do I pick a test date?
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What fees are associated with the GRE?
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What are the GRE Subject Tests and Writing Assessment Test (WAT)?
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How to apply ?

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Under Graduate Study
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Graduate Study
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Scholars and Professionals
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Technical and Vocational Studies
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Plan Well before your Flight

Tips on writing and winning
Admission Essay

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An essay is here to guide you that is
Sample Essay

The Best Colleges for your ME/M.Tech.

Study Abroad

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Australia
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Germany
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New Zealand
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USA

Some Major Exams

* TOEFL
* SAT
* LSAT
* GMAT

GRE Down Load Area (PDF)

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Analytical Writing
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2003-2004 Bulletin
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2003-2004 Bulletin Supplement
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Sunny brockport Scholarship
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5000 Collegiate Words

What is the GRE and how is it structured?
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is a multiple-choice admission test for applicants to graduate schools. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), under the sponsorship of the Graduate Record Examinations Board. The GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), and consists of three scored sections:

SECTIONS IN GRE

Verbal

Quant

AWA*

Sentence completion
Analogies
Antonyms
Reading comprehension

Problem solving
Quant comparisons
Graph based questions

Perspectives on an issue
Analysis of an argument
Marks 800 800 0-6(Graded)

Questions

30

28

1+1

Time

30 min

45 min

45 min + 30 min = 75 min

*As of October 2002, the "Analytical Ability" section will be replaced with an Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).

What is a CAT and how does it work?
A CAT is a computer-adaptive test, whose software calculates your score based on the number of questions you answer correctly, the difficulty of the questions you answer, and the number of questions you complete. When you take the GRE CAT, you'll begin each section with a medium-level question and a score of 500. If you answer the question correctly, the computer will raise your score and give you a harder question. If you answer the question incorrectly, your score will decrease and you'll be given an easier question. The process repeats for each question in the section, to arrive at your final score for that section. more....>>

How is the GRE scored?
Each of the three sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The average scores for the GRE are about 470 for Verbal and 570 for Quantitative.

How important are my GRE scores?
Schools vary tremendously in the weights they place on the different factors in the admission process, so be sure to contact the specific schools to which you are applying in order to determine their unique requirements. Some programs weight GRE scores very heavily, and/or have a minimum score for applicants, while other programs consider GRE scores more of a formality. It is important to note that your GRE scores are a major factor in determining your eligibility for financial aid.

Can I cancel my scores?
Yes. You can cancel your scores immediately after you take the GRE. This is the only time you can cancel your scores. Unfortunately, you must make the decision to cancel at the testing center before you see your scores. In addition, the fact that you cancelled your scores will be noted on your official GRE score report.

How do I pick a test date?
First find out the application deadlines for the graduate schools to which you are applying, then work backwards from your earliest deadline. Build some extra time into your planning process for unexpected delays because you can only take the GRE once per calendar month. Keep in mind that it can take as long as four weeks for your official scores to arrive at your designated schools. The GRE is offered at testing centers almost every day. Call your local center for details and to book your test. While in theory you could sign up for the GRE with only two days' notice, don't depend upon this luxury. Call at least one month prior to your desired test date.

What fees are associated with the GRE?

Fee for the GRE exam (W.e.f. Oct 1, 2002)
$140

TOEFL: This test is mandatory for International students applying to a Graduate course or University in US. Fee for this exam is
$110.

What are the GRE Subject Tests and Writing Assessment Test (WAT)?
The GRE Subject Tests are intended to measure your knowledge of specific subject matter. Subject Tests are available in eight disciplines: biochemistry, cell and molar biology; biology; chemistry; computer science; literature in English; mathematics; physics; and psychology. These tests are given in paper-and-pencil format three times per year, in November, December, and April.

The WAT is a computer-based test, consisting of two analytical writing tasks: a 45-minute essay in which you present your perspective on a particular issue; and a 30-minute essay in which you analyze an argument.

As of October 2002, the WAT will become part of the GRE General Test, replacing the multiple-choice "Analytical Ability" section.

How to apply ?
There are no specific dates or schedules for taking the GRE/GMAT/TOEFL. These are conducted round the year.The procedure is to first obtain a form and consequently register your self for the exam.

1. Ordering the form- Forms and their details are available (free of cost) at:

Institute of Psychological and Educational Measurement(IPEM)

119/25-A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg
Allahabad - 211001 (U.P.), India
Phone: 0532 - 624881, 623858
Fax: 0532 - 624637
E-mail : ets@ipem.org
Website : http://ipem.org/

The United States Education Foundation in India (USEFI):

Educational Advisor,
USEFI, Fulbright House,
12 Hailey Road,
New Delhi - 110 001
Phone : (011) 3328944
Fax : (011) 3329718
E-mail : vijaya@usefi.ernet.in

2. Registration : Thereafter, to register yourself for a particular test date, you can contact Sylvan Testing Services in New Delhi.

Address:
Sylvan Testing Services Pvt. Ltd.
Senior Plaza 160-A, Gautam Nagar, 3rd Floor Yusuf Sarai,
Behind Indian Oil Building
New Delhi 110 049
Tel: 011-6511649 Fax: 011-6529741

Acceptable Forms of Payment :

1. International Credit Card : The fee can be paid to Sylvan Testing Services through any of the following international credit cards- VISA, Master , American Express over a telephone.

OR

2. Cheques, bank drafts, money orders payable in U.S. dollars must be drawn on banks located in the U.S and be made payable to ETS-GMAT/GRE/TOEFL.

If payments are made in the Indian currency, these must be made at the telegraphic transfer selling (TTS) exchange rate of the U.S. dollar equivalent. Cheques, money orders payable in Indian Rupee must be drawn on a bank in India

Computer Based Test (CBT) Centres in India

ALLAHABAD – IPEM
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8903
PERMANENT CENTRE

AHMEDABAD
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8902
PERMANENT CENTRE

BANGALORE
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8904
PERMANENT CENTRE

CALCUTTA
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8906
PERMANENT CENTRE

HYDERABAD
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8908
PERMANENT CENTRE

MADRAS
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8909
PERMANENT CENTRE

MUMBAI
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8921
PERMANENT CENTRE

MUMBAI USEFI
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8905
PERMANENT CENTRE

NEW DELHI
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8901
PERMANENT CENTRE

TRIVANDRUM
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8912
PERMANENT CENTRE

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

General Tips To Overcome An Interview
Exclusively for Campus/Off-campus

So what if you are not a mountaineer. Or a keen hiker. You still cannot treat your interview like a careless morning trot along a jogger's path. Your jaw-jaw at the interview table is nothing less than a cautious climb up a mountain trail--which begins around your early childhood and meanders through the years at the academia before reaching a new summit in your career. And as you retrace your steps down memory lane make sure that you post flags at important landmarks of your life and career, so that you can pop them before the interview panel scoops them out of you. You don't want to be at the receiving end, do you?

Face the panel, but don't fall of the chair in a headlong rush-and-skid attempt to tell your story. Take one step at a time. Here are a few preparation tips from the Team of Freshersworld.com that books on interviews sometimes overlook. Remember, as a fresher you do not have anything to loose but to gain.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1.Tell me about yourself
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work/Study-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done well at your college and how you wanted to perform in the first job.

2. Why Should We Employ You?
For this question, your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the job. Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers. However, structure them to suit your requirements.

I have good co-ordination skills
Good analytical skills
I can persuade people to see my point of view, and get the work done
My greatest asset is my ability to motivate people
Even during emergencies, I do not loose my cool
I have good entrepreneurial skills
I have consistently met my deadlines and targets
Can say “no” to people when required to do so!
I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates, and would like to see them grow
I am a good team player
I am very flexible, and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions
I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here, give appropriate details and examples)

3. Do You Have Offers From Other Companies ?
This is of course a difficult question to answer. Obviously, you must have applied to other companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other companies already. Therefore, do not lie that you have not. However, you are on thin ice here! The interviewer could be checking your honesty. On the other hand, he/she may also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly, or is there a well-planned strategy?
Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.

4. What Salary Are You Expecting?
Try not to get into salary details early in the interview. If pressed, you could say that it all depends on the job, and would like to talk about it after a job offer. Say this in a convincing tone. In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews, give a direct answer. Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind.

SALARY EXPECTATIONS :

1. How much do you expect?
If you have done your homework, you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid. Quote the range upfront.

2. How much do you think you are worth?
Work out how much you should be paid, given the market value of the job and your skills. If you can bring some extra skills to the table, do not hesitate to ask for more than the market value.

3. What kind of a culture are you comfortable with?
It is better to be frank about your preferences. Your interviewer will get a clear idea about your expectations.

4. Which is more important to you-salary, perks or growth opportunities?
This one will reveal the real you. So be sure what you are going to say. Above all, be true to yourself. If you think this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that you will never sell yourself short.

5. What do you know about our company?
Do not give your opinions about the company. Stick to reported facts that you have gathered from newspapers and so on. Talk about the product portfolio, size, income, and market perceptions of the company. Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworld.com or PlacementWeek.com

6. Why should we choose you over someone else?
Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your College/Project Team and highlight the quality required.

6. Your qualifications are excellent, but you may be overqualified for the position we have to offer?
Point out that more experience can never be a drawback. If you are multi-skilled, then highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It needs people within different departments to work together. Also emphasise that the company's future growth will be an exponential function of your experience.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK :

Interviewers usually round off by giving you an opportunity to ask questions. Treat it like a welcome opportunity.
You could ask questions like.
a) Tell me about your company.
b) Now that I have outlined my career goals, do you think you can offer me the opportunities I need?
c) What kind of training and learning can I expect in your company?
d) Describe the work culture and the management style of your company?
e) What is the long-term vision of your company?

As a fresher, current position and status can impact the way you are interviewed. Fresh Out of College

The basis on which you will be judged is your academic background, family background, and interests.
If looking for your first job, ensure that your previous experience, even if it is part-time, is noticed.
Mention projects or responsibilities you may have undertaken. This will indicate your area of aptitude.
You should be willing to put in regular hours, in line with the company's policies. The interviewer needs to know whether you can be punctual and put in full-time work.
In case you have applied for the post of management trainee, you should display an ability to adapt, and indicate all-round interests. Moreover, you should have good interpersonal skills.
You should be enthusiastic to learn, and show commitment towards the organization, as the company will be spending a lot on your training.

Bring with you :
a) Copies of your resumes
b) References and letters of recommendations.

First Impressions :
There is a common saying that minds are made up within the first 5 minutes of an interview. So keep in mind these important first impression indicators. Walk in the door as if you already work there, carry yourself as though you feel perfectly comfortable with the situation. Arrive on time or a little early. In the waiting area, politely tell the receptionist who you are meeting and in a friendly way, ask where you should sit. Take slow, deep breaths to help you remain calm and focused. When introduced to the interviewer, have a firm, but not painful, handshake. Smile. Have good posture when sitting or standing. Introduce yourself in a relaxed, confident manner. Have a well-groomed, professional appearance. Project a feeling of confidence. Bring extra copies of your resume, some thing to write on and something to write with.

Sample Mock GD - II

Sample Mock GD 1 >>

Aditi, Bijoy, Charu, Daisy and Ehsan are waiting for their group discussion to start. They do not have a topic yet and are waiting for the moderator to make everybody comfortable. There, the moderator looks at the clock and announces: “You have 5 minutes for this group discussion. And your topic is ‘How to Succeed in Group Discussions.’ Please start.”

Bijoy: This should be interesting. A GD on GD! I suggest we should discuss the importance of a GD first. I mean, why have a GD at all?

Charu: I find this very strange. How can you have a GD on GD? We should be discussing some current topic to test our knowledge.

Ehsan: I agree that this is rather unusual. At the same time, our job is to conduct a meaningful discussion regardless of the topic. Bijoy has suggested we start with the importance of GD. Today, GD is a very important part of various selection procedures.

Aditi: GD is all about teamwork. That’s all.

Bijoy: Management is all about working with people. I suppose GD is one way of establishing one’s ability to work with others. How we are able to lead and be led.

Charu: (Laughs) You are using some impressive management jargon, my friend! I don’t think GD has anything to do with leading or being led. At the most, a GD may give an idea about how a business meeting is held. Otherwise it is only about sharing your knowledge with others.

Bijoy: (Visibly irritated) Looks like you are very sure about your knowledge. Perhaps there is no need for a group or even a discussion?

Ehsan: We have some interesting points here. Leadership and sharing knowledge. Perhaps, a GD is a good tool to assess how well you are able to function within a group.

Daisy: I want to…

Aditi: I don’t think any discussion is meaningful unless everyone has the same level of knowledge.

Daisy: I want to say something. Pardon if I make any wrong. I am from vernacular medium…

Aditi: Don’t waste our time talking about your background. The topic is GD. Talk about that.

Bijoy: Every subject has various angles. So, many heads can raise many ideas.

Charu: Also, too many cooks spoil the broth (laughs).

Ehsan: Yes, a group makes it possible to brainstorm any issue. Perhaps Daisy has something to add to this thought ...

Daisy: Thanks for giving me chance. A GD is good for ‘consensus.’ It is always better everybody agree. Otherwise only one person is there.

Charu: (Leaning forward and pointing to Daisy) I think the correct word is consensus. Don’t use a word unless you know what you are talking about.

Bijoy: Consensus is fine. But is it necessary that everyone should have the same viewpoint?

Ehsan: That is an interesting thought. Yes, Daisy is right that a GD is about consensus but there can still be differences. A GD provides an opportunity to discuss various aspects of an issue and weigh merits and demerits of different approaches.

Charu: Agree to disagree.

Bijoy: But the question is how to succeed in GDs. I think the first prerequisite is patience. Some of us must learn to shut up and let others talk (looks directly at Charu).

Aditi: If everyone follows that we will only have silence and no discussion.

Ehsan: I suppose the point is to participate and give others also a chance to participate.

Daisy: Please can I speak?

Aditi: Come on! You don’t have to beg for permission to speak!

Daisy: I said that because I thought someone might have wanted to speak before me. Anyway, is it not possible to only listen?

Charu: (Smirks) I don’t know how the moderator will rate your profound silence!

Bijoy: But Daisy, no one can read your mind. Unless you speak, how do you contribute?

Ehsan: I think a GD is very much like a business meeting. Every participant may present an individual point of view but the thinking about that point of view is collective.

Aditi: I don’t think you can compare a GD to a business meeting. In a meeting, there is usually a chairman whose job is to control the meeting.

Bijoy: A GD may not have a chairman but I suppose one person usually emerges as the leader and guides the discussion.

Charu: I suppose someone fancies himself to be a leader. This is so boring!

Moderator: Your time is up. Thank you everyone.

Moderator’s notes: Ehsan shows leadership skills and the ability to hold a group together. He appears to have a good grasp of the subject though on the whole the GD failed to do justice to the core subject of how to succeed. Bijoy also has some interesting ideas but is prone to being provoked easily. Charu is too sure and too full of herself to be able to contribute to a group. Aditi is guilty of intolerance and rude interruptions. Daisy needs to work on her language and her confidence, though she may have the right concepts.

Sample Mock GD - I

Sample Mock GD 2 >>

Candidates are divided in groups of 8 to 10 and each group is tested by a panel of Judges. Usually topics of general interest are given by the panel to the group and the group is asked to proceed with discussion. Every candidate is supposed to express his opinion and views on the topic given. The time for discussion is approximately 20 minutes. During the discussion, the panel of Judges quietly observes the performance and behavior of the candidates and makes his own assessment.

Mock GroupDiscussion :

Most topics are taken from the current political or economic scene so if one has just kept abreast of current affairs, then he will be able to make a mark. We give below a group discussion on a common topic and give some typical responses of students. We then analyze the discussion so that readers can develop their own strategy for themselves.

JUDGE : Good morning. You can choose any topic you like or take a slip from that box. You are given one minute to think to start with the discussion. The observers will not interfere in your discussion. If no conclusion is reached, we may ask each of you to speak for a minute on the topic at the end of the discussion. The topic on the slip is "Multinationals: Bane or Boon". I suggest you should start the discussion.

Mr A : This is a good topic. I am against multinationals. We have Coke and Pepsi. Do we need them? We can manufacture our own soft drinks. Multinationals destroy the local industry and sell non-essential products.

Mr B : I agree with you. What is the fun of having Coke and Pepsi? We have our own Campa Cola.

Mr C : I think water is good enough.

Mr D : We are not here to discuss soft drinks. The topic given to us is a much larger one. First, let us define multinational companies. They are merely large companies which operate in a number of countries. There could be some Indian multinationals also. So there is nothing wrong with them. The point is whether they have a good or bad impact on the host countries. We have to discuss their business practices and find out whether they are desirable or not.

Mr E : That is a very good introduction to the topic. Multinational companies do serve an important function that they bring new products and technologies in countries which do not have them. And it is not just Coke and Pepsi. They set up power plants and build roads and bridges, which really help in the development of host countries.

Mr F : But are they all that good? We have seen that they destroy local industry. In India they just took over existing companies. They came in areas of low technology. Moreover, we have to see why they come at all. They come for earning profits and often remit more money abroad than they bring in.

Mr A : I agree with you. I am against multinationals. We can produce everything ourselves. We should be swadeshi in our approach. Why do we need multinational companies?

Mr E : We may not need multinational companies but then it also means that our companies should not do business abroad. Can we live in an isolated world? The fact is that we are moving towards becoming a global village. The world is interconnected. Then we have also seen that foreign companies bring in business practices that we are impressed with. Look at foreign banks. They are so efficient and friendly that the nationalized banks look pathetic in comparison. I think we can learn a lot from multinationals if we keep our eyes and mind open.

Mr B : Take a look at McDonald's. They are providing quality meals at affordable prices. One does not have to wait at their restaurants.

Mr C : How do you account for the fact that they take out more than they put in and thus lead to impoverishing the country?

Mr D : The fact is that every poor country needs foreign investment. Poor countries often lack resources of their own. That is why they have to invite foreign companies in. There is nothing wrong in this because then products like cars, air conditioners and so on can be made in poor countries. Often multinationals source products from different countries which helps boost their export earnings.

Mr E : We have been talking about Coke and Pepsi. It is well known that Pepsi is in the foods business also and has helped farmers in Punjab by setting up modern farms to grow potatoes and tomatoes. Modern practices have helped the people in that area.

Mr A : I still feel that multinationals are harmful for the country.

Mr D : Well, there could be negative things associated with such companies. They may not be very good in their practices. But can we do without them? I think the best way is to invite them but also impose some controls so that they follow the laws of the country and do not indulge in unfair practices.

Mr E : I think laws are applicable to everyone. Very often officials in poor countries take bribes. The fault lies not with the company which gives a bribe but the person who actually demands one. Why blame the companies for our own ills?

Mr A : What about the money they take out?

Mr D : We have had a good discussion and I think it is time to sum up. Multinationals may have good points and some bad ones too, but competition is never harmful for anyone. We cannot live in a protected economy any longer. We have been protected for many years and the results are there for everyone to see. Rather than be close about multinationals, let us invite them in selected areas so that we get foreign investment in areas which we are lacking. Laws can be strictly enforced that companies operate within limits and do not start meddling in political affairs.

Analysis : Though Mr A started the discussion, he could not make any good points. Later, he could not give any points about why multinationals are bad. It is also a bad strategy to say at the outset whether you are for or against the topic. Remember, it is not a debate but a discussion. The first step should always be to introduce the topic without taking sides. See the way in which the discussion is proceeding and give arguments for or against. The observer is not interested in your beliefs but in what you are saying. The participation of Mr B and C is below average. A candidate must make 3-4 interventions. Their arguments are also not well thought out and add nothing to the argument. It is important to say relevant things which make an impact rather than speak for the sake of speaking. The arguments of Mr D and E are better. They seem to be aware of the role of multinational companies. Mr E's approach is better as he intervenes a number of times. He has also taken initiative in the beginning and brought order to the group. If selection has to be made from the above six candidates, the obvious choice would be Mr E and thereafter, Mr D.

Sample Mock GD 2 >>

How to Face GD

A group discussion consists of:

1. Communication Skills
2. Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
3. Capability to co-ordinate and lead
4. Exchange of thoughts
5. Addressing the group as a whole
6. Thorough preparations

Communication Skills

The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time create an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive impact.

It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the wordage produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that are evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating stages.

Ability to listen is also what evaluators judge. They look for your ability to react on what other participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to add some more points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a loner or can work in a group.

You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people. Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers specialized courses in public speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of courses like conversation skills, business communication skills, business writing, negotiation skills and presentation skills. Mostly people attend these courses to improve their communication skills. Students here are involved in activities which use communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and facilitate the classes. The course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people without any nervousness.

Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject

Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.

Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities

The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.

Exchange of Thoughts

A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions are held for selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high level of competition. The number of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.

The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about their skills, which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership skills, listening and articulation skills.

A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are important points which are to be considered. .

Addressing the Group as a Whole

In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may not know everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole.

Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like "yar", "chalta hai", "CP", "I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English) should be discarded.

Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do not exaggerate.

Thorough Preparation

Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is important to concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make it to the final list from 2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year.

It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four organizations but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared.

In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a case study GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you should have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your group behaviour and communication skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the others and how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the course of the GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are open to accommodate others' viewpoints.

Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.

Points to Remember

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Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
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Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
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Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
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If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
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A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
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A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
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Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
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Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
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Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
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Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.

KNOWLEDGEABLE

Sunday, January 6, 2008

CAREER

Thursday, January 3, 2008

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