Group Discussion Tips for Job Interview Success

21-Jun-2024

Modern-day job interviews include group discussion as an integral stage. Also called GD, recruiters often use this method to screen and eliminate candidates during a recruitment process. Just as how well candidates performed in the initial stages, they must also ensure that they do well in the interview and GD. 

A group discussion typically involves a group of participants, who are given a topic to debate, discuss and deliberate upon, bringing their own opinions, knowledge and ideas to the table. So, whether you are a student seeking admission to a reputed institution or a professional applying for a job, getting through a group discussion is as crucial as sitting for the written exam. 

Acing the group discussion and getting through this crucial stage of your job interview demands effort, strategic preparation and intensive practice. This article is a comprehensive guide to nailing a group discussion. If you're wondering how to do well in a group discussion interview or looking for how to improve group discussion skills, this post covers all the proven tips and tricks to help you master the art of group discussion.

In this article, we shed light on the top group discussion tips, the dos and don'ts of GD and the various aspects that equip you with the knowledge of how to do well in a group discussion interview.

Tried and Tested Group Discussion Tips and Tricks

Knowledge of diverse topics that fall under the purview of your field

Researching various common topics relevant to your field of expertise and keeping track of their relevance in the current time is an essential step you must ensure to do before you face your GD. While it's inconceivable to know about every existing topic, the trick is to have in-depth knowledge about topics closely linked to your field and relate them to the current scenario in every aspect- economically, politically, socially and technologically. It is also crucial for the candidate to have a robust grounding and in-depth knowledge of their subject's core domains.

Group discussion topics for job interviews Most Commonly Raised

GD topics will vary depending on the industry and kind of job. However, a few common topics are often raised in the interviews today. The following are some of the most common group discussion topics for job interviews across industries:

• The explosion of Generative AI
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Ethical Challenge of AI and Automation
• Global warming
• Remote work culture
• Green Finance
• Cryptocurrencies and Finance
• Virtual Learning 
• Technological boom and Job Loss
• AI/ Automation Impact on Jobs
• Gender Equality in the Workplace
• Ethics in business: Significance and challenges
• Global economic slump caused by pandemic
• Internet of Things
• Environmental Degradation
• Youth in Politics
• Terrorism and Global Efforts
• Experience over degree as a job qualification
• Happiest nation in the world
• Climate Change
• Hard work vs Smart work
• Sustainable business model: E-commerce
• Tourism
• Blockchain Technology
• AI and Healthcare Revolution
• Information Overload
• Leaders are born or made?
• Digital Waste
• E-waste Management
• Data privacy in the Big-Data Era 
• Gig Economy
• Hybrid Learning and Education System Revolution

To participate in a GD, having a basic knowledge of the given topic is essential. How you convey and communicate your opinion and knowledge to the group and the interviewer, is also a crucial aspect of a GD. Hence, honing your presentation skills is as critical as preparing your group discussion subject.

Take the Lead

In a guided GD, participants may be allotted a sequence and offered an equal chance to speak on the topic under a stipulated timeframe. Otherwise, some GDs allow candidates to start regardless. Hence, initiating the discussion can be a plus point, although it does not necessarily mean it will grab the interviewer's attention. It’s more crucial that you pique the interest of the other participant and grab their attention. 

How to start a group discussion?

So how to start group discussion and take the lead? Make sure you take the lead or initiate the discussion only if you have knowledge and information of the topic. Taking the lead without factual information may backfire. So, if you are not very thoroughly informed about the topic, let others take the lead and speak only in between conversations and intervals. 

Tips on How to Start Group Discussion

• Give a quick self-introduction and start the topic by giving an interesting overview.
• Speak clearly and consistently.
• Kick off the discussion by presenting interesting facts, quotes or questions. This method tends to pique other's attention.
• Ensure utilizing the given time effectively.
• Avoid Aggression

Group discussion has no room for aggression. Participants in the discussion will have varying opinions and views, you must be wary of what you present and how you lay your thoughts. Respecting another person's views and communicating your perspective confidently and assertively is the key. One should restrain from aggressiveness and control one's emotions, even if others' views contradict your perspectives.

Tips on how to do well in a group discussion interview

During the group discussion, participants must maintain decorum and remain calm, positive and confident throughout the session. The goal of a GD is to assess the candidate's personality, interpersonal skills and behaviour. It is, therefore, crucial that you give your best performance. 

Pointers for using phrases

• If you disagree with a point someone makes, you may respectfully dissent by saying- "I respect your stance, but I disagree"
• If you agree with someone's point and want to add further, you may say- "I completely agree with your point and may I also add that"
• When you partially agree- I agree with you to a certain extent, and not fully agree.
• To intervene in a point someone makes- "I apologize, but I shall have to interrupt you there"
• To supplement someone's point - Additionally, might I add…"

Using appropriate phrases showcases a person's confidence and willingness to accept diverse viewpoints while simultaneously putting forward one's own efficiently.

Communicate your points effectively and clearly

Presenting your views effectively and laying your arguments convincingly is key in a group discussion. Make sure to speak clearly, not just to put your point across, but to also make an impressive impact on everyone present in the discussion. You may take help from videos and do simple exercises to improve your speaking habits and vocal clarity. A participant needs to make an entry into a discussion where they give the opening remark by using the appropriate phrases mentioned above.

Be a good listener 

Being a good listener is another critical aspect of a group discussion. It indicates that you respect someone's perspective while equally helping you understand the topic that may be outside your knowledge. Listen intently when other participants are speaking. You may then supplement, critique or raise questions accordingly. Engage in the discussion by being a good listener and actively take part by raising questions, or highlighting your points.

Maintaining a confident body language

Your body language is another critical component in a group discussion as it defines your personality, confidence level and leadership qualities. In an interview and group discussion, every action is monitored. The way you communicate, sit, and react are all assessed. When someone speaks, make eye contact and nod your head, showing your agreement to the points they make. Make sure you arrive for the group discussion interview in proper clothing and keep your cool.

Do not deviate from the topic

Always avoid deflecting from the topic and restrict your discussion to the given topic and subject. You may stand apart from the rest if you can bring back the discussion on track in the event of the GD straying off the topic. This ensures that you have leadership skills and qualities. 

Initiate the closing of the discussion

It is a plus point if you can garner interviewers' attention by being the first to summarize the discussion. Encapsulate the discussion by highlighting the important points. Keep it concise, relevant and unbiased.

Know about the various roles in a Group Discussion

As GD is a task carried out by a group of participants, each participant will take a varying stance. This entails the presence of various roles in a group discussion. Having a fair knowledge of how each participant presents their knowledge will be helpful for you, as interviewers assess the candidate's potential, mental strength, as well as interpersonal skills necessary for collaborative tasks. The various roles in a group discussion include:

• Initiator: One who takes the lead in the GD
• Fact presenter: They are data-driven and solid with facts and figures 
• Critique/ Fault Finder: They find faults in other's statements and criticize almost every other point or presenter. 
• Controller: Likes to control the GD and thinks the rest of participants should agree to the points they put forth. 
• Moderator: They ensure every participant gets enough time and a chance to speak. 
• Questioner: Constantly questions and annoy the rest with irrelevant questions 
• Gist Maker: They summarize the discussion and bring a conclusion to the discussion.
• Blockhead: They don't take initiative or present their ideas. They lack interest, knowledge or opinion. 
• Audience/Viewer: They have no substantial view of their own, hardly say or present their views and only see and listen. 
• Indecisive: They often contradict their points, divert from the topic, and fail to bring their ideas to the table in an organised manner. 
• Capturer: Make a record of every point of what all the participants say.

Must follow Do's and Don'ts of GD

To put it briefly, here are the major do’s and don'ts of GD that every prospective candidate must stick with to ensure nailing the interview. 

Do's

• Think before speaking
• Listen attentively
• Dress properly
• Jot down your points 
• Take the lead in the discussion if you have solid knowledge of the topic
• Let others begin if you have less or no knowledge
• Provide facts and figures supporting your points
• Supplement or critique and make as many entries as possible
• Let others also speak
• Be polite, confident and pleasant
• Respect others' point of view
• Disagree respectfully and agree on what is right
• Summarize the discussion if the group still has not come to conclusion

Don'ts

• Avoid taking the lead without solid knowledge of the topic
• Avoid going overboard in presenting your knowledge
• Don't be aggressive
• Avoid interrupting or snatching other participants' chances to speak 
• Do not yell, argue or shout during the GD
• Do not deviate from the given topic 
• Avoid saying irrelevant things 
• Avoid distracting the discussion
• Do not raise irrelevant questions
• Avoid letting personal bias intervene with the topic

Having gone through the article, you must surely have established a concrete idea of how to prepare for a group discussion and the tricks to nailing it. Remember, practice is all it takes to reach perfection. You may watch videos on how GD’s are held and hone your skills and work on the areas you lag. Hope this article fulfils your quest on how to improve your group discussion skills. 

How to do well in a Group Discussion Interview? How to clear GD in Interview? How to get selected in GD round? Do's and Don’ts of GD Various Roles in a Group Discussion How to start a group discussion? Group Discussion Topics