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Assessing a Candidate through Group Discussion

The Group Discussion is an assessment method to check how a candidate for a top management post, presents himself, the way he/she behaves, participates and contributes in a group. Group discussion, as the term suggests, involves interaction among the group members. The essence of a group discussion is that the candidates have to discuss on a given topic, unlike a personal interview. Here the candidates are being assessed on the basis of their spontaneity, argument quality, skills to convince and knowledge. Qualities analysed during Group Discussion

* Awareness

The content or awareness generally constitutes 40 to 50 percent marks of your GD. Good reading habits and sound knowledge on various topics can be really helpful.

* Communication Skill

A good communicator is one who can present his views in an effective and impressive manner.

* Out of the box thinking

An idea or a perspective, which opens new horizons for discussion on the GD topic, is always highly appreciated.

* Flexibility

Remember; never ever start your GD with a stand or a conclusion. By taking a stand, you assert your views without listening to others. If you change your stand, you are seen as a fickle-minded and if not, you are seen as an inflexible and stubborn.

* Team Spirit

It is important that the discussion is taken forward without being too aggressive and judgemental, with good team spirit.

* Assertiveness

You must put forth your point to the group in a very emphatic and confident manner. An aggressive person may demonstrate negative body language, whereas an assertive person displays positive body language.

* Ability to initiate

It is appropriate to initiate a GD only if you are well versed with the topic, or else it gives the impression that you started the GD just for the sake of the initial points.

* Leadership

It is important that you contribute to the GD with your ideas and opinions, but also try and steer the conversation towards a goal.

* Listening

Always try and strike a proper balance between expressing your ideas and listening and accepting other’s views

By: Noor Ul Ameen, Chairman - IGTECH

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