I(~I Indira Gandhi National Open University

~ School of Vocational Education and !raining

- ·BPOI - -006
Getting Ready
for the Job

. )

,
\.
.

.. Diploma in-Business Process Outsourclng

Finance and Accounting
IGNOU in Association with Accenture
"; .

. 'GETTING READY FOR THE JOB

8
"Education is a liberating force, and in
our age it is also ~)democratising force,
cutting across
, the barriers of caste snd
cless, smoothing out inequalities imposed
by birth and other circumstances. "
- Indira Gandhi
I(C!~IIndira Gandhi
BPOI ~006
'VI National Open University .
School of Vocational Education Getting Ready for
and Training
the Job

Block

8
Getting Ready for the Job

Block Introduction 3
Unit 31
Preparing for the Job 5
Unit 32
Writing your Curriculum Vitae (CV) 15
Unit 33
Portfolio Making 26
Unit 34
Preparing and Facing Interviews, Phone and
Walk-in Interviews 41
Unit 35
Group Discussion 60
PROGRAMME DESIGN COMMITTEE
Prof.V.N.Rajasekharan PiIlai Dr. Latha PiIlai Mr. P.G. Raghuraman
Vice-Chancellor and' Pro Vice-Chancellor, Executive Director,
{Chairman, MIC" {\!- .iber, MIC, DBPO Asia Pacific, BPO, {Member,
DB PO (F&A)} (F&A)} MIC, DBPO (F&A)}
IGNOU, New Delhi IGNOU, New Delhi Chennai

Mr. Kanan Sundaresan Mr. Parag Pande Mrs. Deepika Bhattacharya

Partner Accenture India BPO, Senior Executive & Lead Vice President, Accenture,
Accenture, {Member, MIC, BPO,Accenture, {Member, Delhi
DBPO (F&A)} MIC, DBPO (F&A)}
Bengaluru Delhi

Prof. M.S. Senam Raju Prof. P.S Zacharias Prof. C.G. Naidu
Director, ACD { Member Ex Vice - Chancellor, Director, School of
MIC, DBPO (F&A)} (Goa University) & Vocational Education and
IGNOU, New Delhi {Member, MIC, Training, IGNOU,
,DB PO (F&A)} New Delhi

COURSE. EXPERT COMMITTEE

Prof. Anju S Gupta Dr. Geetika S. Johry Mr. Mahesh N.K
School of Humanities, Asst. Prof. and Programme Manager, Accenture,
IGNOU Coordinator, School of Bengaluru .
New Delhi Vocational Education and
Training, IGNOU,
New Delhi
Mrs. Deepika Bhattacharya Prof. Jagtar Chawla Mrs. Nandini Baruah
Vice President, Accenture Barkatullah University, Manager, Accenture,
Delhi Bhopal Bengaluru

Mr. Alistair 0 Roza

Dy. Manager, Accenture,
BengaIuru

BLOCK PREPARATION
Course Writer Block Editor
Prof. Jagtar Kaur Chawla Prof. Anju S Gupta
BarkatuIlah University, School of Humanities,
Bhopal IGNOU; New Delhi

PRINT PRODUCTION
Mr. Y. N. Sharma . Mr. Babulal Rewadia'
~(P) MPDD, IGNOU S.O. (P) MPDD,IGNOU
August, 2015 (Reprint)
© Indira Gandhi National Open University, 2010
. I
ISBN: 978-81-266-4666-1 .

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph
or any other means, without permission in writing from the Indira Gandhi National Open
University.

Further information on the Indira Gandhi National Open University courses may be
obtained from the University's office at Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-IIO 068 or the website
of IGNOU www.ignou.ac. in

Printed and Published on behalf of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, New
Delhi, by the Registrar, MPDD.
'Printed at: 'Berry 1J.rt 'Press New 1Jefhi-G4
BLOCK INTRODUCTION
In this last block of the Course, we are preparing you for the job market. We
begin by helping you to reflect about your skills and abilities, build a portfolio
of your achievements and writing your curriculum vitae. We will also prepare
you for diverse kinds of interviews that are prevalent these days, i.e. walk-in
and phone interviews. Many companies are now including group discussions
as part of their interview schedule. We also have a separate unit for this. The
units are as follows:

Unit 31 -
Preparing for the job
Unit 32 -
Writing you Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Unit 33 -
Portfolio Making
Unit 34 -
Preparing and Facing Interviews, Phone and Walk-in
Interviews
Unit 35 - Group Discussion

Please do all the activities and listen to the audio at appropriate intervals. If
you do this, we assure you that you will improve your communication skills in
English.

Good luck and all success for you in your life.

We have given a Questionnaire at the end of the block. Do fill m the

Questionnaire and post it to:

Prof. Anju S. Gupta

Course Coordinator
School of Humanities
I.G.N.O.U
Maidan Garhi
New Delhi-I 10 068

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The material (pictures and passages) we have used is purely for educational
purposes. Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders of
material reproduced in this book. Should any infringement have occurred, the
publishers and editors apologize and will be pleased to make the necessary
corrections in future editions of this book.
 UNIT 3-1: PREPARIl'lG FOR THE JOB
Structure

31.0 Objectives
31.1 WannUp
31.2 Reading Comprehension I: Creative Job Hunting
31.3 Vocabulary: Definitions
31.4 Listening: Advertisemen ts
31.5 Speaking
31.6 Grammar: Passive Form Without 'By+Noun'
31.7 Writing: Filling Up a Questionnaire
31.8 Pronunciation: Word Stress (Numbers)
31.9 Let Us Sum Up
31.10 Answers

31.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end 'Of the unit you wi11:

(

• , have some idea about the world of jobs

• know how to search for a suitable job
• learn how to write letters to find out about the job market
• explore the internet for jobs
• understand vocabulary asssociated with jobs
• practice passive construe tions

31.1 WARMUP

Activity 1

Are you familiar with the internet? If so, look up the net and find at least three
to four sites that will tell you about the availability of jobs.

Interview any young friend who, has just secured a job. Find out about his/her
/ job.

31.2 READING COMPJREHENSlON: CREATIVE JOB

HUNTING

A career is a course of successive situations: that make up some activity. One

can have a sporting career or a musical caret -r, but most frequently "career" in
.<the 21 st century refers to the workplace: tl le series of jobs or positions by
which one earns one's bread.

In the relatively static societies earlier, many' workers would. often inherit or
take up a single lifelong position in the wo rkforce, and the concept of an
unfolding career had little or no meaning. Wit h new ideas of progress and the.
concept of individual self-loetterment, care ers became possible, if not
expected.

Career counseling is one- on-one or grouj , professional assistance in

exploration and decision making asks related t() choosing a major occupation. 5
 J

Getting Reat/y /0' The field is vast and includes Career Placement, Career Planning, Learning .
tluJob Strategies, and Student Development.

By the lat~ 20th century a plethora of choices (especially in the range of

potential professions) and more widespread education had allowed it to
become fashionable to plan (or design) a career.. /'

Once you have decided on your career and completed the course of study, you
will need to look for a job. In order to decide the sort of job you would like to
undertake, it is sometimes advisable to contact consultants who could help you
to understand the challenges involved in starting a new job. Consultants that
take up too may diverse areas may loose focus .imdmay not be able to deliver
the goods. However many consultancies have had real success stories and
going to one can help you plan your ventures.

It has been estimated that most jobs are not advertised in a competitive job
market. Most employers actually expect applicamts to take the initiative. It has
been estimated that one-third of vacancies for graduates are not advertised
publicly, particularly in a competitive job market, It can be cost effective for
the employer to draw on a limited but well-qualified and motivated "self-
referred" pool of candidates. '

If you decide to take this creative approach to job search, remember. that
thorough research is vital to success. A s'mall number of well-targeted
applications is more likely to produce results 'than wasting paper and postage
on mass mailing.

You will need to look beyond the recruitnnent sections of the local and
national press to the general news/business sections. Where have new
contracts been awarded, which organizations are expanding, who is reporting
record profits and which companies are moving into your area or developing a
particular product?

Research thoroughly. What is the focus of individual companies? What do

they look for in graduates?

Build up a network of contacts. Usually people are happy to talk about their
areas of work and can provide you with further, perhaps even more relevant
contacts. Academic staff may have excellent I inks with the local industry and
commerce, which could help you develop your!network.

Remember to keep a record of your network 'Of contacts and follow them up
from time to time to let them know you are actively seeking work, to update
them on your progress or to' say thank-you. Never underestimate the
effectiveness of personal contacts - hopefully your motivation and
perseverance will be recognized when a vacancy does turn up.

Telephone before you send a letter, so that your application does not arrive
"cold" or on the wrong person's desk. Aim to track down the most relevant I
person and their job title (and make sure YOlI spell their name correctlyl),
Clearly state what job area you are interested in. Say why you have chosen to
apply to that particular organization. Demonstrate that you know something
about them, their products and/or services.
You will need to convince the employer that you can do the job for which you Preparing for
are applying. The style and tone' of your letter should bepersuasive. the Job

State when you are available for an interview or discussion. You may wantto
follow your letter with a telephone call a few days later to demonstrate your
commitment and enthusiasm.

If you want to discuss creative job-hunting or receive feedback about your CV

and covering letter, feel free to speak to a Career Adviser or use an E-
Guidance service.

Check your progress 1

After reading the passage answer the following questions:

What does a career imply in the 21 si Century?

11 Before the so called modernism period what sort of jobs existed?

.................................... , .

111 What is the role of the career counselors or advisors?

• •••• " ••••••••• " • ~ ••••••••••••••••••••••••• ' •••••••••••••••••••••••••• /0 •••••••••••••• '.

iv List some other areas in which career counselor's work?

.............................................................. ' .

......................................................................................

v Besides counselors who are the other people who can help you with a
job?
· , '
.
· t ,"": ~;.:"
~ ".. " t •• t·

VI A creative approach to a job implies:

.....................................................................................
. ,

- .
......................................................................................

...................................................... ' ' " .

vu How do you prevent your application from reaching 'cold'?

..................... ' .

'",
31.3 VOCABULARY: DEFINITIONS

Activity 2

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate words.

I have been in this job so long that I feel my career is more or

less . (progressive, static)
11 It is interesting to the possibilities of different
career options. (explore, accept)
III It is advisable to take help from to find a
job. (consultants, elders)
IV Sometimes in the world today jobs are not
advertised. (creative, competitive)
v Jobs are advertised in the sections of the
newspapers. (matrimonial, recruitment)

2. Look at the adjectives below. Match each of the definitions with one
of the adjectives. The first one is done for you.

Extrovert Punctual Sensitive

Ambitious Practical cool-Headed
Empathetic Persuasive Dynamic
Reliable Energetic Creative

Definitions:
A person who wants to get to the top. ambitious
11 A person who can relate to other people's feelings.
III A person who enjoys meeting people and new situations.
IV A person who is always on time.
v A person who can be counted upon.
VI A person who can change people's opinions.
V11 A person who is good at finding solutions to problems.
Vlll A person who is original in his thinking.
IX A person with the capacity for vigorous activity.
x A person who is easily affected by emotions.
Xl A person who is forceful and vigorous.
Xll A person who does not easily get ruffled.

31.4 LISTENING: ADVERTISEMENTS

Check your progress 2

Listen to this advertisement on the radio (Tape script I). Complete the passage
after you have listened to the advertisement:

The advertisement is for jobs in a) sector. They are looking for

b) experts. For the General Managers the
three skills that are desirable are c) _
d) ande) _
Experience should be a minimum of f) years.
For Project Managers the candidate should be g) /--- or Preparing for
h) / / with about i) years of experience. the Job

Project leaders should have 6 years of j) expenence,

Candidates having k) visa will be preferred. Interviews can be
scheduled by 1) or by sending m) to
the site address on the Internet.

31.5 SPEAKING

Activity 3

Here is a situation.

You have gone to submit your application for a job. When you reach there you
find that it is a "walk in" interview. You are asked to wait as you will be
called in shortly. In the reception you meet another young man / woman. You
get into a conversation about your qualifications and your previous job. In
pairs act out this scene. Ensure that both of you speak on issues that are
relevant, Before you speak you and your partner can write out your script.

You are Pooja/Pankaj Khatri, you have a degree in Mass Communication from
IGNOU.

You may listen to the model dialogue (Tape script 2).

31.6 GRAMMAR; PASSIVE FORM WITHOUT "B¥+NOUN"

I
I

Read the following sentences from the reading passage:

1 It has been estimated that most jobs are not advertised III a
competitive job market.
2 Never underestimate the effectiveness of personal contacts-hopefully
your motivation and preferences will be recognized when a vacancy
d~es ~urn up.

The underlined sentences are in the passive voice and the doers of the action
are not mentioned. The doers in reports, newspaper headlines and science
experiments are omitted because the doers are many or are not very important
to know, or are very obvious.
-
The passive forms of the verb in different tenses would look as...follows: '":

Tense Simple Continuous Perfect

Present Is / am / are + past Is / am / are + Has/have+ been
participle being+past participle +part participle
past Was / were + past +
Was/were being + Had + been +
participle past participle past participle
Future Will/ shall + be + - -
past participle

ACtivity 4

Change the following sentences into the passive voice. Omit the doer where it
IS necessary.
9
 Getting Ready/or
the Job I They pulled down many trees.
, ,
,> .

11 We make water from a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen.

111 Someone hit my car from the back.
IV The Principal unfolded the flag on Independence Day.
V Madam Curie discovered Radium.
VI They announced the winners of the Nobel Prizes in Physics and
Chemistry yesterday.
vu Someone broke the window yesterday in the evening.
V111 The fire brigade will put out the fin .
IX They have cleared all the roads in this area due to VIP movement.
x They elected a new mayor yesterday.

31.7 WRITING: FILLING UP A QUESTIONNAIRE

Activity 5

Filling up a questionnaire

Very often when you apply for a job you submit a resume. On the basis of the
resume you are short listed and called for an interview. Some companies
expect you to fill up a questionnaire just before the interview.

Here's such a questionnaire. Please read it cateftgly and fill it up. This job is
for an Insurance BPO.

Questionnaire

All candidates appearing for the interview are expected to fill up this form just
before the interview. This will give us a better picture of you.

Name: .

Job applied for: Tick the right box ..

o o o
Management Trainee Administrator Insurance BPO

List previous jobs and positions held if any.

a .........
' .
b
c
d Not Applicable

11 List three reasons why you feel you ar.ereally suitable for the job.
a
10
 b Preparing for
c the Job

111 List any two interests you have that 'will support your candidature and
say how.

a .........................
b
IV These are some qualities we value in our employees; number them
according your priority.

honesty o commitment D
punctuality o respect o
sense of belonging o responsibility o
v In a short paragraph of not more than 100 words tell us about yourself.
Write about your dreams and ambitions and how you plan to make
them a reality. .

...................................................
. , , . .
."

31.8 PRONUNCIATION: WORD STRESS (NUMBERS)

Listen and tick (--J) the numbers you hear. Then listen and repeat the numbers
along with the teacher.

Nineteen
D Ninety
D
11 Sixteen
D Sixty
D
-J1ll Eighteen
D Eighty
D
IV Thirteen
D Thirty
D
V Seventeen
D Seventy
D
VI- Fourteen
D Forty
D
vii Fifteen
D Fifty
D
11
 Geuing Ready for 31.9 LET US SUM UP
the Job

After going through this unit you will have some idea of the type of jobs
available in the market. More than that, you would have learnt how to explore
the job market and get help to find the most suitable job. Remember that if
you get a job you like and enjoy it then your job will cease to be work, and
will become a world of joy. That would be the best thing that would happen to
you, wouldn't it?
I

31.10 ANSWERS

Check your progress 1

I It means a working existence, or ajob by which one earns one's living.

11 People would inherit or take up a single lifelong job.
111 They assess your interests, personality, values and skills and help you
explore appropriate career options.
IV Career placement, career planning, learning strategies and student
-development.
v Consultants provide advice on the challenges of new jobs.

VI a) Small number of well targeted applications.

b) Studying the business section of a newspaper.
c) Study new contacts. :
d) Building up a network of contacts.

V11 Telephone the right person before you send the application. Clearly
state your job interest, explain why you have chosen to apply and show
that you know about the job .

Activity 2

1 I static
11 explore
111 consultants
IV competitive
v recruitment

2 Ambitious
11 Empathetic
111 Extrovert
IV Punctual
v Reliable
VI Persuasive
vu Practical
V111 Creative
IX Energetic
x Sensitive
Xl Dynamic
XlI Cool-headed

12
 31.4 Listening: Advertisements (Tape script 1) Preparing for
the Job

I'This is Radio Live. I'm Barkha. Well, it is time now for job-advertisements.
, You may be the lucky one who has a job waiting for you. Best of luck all you
I job seekers, young and not so young:" here we go .

This ad is for those interested in working. It is not for everyone. It takes a lot
to be a banking technology expert. And that's exactly what Fiserv needs. The
world's largest IT Company has a market cap of $8 billion and over 17,000
clients. And it's now looking for people under the following heads.

Banking Experts
__ General Managers: Candidates should be B.E. I B.Tech I M.E. I M.Tech I
MBA ICA. Excellent interpersonal, marketing skills and sound technical
I exposure is required; 11 or more years of experience in handling multiple

projects in banking domains; PMP certification will be an added advantage.

,
Project Managers: Candidates should be BEl B.T~ch I ME (M.Techl MBAI
I CA, with about 8 years of experience. Excellent interpersonal skills and sound

. technical exposure is a must. PMP certification will be an added advantage.

I . .

Project Leaders: Candidates should be BEIB.Tech/MEI M.TechIMBAI CA;

with over 6 years of experience. Hands on exposure to the given technologies
is essential.

Candidates with B 1 Visa would be preferred. Interested candidates may call

at 91·9818327119 to get an interview scheduled or send their resumes at
[email protected]
,
Check your progress 2

a) the banking
b) banking technology
c) interpersonal skills
d) marketing skills
e) sound technical exposure
f) eleven
g) B.E IB.Tech !M.E.! M. Tech
h) MBAlCA
i) eight
j) hands on
k) Bl visa
1) telephone
m) resume

31.5 Speaking (Tape script 2)

Pooja: Hi! My name is Pooja. Are you waiting for the interview for
the script writer for the RSTV? , r
Pankaj: I'm Pankaj. Yes, although I didn't realize it, this is going to _be
a "walk in" interview. I haven't really prepared.
Pooja: . Well, nor have I. I thought that we just had to submit the
application.
13
 Getting Ready for Pankaj: Well, is this your first job? _
the Job Pooja: No, actually I have done a short stint with Times Khabar.
Pankaj: Wow! Why did you leave?
Pooja: Oh, it was a project for four months. What about you~
Pankaj: This would be my first job, although I have done some script
writing as part of my training.
Pooja: Where were you trained?
Pankaj: At the College of Mass Communication.
Pooja: That's a really fine place ..
Pankaj: Where were you trained?
Pooja: . Oh, at a local vocational institute.
Pankaj: Oh that's my name announced---see you.
Pooja: Best of luck!

Activity 4

Many trees were pulled down.

11 Water is made from a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen.
111 My car was hit from the back.
IV - The flag was unfolded by the Principal on Independence Day.
v Radium was discovered by Madam Curie.
vi' The winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry were
announced yesterday.
vu The window was broken yesterday in the evening.
Via The fire will be put out by the fire brigade.
IX All the roads in the area have been cleared due to the movement ~f
VIP.
x A new mayor was elected yesterday.

Activity 5

v This is a sample:

My name is Sanjay Tripathi. I'm in my final year of Economics

(Major). I have many dreams which I'm determined to fulfill. I wish to
join UNESCO. Here I would like to' work on projects involving
underprivileged children. My dream is to create a world where no child
goes hungry. My greatest joy is to see a smile on a child's face. In
orderto fulfill my ambition I am also a member of the college social
welfare club. We have taken under our care a nearby slum cluster. I do
voluntary teaching there. I teach both adults and children. I go there
twice a week in the evenings.

14
UNIT 32: WRITING YOUR CURRICULUM VITAE
(CV)
Structure

32.0 Objectives
32.1 Warm Up
32.2 Reading Comprehension: What is a CV?
32.3 Vocabulary: Sub-heads in a CV
32.4 Listening: A Consultant Describes a Good CV
32.5 Writing: Writing Your Own CV
32.6 Grammar: Expressing Future Time
32.7 Pronunciation: Stress in CompoundWords
32.8 Let Us Sum Ui>
32.9 Answers

32.0 OBJECTIVES

In this unit you will learn about the importance of a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
while applying for a job. You'll learn to write your first CV or update a
current one to ensure that it meets international standards. You willleam how
to organize information on your CV under the most commonly accepted
headings.

The grammar section will deal with ways ot\. indicating the future. In the
pronunciation section, you'll practice stress in compound words.

32.1 WARMUP

Activity 1 \
\

Imagine that you are the manager of a fast food outlet in Delhi. You are
looking for a young person to take orders at the customer counter. You have
received many CV s in response to your job advertisement. Put a tick against
the personal info~ation necessary to select the right candidate:

• Name
• Sister's name
• Date of birth
• Breed of the 'pet dog
• Favourite food
• Contact address
• E-mail
• Passport number

32.2 READING COMPREHENSION: WHAT IS A CV?

Read the following passage on what a CV is and how it should be written.

Your curriculum vitae (CV) is your most important weapon when it comes to
job hunting. With your CV or resume you will be able to promote yourself.
15
 Getting Ready for A prospective employer will often make a snap judgment as soon as they read
the Job it. Even the most qualified people on the planet can find themselves rejected if
the resume fails to come up to scratch. So how can your CV catch the
attention of an employer?

AvOId making it too fancy and complicated. You only have about five seconds
to grab the attention - if it is too clever and unreadable it will go in the bin.

Don't try to make jokes and never criticize previous employers.

CV length

There are no set rules governing the length of your CV - this will be decided
on the basis of your career history, education and achievements. If possible,
try to keep it to one page, but if this looks too crowded then spread it out over
two sheets; If you write more than this, the employer has too much to read.

Everyone has a different theory when it comes to the design of a CV. Don't
make your design very complicated; just make sure everything is clearly
marked. Include your career, progress, education and achievements
prominently so your prospective employer doesn't have to search.

Here is a basic format:

• Start off with your name, address and contact details clearly listed at
the top of the page.

• Follow this with a profile of yourself which should include an outline

of your skills, experience and immediate career goals.

• After this you can put in your career history - in reverse chronological
order over the pastl 0 years - with brief descriptions of your
responsibilities and achievements.

• Then comes education, interests/personal details and references.

Remember to include:

• Career history
• Skills and strengths
• Awards and achievements
• Contact details

Stick to the truth always

Make sure your CV is printed on good quality A4 size paper and never attach
extra documents, letters or certificates. You ~an take these along for the
interview. Read and re-read your CV, and then ask a friend or family member
to read it as well. Make sure there are no spelling errors or coffee stains on the
CV as these will give an extremely bad impression. It is important to be
truthful. Never try to smudge dates and jobs to hide periods of unemployment.
A basic check will expose your deceit and ruin any chance of getting the job.
16
Follow all instructions on the job advertisement. If they want four copies of Writing Your
your CV, then you should send four. It is also important to get it in on time. Curriculum Vitae
Once again, remember your CV is the first impression that an employer has
of you.

Check your progress 1

Read the passage carefully to answer the following questions:

How does a CV help injob hunting?

.... , ~ .
................................................................................................• ~ .

n Why is it important to keep your CV simple and readable?

III How long should your CV be?

IV, In which section will you include your career goals?

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 11 ••••••••••••••••••

v What do you need to keep in mind while describing your career

history?

VI How can a friend help by reading your CV?

.......................................................................................

Vu Should you hide that you were unemployed for six months? .
.................................................................. ..' .

32.3 VOCABULARY: SUB-HEADS IN A CV

Although a CV can be organized in many different ways. Most prospective

employers would expect to see the following headings.

IEducation IIReferees IIPersonal Details IIProfile

~======
IAdditional Skills IIIntc;rests IIProfessional Experience
17
 Getting Ready for Activity 2
the Job
Tarini Sharma is compiling her cv. She has collected the relevant details.
Now she has to organize tne.n. Look at the following points and decide which
heading Tarini should put them under.

For example:
Indira Gandhi National Open University - Bachelor's degree in Business
Management. (Answer = 'Education')

Fluent in English
• Interests
• Additional skills
• Education
11 Pop music and dancing
• Interests
• Additional skills
• Personal details
111 Prof D. Solanki, University of Delhi
• Personal details
• Profile
• Referees
IV Able to work well in a team
• Profile
• Personal details
• Interests
v Responsible for supply chain management
• Additional skills
.• Interests
• Professional experience
VI Thomas Cook Travels - Assistant Project manager (2006 - 2009)
• Personal details
• Interests
• Professional experience
V11 Computer literate
• Interests
• Professional experience
• Additional skills
V111 Date of birth - 4 May, 1983
• Personal details
• Profile
• Professional experience

32.4 LISTENING: A CONSULTANT DESCRIBES A GOOn

CV

Check your progress 2

Listen to this advice from a recruitment consultant on how to produce a good

CV. Then, look at these statements and decide which are true and which are
18 false, according to the audio. You may listen to the audio more than once.
I Employers don't care what CV s look like. Writing Your
11 Companies only receive a few applications for each position. Cerrleulum Vitae
111 Your CV should include as much information as possible,
IV You should spread your points out on the page.
V It is better to focus on key facts.
VI The most important feature is that it is easy to read and looks good.
VU A good CV will guarantee a good job.

32.5 WRITING: WRITING YOUR OWN CV

Using all the information you've gathered on writing CVs in this unit, write a
good CV for yourself. Keep in mind the ideal job that you're looking for,
perhaps as a Sales Manager in an organization. Before you actually start
writing, organize the points under the various headings of a good CV.

If you are writing a CV for the first time, include any work experience that
you have. This could be unpaid, voluntary, summer job(s), internship or
extracurricular activity.

You can use the following template to write your CV. Feel free to make
changes to the template according to your needs.

Curriculum Vitae

Tel:
------------------
, Email:
------------------

19
 Getting Ready fpr
the Job

.'
I .

32.6 GRAMMAR: EXPRESSING FUTURE TIME

We express future time in many ways. Given below are ~ome ways iIJ.which
we express future time and their functions.

GOirlg to
Going to Function
1 W e are going to buy a new computer next
week Expresses personal
2 A: Have you decided what you would like to intention or action
do after you complete your graduation? taking place in the
B: Well, I think I'm going to study Business immediate future
-.
Management.
3 Look at the dark clouds; I think it's going to Expresses probability
rain.

Present Continuous
1 I have a fever. I'm meeting the doctor in the
evening. Expresses future plans

2 What are you doing this weekend? and arrangement

f
I

The Simple Present

1 The flight leaves for Mumbai at 6 pm. Expresses future actions
2 The cricket match starts at 9 am; which are determined in -
advance by a calendar, a
time table or programme.

20
Will/Shall + Verb or Will be I Shall be + verb Writing Your
Curriadum Vitae
1 In this unit you 'will learn about the Expresses future fact or
1----+-..::im~:...::rtan=..::....ce::.....o.:..:f:...:a..::....C_=_V__,_:w..:..:hil=·:...::e....:.::.L.&:..:I:..!....::in:.£...:t4..::....or::.....a~·
o..::....b~.
prediction
2 With your CV or resume you will be able to
remote ourself.
3 Shall I carry your books? Expresses an offer or
Will ou 0 en the window, lease? r uest

Will be I Shall be + verb + ing

1 I shall be sitting in the luxury bus tomorrow Indicates an' action Which
at this time. will be in progress at
2 He will be leaving for Mumbai at six some time. in the future
O'clock tomorrow. , and future actions that arc;
planned ,

Will I Shall +have + Past participle

1 They will have completed the project by Expresses an action that
tomorrow evening. will have been completed
2 We shall have reached Mumbai by this- by a certain time in the
time tomorrow. future

Cheek your progress 3

1 Fill in the blanks with the correct form of. the future, using will or
going to.

I • Student 1: Do you need any help?

Student 2: Oh yes, please. (you IC31'!Yl these books
forme?

ii Secretary: I'm afraid the computer is not working, I can't send the
mail.
Boss: Don't worry, it's not urgent. I (send) the
letter by courier. .

ill Businessman: I've chosen a name for the new soap we are launching.
Colleague: . Really? What (you/call) it?

IV Boss: Why are you not coming- to office on Friday?

Assistant: I (attend) my sister's wedding

v Adult: I'm afraid there are no cold drinks. Do you like some
tea instead? ;

Child: No, I (DOt have)'anything,. thanks.

vi Trainer: Have you decided what to do about improving your

English?
Child: Yes, I'm (listen) to the news every
day.
vii Friend 1: I won't be able to go shopping with you in the evening, .
son1ething important has come up. 21
 Gellilag ReiH/y /9r Friend 2: Don't worry, I (go) with Sunaina.
'lee Job
Vlll Boss: Can you make sure Mrs. Gupta gets the message?
Assistant: Yes, I (tell) her as soon as she arrives.

2 Use one of the future forms along with the verbs in brackets to complete
the following sentences.

I Rohan thinks about nothing but work, morning, noon or' night.
Ifhe's not careful he (have) a nervous breakdown.
11 (you/take) the flight to Jaipur?
III If you have any more questions, send me an email and I
_____ -'-(do) my best to answer them.
IV Stop harassing me or I (complain) to police.
v Isn't the Chairperson coming for our event?
VI Yes, he's also (give) a speech on the company
policies.
vu The Sports Channel ---'- (show) the highlights of
the match this evening.
V111 We're (hire) a luxury bus for the Agra.
IX ______ (you/open) the door for me?

32.7 PRONUNCIATION: STRESS IN COMPOUND WORDS

Compound nouns are stressed on the first word in the compound. Examples:

Layout
Spell-check

Compound verbs are stressed on the second word In the compound.

Examples:

Outsmart
Overdue
To understand

In compound adjectives the stress is on the second part of the compound.

Examples: v,
/

Well-presented
Old-fashioned

Hyphenated compoond words often have short words in the middle. Some of
these are stressed on the first part of the compound such as:

Mother-in-law
Free-for-all
22
 Check your progress 4 Writing Your
Curriculum Vitae
, Mark the stress in the following compound words:

1- Income
11 Breakthrough
III Walking stick
IV Absent-minded
V Well-known
VI Longstanding
Vll Half-dead
Vlll Swimming-pool
IX Highway
X Outlook

32.8 LET US SUM UP

In this unit we focussed on the importance of writing a good CV . You learnt

that clarity and impact are necessary to make your CV stand out in the crowd.
In the Listening section, you heard advice from a job consultant on the most
important aspects of a CV. You learnt about the main headings for organising
information on your CV.

The section on Writing enabled you to use a popular template {1r writing a
CV. In the Grammar section you learnt how to express thing w '1 h occur in
the future.

32.9 ANSWERS

Check your progress 1

A CV helps injob hunting by giving a first overall impression of ones'

achievements.
11 If a CV is not clear and readable it will get rejected. Most employers
spend very little time on a CV.
III A CV should not be more than one or two pages. We must choose the
'Information that will go into the CV.
IV I will include my career goals in my profile.
v My career history should be in reverse chronological order. This is
because an employer will be most interested in my latest job.
VI By reading through my CV, a friend can help me make sure that I've
made no mistakes.
Vll No, one should not lie in the CV. Most employers will check on the
basic details. A lie will ruin all chances of getting the job.

Activity 2

Additional skills
11 Interests
III Referees
IV Personal details
v Professional experience
VI Professional experience
 /
;;
Getting Ready JOT V11 Additional skills
the Job Vlll Personal details

32.4 Listening: A Consultant Describes a Good CV .~.

I"

Tape Script

With CV s, first impressions are everything .. For some vacancies, employers

receive an enormous number of applications. So it's important that your CV
stands out from the rest. Firstly, it should look good - well-presented, with a
clear layout, with lots 'of white space so that the information can be located
easily. Secondly, you should choose your points carefully so that your CV is
concise and relevant. Keep it to one page, if you can. Use the spell-check on
your computer. Use appropriate phrases, perhaps from the job advertisement,
to express your achievements and abilities. To sum up, the key words are -
clarity and impact. A good CV can go a long way in getting you that all
important job interview. .

Check your progress 2

I False - The consultant says cv s should look good.

11 False - The consultant says - For some vacancies, employers receive
an enormous number of (a lot of) applications.
111 False - You should select information carefully.
IV True - It should have a clear layout and lots of white space.
v True - Your CV should be 'concise' and 'relevant' - only put In
information which you think is important for the job.
VI True - Clarity and impact are very important.
V11 False - It won't guarantee a good job, but it could help you get an
interview.

Check your progress 3

1 Missing woros are given in bold:

Student 1: Do you need any help?

Student 2: Oh yes, please. Will you carry these books for me?

11 Secretary: I'm afraid the computer is not working, I can't send the
mail.
Boss: Don't worry, it's not urgent. I will send the letter by
couner.

III Businessman: I've chosen a name for the new soap we are launching.
Colleague: Really? What are you going to call..rt'"

IV Boss: Why are you not coming to office on Friday?

Assistant: I am going to attend my sister's wedding.

v Adult: I'm afraid there are no cold drinks. Do you like some
tea instead?
Child: No, I will not have anything, thanks.

24
VI Trainer: Have you decided what to do about improving your Writing Your
English? Curriculum Vitae
Child: Yes, I'm going to listen to the news every day.

Vu Friend 1: I won't be able to go shopping with you in the evening,

something important has come up. '
Friend 2: Don't worry, I will go with Sunaina.

Vlll Boss: Can you make sure Mrs. Gupta gets the message?
Assistant: Yes, I will tell her as soon as she arrives.

2 Missing words are given in bold:

Rohan thinks about nothing but work, morning, noon or night. .

Ifhe's not careful he will have a nervous breakdown.
11 Will you take the flight to Jaipur?
111 If you have any more questions, send me an email and I will do
my best to answer them.
IV Stop harassing me or I will complain to police.
v Isn't the Chairperson coming for our event?
VI Yes, he's also giving a speech on the company policies.
V11 The Sports Channel will be showing the highlights of the
match this evening.
Vlll We're hiring a luxury bus for the Agra.
IX Will you open the door for me?

Check your progress 4

Stress in compound words:

Income
11 Breakthrough
111 Walking stick
IV Absent-minded
V Well-known
VI Longstanding
Vu Half-dead
V111 Swimming-pool
IX Highway
X Outlook

25
 UNIT 33: PORTFOLIO MAKING
Structure

33.0 Objectives
33.1 Warm Up
33.2 Reading Comprehension: Organizing a Portfolio
33.3 Vocabulary
33.4 Writing: Self-profile
33.5 Speaking: Presentation
33.6 Listening: Creating a Web-version of your Portfolio
33.} Grammar: Reduced Relative Clauses
33.8 Pronunciation: Tongue Twisters
33.9 Let Us Sum Up
33.10 Answers

33.0 OBJECTIVES

In this Unit you will learn about the objectives of portfolio making. You will
also learn

• what a portfolio is

• the difference between a portfolio and a resume

• the importance of having a portfolio
• what materials to collect for a portfolio
• the order of documents in a portfolio
• to arrange documents in a portfolio according to relevance for a j.ob
• to write a brief profile of yourself highlighting your strengths
• the importance of having a web-version of a portfolio

Note: You may write 'resume' as we have done or resume I resume'.

/'

33.1 WARMUP

Activity 1

1 Take a look at these pictures. What qualities of.a person do you think
each picture highlights?

26
 Portfolio Making

11

111

IV

VI
I

2 Now look at the following character traits and decide which pictures
best represents these traits. You may add some relevant characteristics
of your own.

, ~reativity
11 Dedication
iii Communication skills
iv Spirit of Competition
v Teamwork \
VI . Ambition
vu Spirit of adventure
.i
 Getting Ready for
the Job 3 Now make a list of the strengths you have and should highlight.while
applying for any job.

33.2 READING COMPREHENSION: ORGANIZING A

PORTFOLIO

Activity 2

Pre-reading
. ,
Before you read the text on Portfolios attempt the following questions. Then
read the passage and check your answers.

1 Is a portfolio just another name for a resume?

......................................................................................

2 Is a resume included in a portfolio?

3 Can one put pictures into a portfolio?

............................................................ , .
4 How long does it take to collect documents for a portfolio?

......................................................................................
......................................................................................
.................. .

Usually, when you talk to someone who is preparing for an interview and ask
him/her if his/her portfolio is up-to-date, the response you get is that of
bewilderment. People more often than not question the need of a portfolio.

Perhaps the answer to their question is, "No, a portfolio is not absolutely
necessary. But if you want to. give proof of your skills, get an edge, make an
impact, or in short do everything possible to procure a job, then yes, you really
do need a portfolio when you are called for an interview for a professional
position. "

How is a Portfolio Different from a Resume?

,•
• A portfolio is not a resume. The first personal document In the
portfolio is the resume.
• It contains tangible evidence of your skills and abilities.
• It may contain colorful graphics relevant to the skills required for the
position sought. .
28
 • A portfolio is not sent out like a resume; it is usually taken along at the Portfolio Making
time of the interview.

A portfolio is a powerful interview tool for just about all job seekers. It is a
visual representation of your abilities, skills, capabilities, knowledge, qualities
- and it represents your potential. It presents tangible proof of your skills and
abilities. .

Physically, it is a collection of things that represent .work-related events in

your life. Remember that while pursuing hobbies or volunteer activities, or
simply pursuing your interests, you probably developed skills that can now be
extremely useful in a work-related environment, The portfolio provides
"evidence" of your potential by demonstrating what you accomplished in the
past.

Why is a Portfolio Worth the Work?

It helps you to:

• Make focused preparation for interviews.

• Convince others of your skills, abilities and qualities pertaining to the
job requirement.
• Showcase and hence communicate your skills clearly.
• Demonstrate the results of your work.
• Establish the habit of docurrenting your accomplishments and results.
• Create a personal database. .
• Assess yourown progress in your career development.

A portfolio can be an important learning tool for students to help them assess
their learning and make it compatible to the employer's need for skilled and
capable employees.

How do you Make a Portfolio?

You start by developing a portfolio "collection" that contains all of your

artifacts. If you have written, developed, created or earned anything, you can
file, print, frame, photocopy, photograph or digitize it. This is the stuff of
which portfolios are made. These may include any of the following:

• Articles

..
• Awards
Brochures
• College transcripts and degrees
• Drawings and designs
• Grants
• Letters of commendation
• Letters of reference
• Manuals and handbooks

..• •
Merit reviews
Photographs
Presentations
• Programming examples
• Project summaries' and reviews
• Scholarships
• Training certificates
,-
29
1... _
 Getting Ready for These. should be used according to their relevance to the position currently
the Job being sought, and should appear in chronological order.

. The portfolio should be housed in a sturdy 3 ring binder with not more than 20
pages. This will allow you to add or subtract documents as needed. The binder
should be neat and orderly, and the contents well organized.

The first page of the portfolio should be the index. This will give the
interviewer a concise overview of what is actually contained in the portfolio.
It will enable himlher to look at the documents of interest, and quickly get an
idea of your achievements.

The first personal document should be your personal resume or curriculum

vitae. This concise document should outline all relevant credentials, education,
work experiences, and activities. The next section of the portfolio will include
all certificates, commendations and other credentials. The most relevant or the
most rece~if.y gained document should come first in this section. Following
this should be educational degrees, achievements,. recognition, or volunteer
acknowledgments. This section may come prior to the credential file if a
person is just entering the professional world, or just graduating from college.
The remainder of the portfolio can be personalized from here.

The ideal portfolio is organized, neat, and presents a clear picture of who this
person is that is applying for the position. It is important to remember that the
" interviewer is busy, so the portfolio should present a person in the best light
without too many frills or time-consuming inclusions.

The portfolio, like the resume, should be fluid. Adjustments need to be made
in it for each position sought. It is important to keep the portfolio updated and
complete. At the back of your mind, keep looking for documents to add to
your notebook. The portfolio is your best chance of demonstrating skills and
experience to a prospective employer. Make sure you have one.

Check your progress 1

Answer the following questions based on the reading text: .

1 How would you define a portfolio?

.......................................................................................
.......................................................................................
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••••••• eo'" •••••• ••

.......................................................................................
.......................................................................................
2 What are the basic differences between a portfolio and a resume?

................................ "' .
................................... : .
30 ......................................................................................
 Portfolio Making

" .
••••••••••••••••••••••••• # ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

.............. , .

3 Name four qualities that a portfolio can represent.

4 How does building a portfolio act as a learning tool for students?

............................................. '
r
.
,
................................................................................... , ..

5 How should artifacts be placed in a portfolio?

........................................... ." , .

6 When should a person start collecting artifacts for his portfolio?

31
 Getting Ready for
33.3 VOCABULARY
the Job

Check your progress 2

1 Find a word in the reading text that is similar in meaning to each

of the following words/phrases:

Results that are easy to see so there is no doubt.

11 Evidence that shows people your abilities.

111 Ornamental objects of no great value

IV Arranged in order of time of occurrence

v An object produced or shaped by human craft

VI An official award or a recommendation

V11 Expressing much in few words

Vlll Coming before

2 Look at the following sentence from the Reading Passage:

The portfolio should be housed in a sturdy 3 ring binder with not more
than 20 pages.

As you are aware the verb housed is derived from the noun house.
There are other such words which are normally nouns but are
sometimes used as verbs. Some of these words are carpet: carpeted,
elbow: elbowed and so on.

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the words in the box.

motor queue captain carpet pocket

pilot floor butter bud . shoulder

I want my room
11 We down to Lucknow.
11l He the plane in a skilful manner.
32 IV Who will the team?
 v We , up for the tickets. Portfolio Making
Vl After his father's death, he all the responsibilities.
vu Let me the toast.
Vlll Plants In spnng.
I
------
lX He all the money and left.
x His last question completely _,--- me.

33~4 WRITING: SELF-PROFILE

Activity 3

Now write a brief, one-page profile of yourself. You may add this profile to
your portfolio. If you are not working yet, you may write a profile of a friend
who does. Use the framework as a guideline:

• Current job profile

• Responsibilities you are required to undertake in this job
• Skills required to fulfill these responsibilities
• Brief outline of previous jobs and special skills developed in the period
• Educational qualifications
• Extra-curricular activities in college and school, highlighting the skills
they helped develop
• Awards, scholarships, special commendations received during student
life
• Career path you would like to chart out for yourself in the next five
years "

Note: With relevant changes corresponding to each job you apply for, this
profile may also be used as a cover letter. If you already have a job, or have
held one earlier, you should highlight the-first four points mentioned above,
'and mention the others briefly. For first-time job seekers" however, it is
important to emphasize your educational background, field work, surveys,
projects and major activities. You should be able to highlight how everything
you did honed some skills, which can now be used to advantage in a
professional environment.

.............................................................................. / .

33
 /
Getting Ready for 33.5 SPEAKING: PRESENTATION
tile Job

Activity 4

Make a presentation to your class/friend on why you think it-is essential to

have a portfolio while applying for a positionin an organization.
1

33.6 LISTENING: CREATING A WEB-VERSION OF

YOUR PORTFOLIO

Activity 5

Listen to an expert talking to you about creating a web-version of your

portfolio, and answer the questions given below. You can listen to the audio
two to three times if needed.

1 Why is it especially beneficial for a web designer or a software.

engineer to have a portfolio website?
\

............................................. ' .
2 Why must you be careful while choosing a free website to create your
portfolio?
· ~ ;, .

· .."
, ,..: .
3 How is it easier to show a client your expertise in a field in a web
portfolio?
......................................................................................

· ' .. .
~ :

......................................................................................
.4 Why do you need to keep checking your portfolio website regularly?
'~/ .

5 Can you complete the following sentences based on what you heard in
the audio?

Having a portfolio in a web format demonstrates .

34
 11 A portfolio is always work in . Portfolio Making
111 Artists can use the web portfolio to .

IV You must mention the link to your portfolio in your .

33.7 GRAMMAR: REDUCED RELATIVE CLAUSES

Adjective clauses can also be reduced to phrases, which modify the noun,
without changing the meaning of the sentence.
- .
-Let's look at the rules for reducing adjective clauses used as subject of the
clause.

1 Omit the relative pronouns who, which, that and the be form of the
verb (is, was, were, etc.)

Examples:
a It may contain colourful graphics which are relevant to the
skills required for the position sought.
b It may contain colourful graphics relevant to the skills required
for the position sought.

2 In adjective clauses that do not contain the verb be, it is 11 en possible

to drop the relative pronoun, and change the verb to its -h. ~ form.

Examples:
a lIC members who have their library tickets may borrow
books.
b ,lIC members having their library tickets may borrow books.

,3 'Some adjectives clauses can be reduced to appositive phrases. An

appositive phrase is simply placing one noun or noun phrase next
to another, with a comma between them.

Examples:
a Mrs. Gupta, who is ourMl), is very fond of parties.
b Mrs. Gupta, our MD, is very fond of parties.

Check your progress 3

1 Which of the following phrases can be considered 'reduced' versions

of relative clauses?

The lady in the front row

11 The worker in the street
111 The voice of authority
IV The destruction ofthe habitat
v The point to consider
VI The proposal discussed during the meeting

3'\
Getting Ready for 2 First pick out the adjective clauses. Then change the. adjective clauses
the Job to adjective phrases or appositive phrases.
t
Mr. Anil Kumar is the new Branch Manager who is in-charge
of the Delhi Office.
11 The employees who are in Mr. Kanwar's branch are having a
great time.
iii Mr. Kanwar has written management books which are' used in
colleges all over the country.
IV He's just completed a new book which is Working Can Be
Fun.
v Management, which is a difficult subject, is made interesting
and entertaining by him.
- I
33.8 PRONUNCIATION: TONGUE TWISTERS
"

Let's have some fun with consonants.

Betty Botter bought some butter, but she said the butter's. bitter. If I put it in
my batter it will make my batter bitter. So, she bought some better
butter, better than the bitter butter, and she put it in her batter and her batter
was not bitter. So it was good that Betty Botter bought· some better
butter!

She sells sea shells on the sea shore;

The shells that she sells are sea shells I'm sure.
So if she sells sea shells on the sea shore,
I'm sure that the shells are sea shore shells.

33.9 LET US SUM UP

In this Unit you learnt about the importance of portfolios in job searches. A
portfolio helps to highlight your strengths as it presents a visual and tangible
evidence of your skills and achievements. It has become increasingly
important to have a portfolio when applying for a job.

Collecting a portfolio is not a one-day job; it is something you do over a

period of time, as you achieve milestones in all you undertake to do. These
are not just proof of what you have done but the special skills you utilized in
the process. A portfolio is always a piece of work in progress. This means it is
important to keep updating it regularly. House your portfolio in a three-ring
binder, so that it is easy to add or subtract documents according to need. Do
not let your portfolio exceed twenty pages.

It is important to index the documents in your portfolio so that a potential

employer can easily locate in it the documents that are of greater relevance to
the job you are seeking.

Remember the first personal document in your portfolio is always your

resume, followed by credentials, and then educational degrees, volunteer
work, etc. Place your documents according to their relevance to the job you
are aspiring for. Having a web version of your portfolio is an added
 advantage as it creates an impressive visual impact, demonstrates that you are Portfolio Making
tech-savvy, and is easy to access.

The vocabulary exercises and the grammar activities are given to help you to
/improve your word-power and acquire fluency in the language.

33.10 ANSWERS

Activity 1

1 Team spirit, creativity, artistic temperament

11 Sportsmanship, competitive spirit, ambition, dedication
11l Ambition, teamwork
IV Good communication skills, good interpersonal skills
v Team spirit, spirit of adventure, fearlessness
vi Innovative thinking, creativity

Activity 2

I No, a portfolio is not a resume. A portfolio is much more

comprehensive than a resume. It is a compilation of documents that are
a tangible proof of a person's achievements and skills.

2 Yes, the resume is the first document in the portfolio.

3 Yes, the portfolio can include pictures that document one's skills and
achievements.. .
/.--
. . ,
4 Collecting documents for a portfolio is an ongoing process. One
should add all documents to it that can be used to highlight one's
personality. You, however, need to edit it for each job application.

Check your progress 1

1 A portfolio is a visual representation of a person's abilities, skills,

capabilities, knowledge and qualities. It presents tangible proof of
these skills and abilities in the form of artifacts, certificates, and other
documents. The portfolio provides evidence of a person's potential by
demonstrating what s/he accomplished in the past.

2 A resuine is a concise document that outlines all of a person's relevant

credentials, education, work experience, and activities, It does not
include any additional documents.

A portfolio has detailed proof of these credentials in the fonnof

documents. It may also contain photographs·.A resume is always the
first document in a portfolio.

3 Some qualities that a portfolio can represent in the form of

documented evidence are a person's abilities, skills, knowledge and
potential.
I

4 It helps to form the habit of documenting your accomplishments and to , I

make a focused preparation for interviews. It also helps you to assess
37
 Getting Ready for your own progress in career development and compare it to the
the Job employer's requirements.

5 The portfolio begins with an index. The first document in a portfolio is

always the resume. The next section contains certificates,
commendations and other credentials. The third section of the portfolio
has all educational degrees, achievements, extra-curricular activities,
.volunteer work, etc. The final section contains personal information in
brief. .

6 A portfolio collection is developed over a period of time. It is always

work in progress and should be updated regularly. Whenever you
develop, create, write or do anything that could be of value to you in
your work, you should file its documents as part of your portfolio
collection.

Check your progress 2

i Results that are easy to see so there is no doubt Tangible

u Evidence that shows people your abilities Credentials'
111 Ornamental objects of no great value Frills
IV Arranged in order of time of occurrence Chronological
V An object produced or shaped by human craft Artifact·
VI An official award or a recommendation Commendation
vu Expressing much in few words Concise
Vlll Coming before Prior

2 I carpeted
11 motored
111 piloted
IV captain
V queued·
VI shouldered
vu butter
Vlll bud
ix pocketed
x floored

... ~ .
33.6 LISTENING: CREATING A WEB-VERSION OF YOUR
PORTFOLIO

Listening: Tape script

With the ever-increasing popularity of the Web, it is advantageous for you to

. know how to design web pages. Consider creating a web version of your
resume, with links to your digitized portfolio. It's an excellent way to display
your work and impress potential employers. Placing your portfolio into a web
format is extraordinarily powerful. It demonstrates that you are current and
contemporary. The visual impact is striking.

Portfolio websites are especially useful for photographers and artists looking
to display photos, sketches, paintings or prints on the web. If you are a writer,
38
 it can contain writing samples. It makes perfect sense for a web designer, Portfolio Making
software engineer or writer of online content, to have a web site that shows
I

their previous work. If this is the method in which you work, what better way
to present yourself than online? I
Remember that your portfolio is a work inprogress. You don't rreed to upload
everything at once. Take it one step at a time and take the time to create a
professional, polished portfolio. Keep your portfolio current. Check to make
sure everything is in working order on a regular basis. That m~ans no broken
, images or broken links to other sites or outdated information; If you have a
link to your email address, test it to make sure it works.
I
Add a link of your portfolio to your resume and merit}on it in your cover
letters so employers can access the information quickly aid easily.

You just need to keep' a few things in mind whel building your online
portfolio:

• .If you decide to use a free website to create your portfolio, be mindjul
of domain names and free websites that-offer you space for your site.
, "-
Many free sites also use banner ads, to support their sites and you have
no control over what type of ad might be displayed., You would not
want a hiring manager to see a pop up of Madonna on your portfolio!
• Use images and color, but keep it neat and clean.
• Edit and Update as you come across new jobs that fit your interests.
When you refer a client to your website, you will be able to refer them
to specific web pages that demonstrate the expertise they are seeking.

Activity 5

1 Because it shows their previous work.

2 Many free sites use banner advertisements to support their sites and
you have no control over what type of advertisements might be
displayed. This may sometimes turn out to be embarrassing.

3 When you refer a client to your website, you can refer them to specific
web pages that demonstrate the expertise they are seeking. This is
easier than sifting through papers.

4 You need to check your website regularly to make sure everything is in

working order and to ensure there are no broken images, or broken
links to other sites or outdated information. Also, if you have a link to
your email address, you should test it regularly to make sure it works.

5 Having a portfolio in a web format demonstrates that you are

current and contemporary.
11 A portfolio is always work in progress.
111 Artists can use the web portfolio to display photos, sketches,
paintings or prints.
lV You must mention the link to your portfolio in your cover
letter and resume.
39
 Getting Ready for Check your progress '3
the Job
1 I The lady in the front row 'reduced'
V The point to consider 'reduced'
VI The proposal discussed during the meeting 'reduced'

2 Adjective clauses:

I who is in-charge of the Delhi Office.

ii who are in Mr. Kanwar's branch
iii which are used in colleges
VI which is Working Can Be Fun.
vu which is a difficult subject,

Adjective phrases or appositive phrases.

Mr. Anil Kumar is the new Branch Manager in-charge of the

Delhi Office.
n The employees in Mr. Kanwar's branch are having a good
time.
111 Mr. Kanwar has written management books used in colleges all
- over the country.
IV He's just completed a: new book Working Can Be Fun.
V Management, a difficult subject, is made interesting and
entertaining by him.

40
UNIT 34:PREPARING AND FACING INTERVIEWS,
PHONE AND WALK-IN INTERVIEWS
Structure

34.0 Objectives
34.1 Warm up
34.2 Reading: Preparing for an Interview'
34.3 Listening: Types ofllnterviews
34.4 Study Skills: Interviewing
34.5 Vocabulary: Walk-in Interviews
34.6 Speaking
34.7 Grammar
34.8 Pronunciation: Hints on Pronunciation (Poem)
34.9 Let Us Sum Up
34.10 Answers

34.0 OBJECTIVES

In this unit you will learn about:

• Regular job interviews

• felephone interviews
• Walk-in interviews
• how to prepare for job interviews
• what to do during ajob interview
• types of job interviews
• the kind .of questions asked at interviews
.'--_ the kind of questions candidates can ask prospective employers
• Recruitment
. .
related vocabulary and grammar

_34.1_..W ARM UP

The requirements of this job

Employer: "In this job we need someone
who is responsible."

Applicant: "I'm the one;'you want. On

my last job, every time anything went
.wr~ng~they said I was responsible."
[ '- - ! -
, __ . Do you think you could be in such a
position tomorrow? Well, -you would find it hard to laugh it ajvay.

Activity 1

i Do you feel worried or anxious about preparing for job interviews?

11 Are you unsure about telephone interviews?
.111 Are you nervous about a job interview?
 Getting Ready for Write down five problems or concerns you have regarding job interviews. Put
the Job your sheet aside and go through this Unit. Come back to this sheet after you
have completed the Unit and see if you now feel more comfortable about job
interviews.

34.2 READING: PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW

Read the following passage an answer the questions given below:

Whatever the type of job interview - a walk-in, a telephone interview ora

regular in-person job interview, preparation is the key. It is important that you
keep yourself in a state of high motivation and readiness, making optimum use
of your time to equip yourself to excel. Hete are a few things you'd like to do
for sure, by way of preparation.

You are certain to be asked specific questions about your potential employer,
so make sure you've done your homework on company information like
company history, recent performance, their last year's profits and latest
product launches. Nothing is as 'disappointing as when a candidate shows
enthusiasm and then doesn't even know the most basic facts and figures about
the company. So, where can you find all this information? The most likely
place is the Internet. A visit to the company website could help you get all the
vital statistics, including products and services as· well as a feel of the
company culture. You must also check out the annual report and look for a
press or company news page. Put their name into a search engine to see if
they've had any recent interesting stories written about them. It is also
advisable to tap industry sources, trade journals, newspapers and other
business publications to give you good background knowledge of the industry
as well as the company.

Talk to people who work in the company or in similar companies / areas

gather as much information as you can about the nature of work.,
'0
responsibilities, work culture and work requirements. '

For the interview, you need to know your CV inside out. Go through your CV
carefully and make notes on how you will elaborate or illustrate what you
have stated. You need to be ready with examples from your experience to be
able to substantiate all the claims you have made. Try to relate specific areas
of your CV back to the job description. It will make it clear to the interviewer.
why they should hire you. Also go through the copy of your application
carefully before the interview. The interview panel is likely to ask specific
questions about it.

Going for a job interview is no different from going for an exam. It is

important that you go well prepared and confident so that you can field any
question that is put to you.

Before the Interview

Apart from finding out about the company and being thorough with your CV,
it would be helpful to follow these tips:
42
 • Make a rational assessment of yourself before you go for the interview. Preparing and
,Know your strengths and weaknesses. ' /' '' Facing Interviews
.", Review your skills and abilities.
, ¥
,'
• Have a mock interview with a friend g.aSed on the common interview
questions you're likely to face...,.!.".,' ,
• If you are asked to bring certificates, references, etc, get them ready .'
well in advance to avoid having to chase around them on the morning
of the big day. ,~
• If you have filled up a statement of purpose as part of the application,

- .
•
be ready forsome probing questions based on this.
Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview.
Decide how you will get there and when you heed to set off to arrive in
good time, anticipating any delays. Visit the place once beforehand if
possible.
• If you look good, you tend to feel good too. Avoid any last minute
panic by preparing what you're going to wear the night before.
• Don't go into the interview with lots of baggage - psychological or
physical. Take the bare minimum with you so you can concentrate on
the interview, and nothing else.
• Prepare at least 5 questions that you would like to ask the panel about
the company or your job. You don't have to ask them all. See for
yourself what is most appropriate to ask during the interview.
/

During the Interview

• Give la positive first impression which could include a warm

handshake and a pleasant smile.
• Show enthusiasm and interest. Your body language can help you do
this. Watch your nonverbal clues, such as eye contact, posture,
gestures and fidgeting.
• Listen attentively and concentrate. Do not ever interrupt the
interviewer before he I she has completed the question.
• Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with
specific examples whenever possible.
• Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.
• Be honest and natural.
• Ask questions, since the interview is as much an opportunity for you to
learn about the company as for the company to learn about you.
• Be courteous to the administrative staff, since how you treat them can
have an impact (positive or negative).
• Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring
process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next.
Know what action you are expected to take next, if any'
• When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake
and make eye contact. Depart gracefully.
• After the interview, make notes right away so you don't forget critical
details.
• Write a thank-you letter/email to your interviewer promptly;

Check your progress 1 \

. \0
Use the following table to make a checklist of what you should do \belvt'e,
, during and after the interview. This will also help you to 'consolidate your 43
 Getting Ready for understanding of the do's and prevent you from rrussmg out anything
the Job important. The first one has been done. for you.

Before the Interview Details

1 Potential Employer

2 Sources of information
about potential
employer
-
3 Your CV and job
application

4 . Other supporting
documents

5 Self Assessment

6 Interview practice

7 Logistics

8 Dress

,
Duringthe Interview
1 Body language

2 Listening

3 Response to questions

4 Behaviour

5 Procedure

After the Interview

1 Acknowledgement

44
 Preparing and
Facing Interviews
,-2--L_N_o_te_~_'
_~ :_J .. ~ 1
34~2.1 Telephone Interviews

"A telephone interview IS an

interview for 'employment
.. conducted on' the phone.

..
Telephone interviews are, often

......,.r ........~...............•
i', ~ •••••
, •••• , •••••
.•..•... used to screen candidates in order
•..
...•.
~ Jol narr?w th~ P?ol, o~.:~J'pltcants
('
who WIll be invited ~f,Qtm-person
1.... •••• :
e
.. .I
,'.

/'
/
interviews.' They are' often used
for applicants who
away from
are located far
the' place
employment, possibly in another
of

country too.

v· ou need to prepare for' a phone interview just as you w~uld for a regular
!.. ,,'
interview.

"Before the Interview

• Study your CV and application closely

• Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of
answers to typical phone interview questions.
• Being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and ,
skills. "
• Research the' company so that you are prepared to discuss the
organization and your role in it.
• Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to
the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to
answer questions.
• Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
• Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
• Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
• If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could.talk at another time and
suggest some alternatives.
• Set up the interview space - use a quiet, comfortate and private space.
• Clear the room - ensure that no people or pets w 11disturb you in the
course of the call. Turn off the stereo and the TV. lose the door.
• Unless you're sure your cell phone service is going to be perfect,
consider .using a landline rather than your cell phone to avoid a
dropped call or static on the line.
• Confirm all arrangements such as the, date, time and who you will be
talking to.

Practice Interviewing

Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. It might be a good idea to have
a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you
can see how you sound over the phone.~ Any cassette. recorder will work.
45
 Getting Ready for You'll be able to hear your "urns" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice
the Job reducing them from your speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical
questions you'll be asked.

During the Phone Interview

• Sound professional, as if you werr .ne ~~ing the interviewer face to

face.
• Don't smoke, chewgurn, eat, or drink. ,
• Do keep it glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
• Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will
change the tone of your voice.
• Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
• Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. andtheir last name). Only usea first
name if they ask you to.
• Don't interrupt the interviewer.
• Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to
collect your thoughts.
• Give short answers. Don't speak in very long sentences which will not
allow the interviewer to interject or ask questions.
• Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you
thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.

After the Interview:

• Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
• Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which
reiterates your interest in the job.

Many companies screen job applicants by having a phone interview before

calling you in for face time. Hence don't take your phone interview casually
as its your first step to a face to face one. Phone interviews are conducted just
like in-person interviews. They are used by hiring managers and recruiters as a
tool for screening candidates for employment.

Check your progress 2

Read the write up on Telephone interviews given in 34.2.1 carefully. You will
notice that there is a lot of similarity in the preparations that you would make
for a telephone interview and an in-person interview. However, there are also
some differences. Make a list of what you would need to do for a telephone
interview which is not needed for a face-to-face interview.

34.2.2 Body Language.

Activity 2

.Complete the text above on Body language by inserting the sentences below in
appropriate spaces. Youcan compare your answers with the Answer Section.

A If you tend to' perspire under stress, try to run your hands under cold
water before going in. .
46
B If you look away at that moment you may appear hesitant and your Preparing and
words will lack conviction. Facing Interviews

c Avoid glancing nervously around the room as this is the classic sign of
someone with something to hide.

D It begins even before you say your first word.

E Walk in briskly and sit up straight.

F These are distracting gestures.

G Candidates have a tendency to speak very quickly because they are all
rehearsed and charged up and waiting to go.

Body language plays a' very important role in any interview. 1. .

. Be careful about how you walk into the .room. You should be upright and
brisk as you walk across the room to shake hands. Your looks and dress need
due attention too. The first impression is often a lasting one.

Pace yourself: Speak deliberately and more slowly than you would normally.
2 .
... .. . . .. .. . . ... This is all the more reason why you need to remind yourself to
pace your speaking so that you don't rattle off your answers. At the same time
you must be energetic and enthused about what you speak rather than say it
"listlessly or in a droning, monotonous way.

Non-verbal signals: You must have a firm but not crushing handshake. Also,
try to ensure your hands are dry and warm - as natural as possible.
3 ", , .

Posture:' Don't slouch in your chair, whether at the reception or-the interview
room. Slouching signals "I don't care" and should be reserved for weekends.
4 .
... If you're worried about your
posture, sit naturally in front of a mirror at home and see how you look.
Practice sitting in a more vertical position and make a"mental note of how it
feels, so you can replicate it in the interview.

Always look the questioner in the eye, but not in a daring way. Be confident,
and don't stare past your questioner or at the floor. 5 ; .

If there is more than one interviewer, make sure you look at each of them
when answering questions, and keep your eyes on their face, not straying to
other parts of their body.

Don't fidget and don't play around with ,your hair, pen, nails, chair, jiggle
your knees, tap your leg or anything else. 6 ; .. ' .

" Don't "forget to sniileoccasionally. Nobody wants a deadpan or sulky

emplovee.
47
 " . .\

Getting ]Jeady for Eye Contact helps you to look confident and. it. is;important to maintain
the Job focused eye contact throughout the interview. The ..key time to look at
someone is at the end of your sentence as this helps cement the message in
that sentence. 7.............•.......................... ; ! .•••••• ·••••••••••.•

.......... ' .
: .- .

When speaking to an interview panel the rule of thumb is to give around three
seconds of eye contact at random to individuals on the panel. This is long
enough to engage. with individuals without over-staring at any particular
person.

Now read the completed text carefully to make sure that you know and
understand the importance of body language dutingjob interviews.

34.2.3 Asking Questions During a Job Interview

At most interviews, you will be invited to ask questions of your interviewer.

This is an important opportunity for you to learn more about the employer,
and for the interviewer to further evaluate you as a job candidate. It requires
some advance preparation on your part.

Here are some guidelines for asking questions:

Prepare five good questions, understanding that you may not have time to ask
them all. Ask questions concerning the job, the company, and the industry or
profession. Your questions should indicate your interest in. these subjects and
that you have read and thought about them. For example, you might start, "1
read in Economic Times that ... 1 wonder if that factor is going to have an .
impact on your business." .

Activity 3 .

Can you think of at 5 possible questions that you can ask at a job interview?
Now match your questions with the ones given in the Answers Section .

............................................................... ' , .
.................................................................................. ' .
..... ...._. ... ................ ..... ................. .... ................~.... ...... ........ .'. . . . ,"

...................................... ' '.' ~ ' ~~

.. , "', ~'(

r····················································· , ":..
. . ............. ..... \ " ~ ~~ ' ...... -"

-.
34.3 a:LISTENING:
. TYPES
. OFJNTERVIEWS
...

Chec~ your progress 3

Listen to an audio on types :of interviews

carefully and state which of these three
summaries best describes the audio on types of
48 job interviews?
 The traditional interview examines the qualifications, experience and Preparing and
skills of the candidates. On theother hand the behavioural interview . Facing Interviews
assesses their psychology and attitude.

2 The major difference between the two kinds of interview is that in the
traditional interview applicants are asked general questions whereas in
the behavioural interview they CU'e asked personal questions.

3 While the traditional interview assess the .skills and abilities of

candidates through general questions, the behavioural interview
focuses on questions related to specific situations in which the ~
applicants actually made use of these skills to achieve something or to
solve a problem.

34.4 STUDY SKILLS: INTERVIEWING

Activity 4

Positive arid Negative behaviour during an interview.

Read the traits given below and mark 'N' against negative and 'P' against
positive behaviour.

• Generalizations
.• Relaxed manner
• Alert.•responsive attitude
• Discrete use of humour
• Long pauses
• . Condescending or withdrawn
• Spo~~eous replies

Activity 5

.Here are some samples of questions asked

during job interviews. Think about possible
answers. Record your answers 'and listen to
the recording and assess your responses. You
could also practice them .with your I study
partner.

Personal.
1 Tell me about yourself.
.2 Do you have any hobbies? What -do
you do in your spare time?

.Education
.: 1 How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?
..2 What were your favorite classes/activities at school?
3 Why did you choose your major?
, ,

. Teamwork ..
1- a
What are the 'characteristics of successful team?
2 What qualities do you have that.make you an effective team player?
 Getting Ready for 3 Do you work better by yourself or as part of a team?
the Job 4 What can you contribute to establish a positive working environment
for our team?
5 What type of people do you work best with?

Strengths
1 What are your three greatest strengths?
2 What can you contribute to our organization?
3 What are your strong points and how have they helped you to succeed?

Success / Achievement
1 How do you determine or evaluate success?
2 What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
3 In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our
.. company?
4 What two or three accomplishments have given you the most
satisfaction? Why?
5 Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far.

Analytical Skills
1 Are you analytical? Give us one example of your analytical abilities.
2 Tell us about a particularly difficult problem that you analyzed and
what your recommendation was,

Motivation
1 What motivates employees?
2 Name some of the ways that a supervisor can demotivate staff.
.3 What are some of the ways in which a supervisor can motivate staff?

Career Goals
1 Where do you want to be five years from now in your career?
2 What are your long term career goals?
3 What prompted you to take your current job?
4 Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Leadership
1 What is your strongest leadership skill and how will it assist you for
this job?
2 Provide us with an example of your leadership ability.

Communication
1· How do you effectively communicate with others?
2 How important is listening to effective communication':
3 What are some of the characteristics of a good listener?
4 Tell us about a situation where you demonstrated good
communications skills.

Miscellaneous
1 Why should we hire you? or What can you do for us that other
candidates can't?
2 What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?
3 Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown
initiative.
50
 Here are clues for some of these questio.is: Preparing and
Facing Interviews
Tell me about yourself.
This is perhaps the most frequently asked question during interviews. It is a
question asked at the beginning of the interview and gives the applicant an
. opportunity to make an opening statement about himself / herself. You can use
. this to state a summary of your goals, overall professional capabilities,
achievements, background (educational and family), strengths, professional
objectives and anything about your personality that is relevant aad interesting.
This question represents an opportunity to lead the interviewer in the direction
you want him to go e.g., your specialization or whatever else you may wish to
highlight.

Remember that the first impression you create will go a long way in the
ultimate selection. However, most candidates who are asked this question just
blurt out their schooling, college, marks and qualifications. All this is already
there in the CV. Why tell the interviewer something s/he already knows? .

Emphasize upon the unique characteristics that you possess while answering
this question. All of us are unique in our own way. And that is the catch.
Actually, everybody has something special and what one needs to do is, to
probe into oneself and answer the question.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This is a rather deceptive question and should be prepared 'carefully. To
prepare for this question one should ensure that one makes an
objective self
assessment of oneself before the interview. Identify and define your strengths
and weaknesses. Think about your personality traits that help you to perform
better as your strengths and weakness as what hampers your performance. Be
positive; turn a weakness into a strength. For example, you might say: "I often
worry too much over my work! assignments."

What are your hobbies? Do you play any sports?

Through such questions the interviewer may be looking for evidence of your .
job skills outside of your professional experience. For example, hobbies such
as chess or bridge demonstrate analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting
are creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination and stamina, while
group sport activities' may indicate you are comfortable working as part of a
team. Your awareness of the objectives behind such questions can help· you
answer appropriately. -

Also, the interviewer might simply be curious to know whether you have a life
outside of work. Employees who have creative or athletic outlets for their
stress are often healthier; happier and more productive.

Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?

The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples
describing how you have worked in both situations .

.Why should we hire you? or What can you do for us that other candidates
can't?
What makes you special and where do your major strengths lie? You should
be able to find out what they are looking for from the job description. "I have
i unique combination of strong technical skills and the ability to build long-
51
 Getting'Ready JOT 'tenn customer relationships;' is a good opening sentence, which can then lead
the Job onto a more' specific example of something you have done so far in your
career.' State your biggest achievement and the benefit it made to the business,
then finish with "Given the opportunity, I could bring this success to your
company."

34.5 VOCABULARY: WALK-IN INTERVIEWS

Activity 6

Complete the gapped text below by filling hi suitable words from those given
in the table. ,Check your answers with the Answers Section.

elaborate instantly world justify short

immediate awareness source opportunities retain
target tackle shortfall communicate gap
unexpected preparedness positions disadvantages resort
confidence employed

Walk-in Interviews are becoming increasingly popular these days. They help
companies and organizations to 1 personnel to meet their
2 need. In today's business world where growth and
achievement of 3 is the mantra, companies sometimes need
staff on4 notice for time bound projects. For these kinds of
needs they may not WaI1tto wait for the 5 procedure'
adopted for regular appointments.

Hence in order to tackle a projected 6 in target, to upgrade

the target with a view to tap improving opportunities in the market, meet the
7 demand in products and services, to fill the
8 in human resource availability in-house due to increasing
attrition, etc. companies 9 . to walk-in interviews.

Generally candidates in marketing and sales, production and technical staff, /~

operatioIial staff and many other categories fmd lOin walk':
in interview venues. Companies advertise the interview schedule and
11' to be filled, along with venue details and offers.

Usually successful walk-in candidates get an offer 12 , and

are required to join the company immediately. There, are some
13 too, viz., many walk-in opportunities are temporary
or short-term; or if otherwise.many times companies find it difficult 10 _
14. these employees. For freshers and candidates who are not
employed currently, these opportunities help them ' to get
15 immediately, '

If you are in the process of getting ready for the job market 'and are ready With
your profile, self assessment and all set to 16 . the claims you
have. made in your CV, you stand a good 'chance -of being able to
17 . the requirements of a walk-in interview, A lot of the
questions you will be asked are similar to the regular intetv~ews.
52
 In order to be successful in such interviews candidates need to be in a state of Preparing and
18 at all times. The interviewers are aware of the fact that Facing Interviews
these are impromptu affairs and review the candidates accordingly. However,
· candidates whose basic skills are well developed and have good overall
19 knowledge and general 20' as well:
· as suitable skill sets have a good chance of success in such interviews.
Another important factor is your ability to 21 and to present
yourself. If these are well developed, they give you the right amount of
22 and comfort to deal with the needs of walk-in
interviews .

. Now read the completed text again to familiarize yourself with another in-
vogue method of recruitment called Walk-in Interviews.

34.6 SPEAKING

Take a look at 10' desirable traits that most employees look for in their
candidates. Think ,of how many of these, you possess and how you would
illustrate them at your job interview With examples from your education,
activities, work or life experience .. Practice how you would talk JtQout these
with your study partner. .

1 problem-solving skills
2 ability to work under pressure
3 ability to focus on projects
4 leadership skills.
·5 positive attitude
6 definiteness of purpose ...clear goals
7 Enthusiasm ...high level of motivation
8 positive attitude
9 sense of humor
10 time management

Check your progress 4

1 Pick up at least 10 questions from the list given in the Skills Study
Section and practice the answers with your partner .

.2 Pick up a job advertisement relating to your field of study / interest.

Imagine that you have been called by the advertiser for a job interview.
M'~1cea list of at least three questions you could ask at the interview.

34.7 GRAMMAR

Activity 7

Use different forms of the word to complete the given sentences.

Benefit > \. "..

1 We all greatly from the revised pay scales.

2 Some companies lay a Iotofstress on medical _
3 Who will be the of my insurance if something
happened to' me? 53
;"-.,
 Getting Ready for 4 All permanent jobs offer certain _
the Job 5 It is to find out about pension schemes or
retirement before you join a job.

Review
1 It is good to ask someone knowledgeable to your CV.
2 How often do you the performance of your
employees?
3 We carry out performance __ ~ of all employees
in December.
4 Salaries are normally annually.

34.8 PRONUNCIATION

; Now that you are very proficient in your English, you can pronounce this
poem correctly. Read the poem first and then listen to it to correct your
pronunciation.

Hints on pronunciation

I take it you already know

Oftough and bough and cough and dough?
Others may stumble, but not you
On hiccough, thorough, laugh and through?
Well done! And now you wish perhaps
To learn ofthese familiar traps?

Beware of heard, a dreadful word,

That looks like beard and sounds like bird,
And dead: it's said like bed, not bead,
For goodness' sake; don't call it deed!
Watch out for meat and great and threat,
They rhyme with suite and straight and debt.

A moth is not a moth in mother

Nor both in brother, broth in brother,
And here is not a match for there,
Nor dear and fear for bear and pear,
And then there's does and rose and lose-
Just took them up, and goose and choose,

And cork and front and word and ward

And font and front and word and sword.
And do and go and thwart and cart-
Come, come, I've hardly made a start!
A dreadful language? Man Alive,
I'd mastered it when I was five.

34.9 LET US SUM UP

In this unit you learnt about regular job interviews, telephone, interviews,
walk-in interviews, how to prepare for job interviews and what to do during a
54 job interview.
 Preparing and
34.10 ANSWERS Facing Interviews

Check your progress 1

Before the Interview Details

1 Potential Employer Find out as much information as you can
about the company
2 Sources of information - company web site
about potential - other online resources
employer - newspapers; trade journals and other
publications
- people

3 Your CV and job make a thorough study of your CV and

application applicationso that you are ready to talk about
your skills, abilities, weaknesses and
strengths and to substantiate your claims with
examples from your experience.

4 Other supporting Keep additional documents like certificates,

documents references etc in absolute readiness well in
advance

5 Self assessment Make a rational assessment of yourself -

your strengths and weaknesses, skills and
abilities
6 Interview practice Organize mock interviews before friends/
relatives to give yourself adequate practice

7 Logistics Be sure about time, date, venue and how you

will reach there

8 Dress Dress smartly, neatly and formally - girls

must not overdress or use too much make up

During the Interview

1 Body language Firm handshake, smile, eye contact, correct

posture, gestures; avoid fidgeting

2 Listening Listen carefully to what you are asked. Ask

for clarification if you haven't understood

3 Response to questions Respond to questions and illustrate

statements , with examples from your
expenence
4 Behaviour Speak with enthusiasm and interest. Be
natural, honest and courteous.

5 Procedure Be clear about the employer's next step in the

hiring process; know when and from whom
you should expect to hear next. Know what
action you are expected to take next, if any. 55
 Getting Ready for After the Interview
the Job'

1 Acknowledgement Write a thank .you letter or e mail after the

interview

2 Notes Make notes after the interview so that you

can.refer back to them if and when necessary

Check your progress 2

For a telephone interview you can keep your documents before you and use
them when necessary - for example CV 'and a list of your strengths, abilities
+ ..~
etc can be kept in front of you - however, you must not read from them but
talk about them. .

Another difference is room preparation- it should be such that you are not
,
disturbed during the interview. You must try to use a landline rather than a
cell phone. i,
I

Also keep pen and paper handy to make notes.

Do not speak casually as we often do over the phone.
Do not use very long sentences while answering questions.
Avoid chewing or eating anything during the interview.
Speak slowly and clearly. '

Activity 2

Body language plays a very important role in any interview. D. It begins

even before you say your first word. Be careful about how you walk into the
room. You should be upright and brisk as you walk across the room to shake
hands. Your looks and dress need due attention too. The first impression is
often a lasting one.

Pace yourself: Speak deliberately and more slowly than you would normally.
G. Candidates have a tendency to speak very quickly because they are all
rehearsed and charged up and waiting to go; This is all the more reason
why you need to remind yourself to pace your speaking so that you don't rattle
off your answers. At the same time you must be energetic and enthused about
what you speak rather than say it listlessly or in a droning, monotonous way.

Non-verbal signals: You must have a firm but not crushing handshake. Also,
try to ensure your hands are dry and warm. A. If you tend to perspire under
, stress, try to run your hands under cold water before going in.

Posture: Don't slouch in your chair, whether at the reception or the interview
room. Slouching signals "I don't care" and should be reserved for weekends.
E. Walk in briskly and sit up straight. If you're worried about your posture,
sit naturally in front of a mirror at home and see how you look. Practice sitting
in a more vertical position and make a mental note of how it feels, so you can
replicate it in the interview.

Always look the questioner in the eye, but not in a daring way. Be confident,
and don't stare past your questioner or at the floor. C. Avoid glancing
56
nervously around the room as this is the classic sign of someone with Preparing and
something to hide. If there is more than one interviewer, make sure you look Facing Interviews
at each of them when answering questions, and keep your eyes on their face,
not straying to other parts of their body.

Don't fidget and don't play around with your hair, pen, nails, chair, jiggle
your knees, tap your leg or anything else. F. These are distracting gestures.
Don't forget to smile occasionally. Nobody wants a deadpan or sulky
employee.

Eye Contact helps you to look confident and it is important to maintain

focused eye contact throughout the interview. The key time to look at
someone is at the end of your sentence as this helps cement the message in
that sentence. B. If you look away at that moment you may appear hesitant
and your words will lack conviction. '

When speaking to an interview panel the rule of thumb,is to give around three
seconds of eye contact at random to individuals on the panel. This is long
enough to engage with individuals without over-staring at any particular
person.

Activity 3

I I'd like to know something about the day-to-day responsibilities of this

job? ,
2 What is the company's policy on providing seminars, workshops, and
training so employees can hone their skills or acquire new ones?
3 What particular computer equipment and software do you use?
4 What kind of work can I expect to be doing the first year?
5 How much opportunity will I have for decision-making in my first
assignment? ,
6 What is your organization's policy on transfers to other cities?
7 What is the organization's plan for the next five years, and how does
this department fit in?

34.3 Listening: Types of Interviews (Tape script)

By Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

The two styles of Interviewing lised by companies today are the traditional job
interview and the behavioral interview. The traditional job interview uses
broad-based questions such as, "why do you want to work for this company,"
and "tell me about your strengths and weaknesses." Interviewing success or
failure are more often based on the ability of the job-seeker to communicate
than on the truthfulness or content of their answers. Employers are looking for
the answer to three questions: does the job-seeker have the skills and abilities
to perform the job; does the job-seeker possess the enthusiasm and work ethic
that the employer expects; and will the job-seeker be a team player and fit into
the organization.

,The behavioral job interview is based on the theory that past performance is
the best indicator of future behavior, and uses questions that probe specific
past behaviors, such as: "tell me about a time where you confronted an
unexpected problem," "tell me about an exoerience when you failed to achieve 57
 Getting Ready for
f'
a goal," and "give me a specific example of a time when 'you managed several
tile Job projects at once." lob-seekers need to prepare for these interviews by recalling
scenarios that fit. the various types of behavioral interviewing questions.
Expect interviewers to have several follow-up questions and probe for details
that explore all aspects of cl given situation or experience. Recent college
graduates with little work experience should focus on class projects and group
situations that might lend themselves to these types of questions. Hobbies and
volunteer work also might provide examples you could use.

lob-seekers should frame their answers based on a four-part outline:

(1) describe the situation
(2) . discuss the actions you took
(3) relate the outcomes
(4) specify what you learned from it.

Home Page: http://www.quintcareers.com/

Email: [email protected]
Copyright © Quintessential Careers. All Rights Reserved

Check your progress 3

Summary number 3

Activity 4

• Generalizations N
• Relaxed manner P
• Alert, responsive attitude P
• Discrete use of humour P
• Long pauses N
• Condescending or withdrawn N
• Spontaneous replies P

Activity 6

Missing words are given in bold:

Walk-in Interviews are becoming increasingly popular these days. They help
companies and organizations to 1 source personnel to meet their 2 immediate
need. In today's business world where growth and achievement of 3 target is
the mantra, companies sometimes need staff on 4 short notice for time bound
projects. For these kind of needs they may not want to wait for the 5 elaborate
procedure adopted for regular appointments.

Hence in order to tackle a projected 6 shortfall in target, to upgrade the target

with a view to tap improving opportunities in the market, meet the 7
unexpected demand in products and services, to fill the 8 gap in human
resource availability in-house due to increasing attrition, etc. companies 9
resort to walk-in interviews. . .

Generally candidates in marketing and sales, production and technical staff,

operational staff and many other categories find 19 opportunities in walk-in
interview venues. Companies .. advertise the interview schedule. and. u
positions to be filled, along with venue details and offers. .

58
Usually successful walk-in candidates get an offer 12 instantly, and are . Preparing and
required to join the company immediately. There are some 13 disadvantages Facing Interviews
too, viz., many walk-in opportunities are temporary or short-term; or if
otherwise, many times companies find it difficult to 14 retain these
employees. For freshers and candidates who are not 15 employed currently,
these opportunities help them to get employed immediately.

If you are in the process of getting ready for the job market and are ready with
your profile, self assessment and all set to 16 justify the claims you have
made in your CV, you stand a good chance of being able to 17 tackle the
requirements of a walk-in interview. A lot of the questions you will be asked
are similar to the regular interviews.

In order to be successful in such interviews candidates need to be in a state of

18 preparedness at all times. The interviewers are aware of the fact that these
are impromptu affairs and review the candidates accordingly. However,
candidates whose basic skills are well developed and have good overall 19
world knowledge and general 20 awareness as well as suitable skill sets have
a good chance of success in such interviews. Another important factor is your
ability to 21 communicate and to present yourself. If these are well /

developed, they give you the right amount of 22 confidence and -comfort to
deal with the needs of walk-in interviews.

Acthtity 7

Benefit
1 We all benefited greatly from the revised pay scales.
2 Some companies lay a lot of stress on medical benefits.
3 Who will be the beneficiary of my insurance if something happened to
me?
4 All permanent jobs offer certain benefits.
5 It is beneficial to find out about pension schemes or retirement
benefits before you join a job.

Review ,
1 It is good to ask someone knowledgeable to review your CV.
2 How often do you review the performance of your employees?
3 We carryout performance reviews of all employees in December.
4 Salaries are normally reviewed annually,

59
 UNIT 35: GROUP DISCUSSION
Structure

35.0 Objectives
35.1 Warm up
35.2 Reading
35.3 Writing Skills
35.4 Listening: How to be Successful in a Group Discussion
35.5 Study Skills
35.6 Language Focus
35.7 Vocabulary
35.8 Speaking .
35.9 Grammar: Linking Words (Revision)
35.10 Pronunciation: Collocations
35.11 Let Us Sum Up
35.12 Answers

35.0 OBJECTIVES

Group discussions are part of the admission procedure in many Institutes of

Higher Education. Besides, they also play a major role in the recruiting
process for various administrative and high level posts in Business
organizations. The objective of this Unit is to find answers to questions like:

• What is it that makes Group Discussions an important tool of

assessment?
• What is a Group Discussion?
• What does Group Discussions assess?
• Methods and procedures in Group Discussions.
<. Group Discussion skills.
• Language for Group Discussions.
• Assessment Criteria

35.1 WARM UP

How efficiently and' effectively.

people get along with 'one another,
respect each others" ideas, and
resolve their inevitable professional
nnd linguistic differences is going
to result in successor failure.

To what extent do you agree with

the above statement'i: .

35.2 READING

Check your progressI

Complete the following text on G:0UP Discussions by inse, ling the

60 appropriate sentences from the ones given below the passage in jumbled order.
 - ,.,

The 21st century has witnessed an increased focus and dependence on Group. Discussion
technology. Consequently we spend a lot of time in front of our computers.
1 .
......................... ..................Regardless of the use of Information
technology, major decisions and sales are made on the basis of interpersonal
communication. 2.: .

In the world of Sales, it's often said that people don't just buy products; they
buy concepts sold to them through the ideas and feelings of their salesperson.
3 ...................................................................•..........................
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Some of the most important interpersonal
communication skills necessary to communicate effectively face-to-face
include speaking and listening, establishing rapport, and understanding and
accommodating differences when communicating across personality, gender, ..
and cultural lines. 4 .
• • • • • • • • • • ~: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• .I ••••••• ;. ••••••••••••••••• '.1 •••••••• '.0 • • •• •

A Group Discussion is a test of the interpersonal

communication skills of a candidate.
5 · .
....... .... .......... ...... .. .......................... ............
It assesses the capacity of a person to interact
constructively as member of a group and to make a
meaningful contribution to the discussion. You can do
so only if you have a good knowle-dgebase, the ability
to structure your arguments logically and the skill to communicate your ideas
effectively.

A Plain and simple, people like to do business with people they like.
B Hence the importance of interpersonal communicative skills cannot be
overstated.
C These precisely are the skills required for Group Discussions.
D It is often used as a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of a person in
a group activity.
E If we're not careful, we may lose-the ability to communicate effectively
face-to-face.

Types of Group Discussions

1· A topic is given to the group by the GD Coordinator and the

participants are asked to discuss it for a duration of 15-20 minutes.
Sometimes participants are asked to decide a topic by themselves.
They are then given 3 - 5 minutes to think about the topic before the
GD actually starts.

2 A printed case study is given to the group and the candidates are given
time to read the case before they actually begin the discussion. In this
method of group discussion the following procedure is recommended:

• Enumerate the facts of the case

• Define symptoms
• Identify problem
• . Suggest solution / solutions
61
 Getting Ready JOT Check your progress 2
the Job
Which one out of the two types of discussions would require more preparation
time and why?

Check your answer with the Answer section.

;'

Some more Food/for Thought

o Be assertive but not aggressive
o Ensure you 'get enough airtime
o Build up a good knowledge base
o Structure your ideas logically - convey your ideas
convincingly
o Contribute meaningfully to achieve the right consensus
o Speak first only if you have something sensible to say
o Display leadership by
..-' Initiating discussion, interpreting topic, carrying, discussion forward
: - 'Not allowing high performers to overshadow non-performers
- Giving a patient ear to dissenting views
- Not allowingthe group to drift away from the main topic
o Avoid verbosity and wordiness
o Give examples to illustrate and substantiate your arguments
o Use a conversational style & be friendly - interact constructively
o Be attentive throughout the GD - be a good listener
o Help restore order in times of chaos
o Provide a fresh direction when the group is floundering
o Try to resolve contradictions
-0 Synthesize arguments
o Summarize the discussion at the end
o Give the right signals through your body language - show attentiveness by
looking into the eyes of the speaker, lean forward to listen
o Address the speaker, not the moderator '
o Thank the moderators while walking out of the hall
o Do not ask them to comment on your performance

Check your progress 3

Read the above mentioned do's and don'ts carefully again. Pick out the 5
don'ts from these given tips. The first one is done for you as an example.

1 Do not be aggressive. 4
2 5
3

35.3 WRITING SKILLS

Check your progress 4

Elaborate upon the following tips listed above by explaining them in your own
words. The first one is done, for you as an example.

1 Be assertive but not aggressive

State your ideas and views clearly and emphatically without allowing
62 others. to dominate you or prevent you from asserting vourself'.Be an
 active, vocal participant and not a mere listener. But at the same time Group Discussion
do not go overboard and become condescending or contemptuous. Nor
should you prevent others from stating their viewpoints. That would be
aggressiveness.
2 Ensure you get enough airtime.
3 Build up a good knowledge base.

Now check what you have written with what is given in the Answer Section.

35.4 LISTENING: HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN A

GROUP DISCUSSION
•
Listen to a speaker telling you about how to be successful in a group
discussion.

Check your progress 5

On the basis of what the speaker says, state whether the following statements
are True or False:

You must contribute towards reaching a consensus.

11 In order to be heard you must speak for at least 15 minutes.
III You can make a meaningful contribution even if you do not know
much about the topic being discussed.
IV A fish market scenario is one where each one tries to talk at the same
time and emphasize his,' her point of view .
.v If you fail to contribute towards reaching a consensus it means' you are
not very good at team work.
VI A good listener agrees with what others say.
vii In the end you must summarize only your own point of view.

35.5 STUDY SKILLS

As you are aware, Group Discussions are often used as part of selection!
recruitment procedure by Institutions and Business Organizations.

Here is a list of some of the abilities that the evaluators look for in
participants. Do you think you can add at least two more to the list? You may
get some clues from the section 'Some Food for Thought'.
III
, Intelligence
Depth of understanding
• Ability to think independently

, .
• Ability to articulate thoughts
Ability to appreciate another's point of view
-
Ability to relate to other people
,

Assessment Criteria
The participants of Group Discussions are
evaluated by a panel of experts. Here are
most of the areas on which they would mark
you on their evaluation sheets. It would be
extremely helpful to keep these in mind when
you participate in Group Discussions: 63
 Getting Ready for
tlte Job
o Command over spoken English - it should be logical, coherent, correct,
. appropriate
o Knowledge base - authentic information - genuine facts and figures
o Convincing power - cogent, decent and constructively forceful attitude
o Discourse management - coping with twists and turns of arguments
o Body Language - eye contact, body posture, attentiveness
o Maturity - candidate must not 'bully' others or take undue advantage to
prove himself/herself a 'leader'.
o Listening - intelligent and analytical
o Supplementing - responding and adding to what another has said before
initiating a fresh turn
o Initiative and Assertiveness

Beneficial Team Behaviour

o Initiate discussions,
o Seek information and opinions
o Suggest procedures for reaching a goal/consensus
o Clarify or elaborate ideas
o Summarize
o Act as a gate-keeper, direct conversational traffic, avoid' simultaneous
conversations
o Subdue dominant talkers, make room for reserved and shy people
o Keep the discussion from digressing
o Be flexible and creative in resolving differences

A consolidated task based on the inputs given in this section is given in the
speaking section.

35.6 LANGUAGE FOCUS

Here is some helpfullanguageJor group discussions:,

• Stating an opinion
It seems to me ...
In my view ...
I tend to think ...
Its obvious that. ..
I believe .
Clearly, .

• Interrupting
Excuse me, may I ask for a clarification on this ...
If I may interrupt. ..
Sorry to interrupt but. .

• Handling Interruptions
Sorry, please let me finish :..
If I may finish what I am saying .
Could you please allow me to complete what I'm saying ,

• Moving the discussion on

Can we go on to think about. .....
64 I think we should now move on to consider .
 • Expressing Agreement Group Discussion
I totally agree
I agree entirely
I quite agree
I couldn't agree more
Absolutely I precisely lexactly /
I think you're right

• Expressing disagreement
I don't agree at all
I totally disagree
I think quite differently on this
I don't really think so
I'm afraid I can't agree with you there

• Checking comprehension / reformulating

- To put that another way .
If I follow you correctly .
So what you're saying is .
Does that mean .
Are you saying .

• Making a suggestion
I suggest that. ...
We could .....
Perhaps we should .
It might be worth .
What about ?
Why don't we ?

35.7 VOCABULARY

Check your progress 6

Read the text and use the right form of the word in the bracket to form a word
that fits in the numbered space. The first one is done for you as an example.

The 1 surest (sure) way of antagonizing others in the GD as well as the

examiner is to appoint yourself as a de facto 2 (chair) of the group.
Do not try to impose a system whereby e.veryone gets a chance to speak in
turn. A GD is meant to be a free 3 (flow) discussion. Let it proceed
naturally. Do not ever try to take a vote on the topic. A vote' is no substitute
for discussion.

Do not address only one or two persons when 4 (speak). Maintain

eye contact with as many members of the group as possible. This will involve
others in what you are saying and increase your 5 (chance )of
carrying them with you. Do this even if you are 6 (answer) a
specific point raised by one person.

Word Collocations: In the English language many words occur in groups or

pairs naturally or habitually. These are called word collocations. Example: a
quick temper, The exercise that follows has collocations with verbs. The first
one is done for you as an example.
'.
0·.' 65
 Getting Ready JOT Check your progress 7
the Job
Combine the words in the two columns to make word collocations.

Build eye contact (Answer: Build a consensus)

11 Restore arguments
111 Take ideas convincingly
IV Resolve contradictions
V Synthesize dissenting viewpoints
VI Accommodate responsibility
Vll Maintain a consensus
V111 Summarize order
IX Provide decisions
X Convey a fresh direction
xi Accept your objective
XlI Define the discussion

35.8 SPEAKING

Practice your group discussion skills by arranging to meet with your study
partners. Select any of these topics and conduct your discussion. Remember to
apply the tips we have given you, the do's and don'ts as well as the formulaic
language given in the unit. Ask someone to assess you on the basis of the
assessment criteria given in the unit. Some excerpts of a possible model are
given for the first topic.

1 What ails Indian sports?

Speaker 1: There is no doubt about the fact that Indian sports has
come a long way from what it was in the early days of Independence.
However, we also cannot deny that looking at our population and
potential, we Indians have not achieved much in the area of Sports. I
am of the view that lack of infrastructure is the biggest problem that
we face. This is particularly true of smaller towns and the
countryside .

Speaker 2: I quite agree with what you say about the lack of facilities
in small places. But don't you think that a lot of the facilities available
in the bigger towns are
underutilized? .

Speaker 3: I'm afraid I don't really agree with you there. Many
children wish to make use of the infrastructure but the professional
sports persons and sometimes the administrators do not really allow
everyone to make use of the facilities. Besides the fee for some of
these stadiums is .

'Speaker 4: If I may add here, that besides lack of infrastructure, there

is also a great deal of political interference in sports. On many
occasions the deserving players are not selected. For example take the
case of , .
66
 2 Is coalition politics here to stay? Group Discussion .
3 Should colas be banned for the safety of public health?
4 The cable TV invasion.
5 Education and success - is there a cprrelation?

35.9 GRAMMAR: LINKING WORDS (REVISION)· ;

This passage on whether it is a good strategy to be an opening speaker in a

group discussion hC;lSsome important linking words missing. These may be
relativepronouns, conjunctions, conditionals or determiners.

, Check your progress 8

Complete the paragraph with the words from the box.

therefore otherwise or
if
I. who and

In most GD's the opening speaker is the person 1 is likely to get

the maximum uninterrupted airtime. The reason is simple. At the start most
other participants in the GD are still trying to understand the basic issues in
the topic, 2 are too nervous to speak 3 are waiting for
someone else to start. 4 the evaluators get the best chance to
observe the opening speaker. Now this is a double-edged sword.
5 the opening speaker talks sense, naturally he will get credit
because he .opened and took the group in the right direction.6 on the
other hand, the first speaker doesn't make too much sense, he will attract the
undivided attention of the evaluators to his shortcomings. He will be marked
as a person 7 speaks without thinking merely for the sake of
speaking. He will be seen as someone who leads the group in the wrong
direction 8 . does not make a positive contribution to the group. So
remember, speaking first is a high-risk high-return strategy. It can make
9 mar your GD performance depending how you handle it. Speak first
onlylO you have something sensible to say. 11 keep
quiet and let someone else start.

Confirm your answers by checking with the 'Answer Section'.

35.10 PRONUNCIATION: COLLOCATIONS

Here are some more collocations. You can hear them on the audio CD. Repeat
as you hear each one.

i cost control
11 market share
III express an opnuon
IV draw a conclusion
v break the deadlock
VI illustrate the point
vii beside the point
Vlll made any headway
ix reach a compromise
x for the time being 67
 Getting Ready for 35.11 LET US SUM UP
the Job

In this Unit you learnt about:

• What is a Group Discussion?

• The importance of GD as a tool for assessment
• Types of Group Discussions
• Assessment criteria for aDs
• Language used in GDs
• Do's and don'ts for GDs
• How to take part in an actual group discussion
• Word collocations

35.12 ANSWERS

Check your progress 1

The 21 st century has witnessed an increased focus and dependence on

technology. Consequently we spend a lot of time in front of our computers.
E. If we're not careful, we may lose the ability to communicate effectively
face-to-face. Regardless of the use of Information technology, major
decisions and sales are made on the basis of interpersonal communication.
B. Hence the importance of interpersonal communicative skills cannot
be overstated.

In the world of Sales, it's often said that people don't just buy products; they
buy concepts sold to them through the ideas and feelings of their salesperson.
A. Plain and simple, people like to do business with people they like.
Some of the most important interpersonal communication skills necessary to
communicate effectively face-to-face include speaking and listening,
establishing rapport, and understanding and accommodating differences when
communicating across personality, gender, and cultural lines. C. These
precisely are the skills required for Group Discussions.

A Group Discussion is a test of the interpersonal communication skills of a

candidate. D. It is often used as a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of a
person in a group activity. It assesses the capacity of a person to interact
constructively as member of a group and to make a meaningful contribution to
the discussion. You can do so only if you have a good knowledge base, the
ability to structure your arguments logically and the skill to communicate your .
ideas effectively.

Check your progress 2

Types of group discussions

More preparation time will be required for the Case Study based group
discussion because the candidates need to be given time to read and
understand the case before they begin their discussion .

. Check your progress 3

1 Do not be aggressive.
68
11 Do not allow high performers to overshadow low performers.
111 Do not allow the group to drift away from the main topic. Group Discussion
IV Do not be verbose and wordy.
V Do not ask moderators to comment on your performance.

Check your progress 4

2 Ensure you get enough airtime

It is for you to make sure that you take the opportunity to present your
viewpoints and arguments and speak for enough time to make a
creative and meaningful contribution to the discussion. The airtime is
the amount of time you speak.

3 Build up a good knowledge base.

Building up a wide knowledge base means increasing your knowledge
and general awareness so that you are well equipped with information
and viewpoints. This can be done by doing a lot of 'general reading
from newspapers, magazines and books. Listening to or watching
pragrammes on current affairs, social welfare, economics, commerce,
environment, etc can also be extremely useful.

35.4 Listening: How to be Successful in a Group Discussion·

In order to succeed at any unstructured group discussion, you must define

what your objective in the group is. A good definition of your objective is - to
be seen to have contributed meaningfully in an attempt to achieve the right
consensus. The key words in this definition are 'seen', 'meaningfully', and
'attempt' .

Let us understand what each of these imply in terms of action points:

The first implication is that merely making a meaningful contribution in an

attempt to achieve consensus is not enough. You have to be seen by the
evaluator to have made a meaningful contribution in an attempt to build the
right consensus. In other words, you must ensure that you are heard by the
group. If the group hears you so will the evaluator. You must get at least some
airtime. If you are not a very assertive person you will have to simply learn to
be assertive for those 15 minutes.

The second important implication is that making just any sort of contribution
is not enough. Your contribution has to be meaningful. A meaningful
contribution suggests that you have a good knowledge base, are able to
structure arguments logically and are a good communicator. These are
qualities that are desired by all evaluators.

One way of deciding what sort of contribution is meaningful at what point of

time is to follow two simple rules. '

First, in times of chaos, a person who restores order to the group is

appreciated. Your level of participation in a fish market kind of scenario can
be low, but your degree of influence must never be low. In other words,
you must make positive contributions every time you speak, and not merely
speak for the sake of speaking. The second rule is applicable when the group
is floundering. In this situation a person who provides a fresh direction to the
group is given credit. 69
 Getting Ready for The third implication is that you must be clearly seen to be attempting to build
the Job a consensus. Nobody expects a group often people, all with different points of
view on a controversial subject to actually achieve a consensus. But did you
make the attempt to build a consensus? The reason why an attempt to build a
consensus is important is because in most work situations you will have to
work with people in a team, accept joint responsibilities and take decisions as
a group. You must demonstrate the fact that you are capable and inclined to
work as pa~ of a,team. What are the ways that you can try to build consensus? .

Firstly, you don't just talk. You also listen. You must realize that other people
also may have valid points to make. You should not only try to persuade other
people to your point of view, but also come across as a person who has an
open mind and appreciates the valid points of others.

You must try and resolve contradictions and arguments of others in the group.
You must synthesize arguments and try and achieve a unified position in the
group. Try and summarize the discussion at the end. In the summary do not
merely restate your point of view; also accommodate dissenting viewpoints. If
the group did not reach a consensus, say so in your summary. You must carry
people with you.

One last point, you must not agree with another participant in the group
merely for the sake of achieving consensus. If you disagree, say so. You are
not there to attempt to build just any consensus. You have to attempt to build
the right consensus.

Check Your Progress 5

You must contribute towards reaching a consensus. TRUE

11 In order to be heard you must speak for at least 15 minutes. FALSE
111 You can make a meaningful contribution even if you do not know
much about the topic being discussed. FALSE
IV A fish market scenario is one where each one tries to talk at the same
time and einphasize his/ her point of view. TRUE
v If you fail to contribute towards reaching a consensus it means you are
not very good at team work. TRUE
VI A good listener agrees with what others say. FALSE
V11 In the end you must summarize only your own point of view. FALSE

Check your progress 6

The surest way of antagonizing others in the GD as well as the examiner is 10

appoint yourself as a de facto chairperson of the group. Do not try to impose
a system whereby everyone gets a chance to speak in turn. A GD is meant to
be a free flowing discussion. Let it proceed naturally. Do not ever try to take a
vote on the topic. A vote is no substitute for discussion.

Do not address only one or two persons when speaking. Maintain eye contact
with as many members of the group as possible. This will involve others in
what you are saying and increase your chances of carrying them with you.
70 Do this even if you are answering a specific point raised by one person.
 Check your progress 7 Group Discussion

I Build a consensus
11 Restore order
111 Take decisions
IV Resolve contradictions
v Synthesize arguments
VI Accommodate dissenting viewpoints
V11 Maintain eye contact
V111 Summarize the discussion.
,
IX Provide a fresh direction
X Convey ideas convincingly
Xl Accept responsibility
X11 Define your objective

Check your progress 8

Linking Words
In most GD's the opening speaker is the person I who is likely to get the
maximum uninterrupted airtime. The reason is simple. At the start most other
participants in the GD are still trying to understand the basic issues in the
topic, 3 or are too nervous to speak 4 and are waiting for someone else to
start. 5 Therefore the evaluators get the best chance to observe the opening
speaker. Now this is a double-edged sword. 6 !Lthe opening speaker talks
sense naturally he will get credit because he opened and took the group in the
right direction. 7 If on the other hand the first speaker doesn't have too much
s~nse to say, he will attract the undivided attention of the evaluators to his
shortcomings. He will be marked as a person 8 who speaks without thinking
merely for the sake of speaking, as someone who leads the group in the wrong
direction 9 and does not make a positive contribution to the group.

So remember, speaking first is a high-risk high return strategy. It can make 10

Q! mar your GD performance depending how you handle it. Speak first only
11 if you have something sensible to say. 12 Otherwise keep quiet and let
someone else start.

Pronunciation (tape script)

This is where the stress would be in any sentence with these collocations.

I 'cost con'trol
<.
11 'market 'share
. iii ex'press an o'pinion
IV 'draw a conc'lusion
v 'break the 'deadlock
VI 'illustrate the 'point
vu be'side the 'point
viii make any 'headway
lX reach a 'compromise
x for the 'time 'being

71
 QUESTIONNAIRE
-Dear students,
-
We are including a questionnaire in the last Block of this Programme and we
" would be very grateful if you take out time to fill it and send it to us. It will be
very useful feedback and help us in continuously revising the material. You
must therefore give us your frank views.

1. Your favourite units are (give reasons)

2. r'he units vou did not like are (give reasons)

3. The level of language in the courses: Tick the right option

• . Easy to understand
• Can manage some units
• O.K.
• Couldn't understand most ofthe units
iP Very difficult

4. . Topics covered': Tick the right option

• Very interesting and useful
• Interesting and useful
• O.K
• Not very useful and interesting,
• Not useful at all

5. Activity Types: Tick the right option

• Very interesting and useful .
• Interesting and useful
• O.K
• Not very useful and interesting'
• Not useful at all

6. Any other comments:

Please send this questionnaire to:

Prof. Anju S. Gupta
Course Coordinator
School of Humanities
LG.N.O.U
Maidan Garhi
New Delhi-ll0"068
72
 .
. MPDD-IGNOU~.O.1 T/Aug,2.015 (Reprint)
. .
.1

ISBN: 978-81-266-4666-1