Campus Placements: Group Discussion Tips ( L&T, HCL, Deloitte )

For companies like L&T, HCL and Deloitte, group discussions form an important part of their selection procedure. A majority of final year graduates / new graduates / freshers aspire to work for these multinationals as it provides them with a great launch-pad to build their careers on. To help you land the job of your dreams, in this post, we would be talking about group discussions in detail and will also present some important tips. This article will also list some important GD topics for 2018.

Note that the above mentioned companies may or may conduct a group discussion depending upon the campus and their requirements.

Why are group discussions conducted?

It is held to assess whether a candidate has certain personality traits that an organization wishes to see in its members. Some important personality traits that are examined while you are appearing for a GD are:

• Ability to take initiatives
• Knowledge base
• Communication skills
• Team spirit
• Goal achievement
• Conflict Resolution

Candidates are given a topic and are required to speak on it for a specified amount of time. This is obviously a group activity and everyone in the group is expected to speak.

What are the types of topics given?

Let us also take a look at the EVALUATION CRITERIA in a group discussion.

• Knowledge about the topic

• Leadership skills: How well they manage the group discussion, how well they interact with the other candidates.

• Ability to handle pressure

• Command over their language

• Knowledge in current affairs, banking & financial awareness

• How well they express their opinion and listen to the others

• How well they conclude the topic

Important Tips For Excelling In A Group Discussion

Exhibit your leadership abilities: It’s a good idea to start a discussion, but it is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to participate in the discussion and be RELEVANT, listen to the others and manage the discussion well. Start the discussion if you have a fair knowledge about the topic, if not wait for others start it.

Start with a strong argument: When it’s your turn to express your views, start with a strong argument or quote of an expert from the industry to make an impact. It’s good to include some data/statistics.

Be patient: Be calm and wait for your turn to speak and do not cut anyone while they’re speaking. Let others express their opinion. If someone presents the point you were planning to make, present the same point with a different perspective and wider viewpoint. It is a good idea to start with phrases such as: ‘I agree with your viewpoint..’, ‘To add some more to the point…’ etc. Do NOT get into arguments. Etiquettes are important in group discussions.

Stick to the topic: Avoid getting carried away while presenting your facts. Stick to the topic & talk in context and stay relevant. Make your point and be concise. In case the discussion goes astray, you get extra points to bring everyone back on track!

Be factual: Panelists are more impressed when you present your point with facts & statistics. Read newspapers every day and memorize facts & numbers and speak flawlessly.

Control your voice: Do not shout or raise your voice. Have the right pitch and be polite. Actions such as unfriendly gestures or raised voices are considered impolite.

Listen & interact with others: The panel pays special attention to how you listen and interact with your fellow candidates. Make sure you listen to others, and interact with them. It’s a good idea to make notes of other candidates’ points and incorporate them when you express your views. It shows the panelists you were attentively listening.

Conclude the discussion: Be the person to conclude the discussion. The ability to conclude a discussion gives you an edge over the other candidates.

Some Important Group Discussion Topics For 2018

Will corruption reduce post demonetization?
Digital India?
Automation : Boon or Bane
Role of ethics in business
Make in India: pros and cons
GST Bill : pros and cons
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan : Success or Failure
One India ; One Election
Gender Neutral Parental Leave – Pros and Cons
Beef Ban?
Will India Become A Superpower By 2025
China’s Support for Pakistan
Housewife vs working women
Modi’s Surgical strike on Pakistan

Hope this helps.

All the best!