You may have passed the written test round of the MBA selection process, and got a call for the next round, that is the group discussion. And you may think that this and the interview round are no hurdles after the test, and a mere formality. You cannot be more wrong. The group discussion or GD, and the interview after that, are the deciding stages. To get through these rounds and acquire a seat may be your dream, but a small folly can ruin your chances of making it to the best MBA institute in the country. The following tips seek to guide and help you achieve that dream. 

Tip 1 – Have a clear idea of your goals

You will be asked why you want to pursue an MBA. And how it will help you in your future endeavours. This question has to get your foremost and maximum attention. Get a clear idea as to why you want to do an MBA. Is it to join the rat race, because everyone is doing it, because you want a good high paying job, or something else. Whatever your motive, reflect upon it before you reach the venue

Tip 2 – Have honest answers

Whatever is asked to you, in a GD or interview, answer honestly. A fake and made up answer is easily caught. The people who are judging you can read minds and know by the way you speak and body language how true you are. So avoid sounding fake and making false claims. If you do not know an answer, say so and do not fumble, nor make up or be vague. It is natural to not know everything. Honesty is the key to success in this field.

Tip 3 – Look up Frequently asked questions and topics

This will be of great help. Generally they are the same. The interviewers do not test you on how good you are at answering the questions but how knowledgeable you are, and if you are intelligent. Finding out the frequent topics will enable you to think over the subjects. And help you to prepare in areas you are weak at. It will help you to not be nervous. 

Tip 4 – Do not mug up answers

You may try to be original but the ones watching over you have the capability to know when you have mugged up an answer or facts about a topic, and when your response is spontaneous. MBA is for the intelligent among us. Mugging is a deterrent and will portray a negative image of you. Do know the basics of topics and have the answers in your mind, but do not blurt.

Tip 5 – Have good and vast knowledge

For this you will have to start reading and researching. This is a difficult field and you have to be really interested in knowing things around you. A disinterested attitude and knowing just for the sake of the GD and interview, will not pay. If you are keen on doing an MBA, build up an interest to know things. Be inquisitive and read- books, newspapers, magazines, and on the internet.

Tip 6 – Revise your undergraduate subjects

You will be asked about your educational background especially your graduation. The interviewers are often interested in the candidate’s background. This determines their eligibility to be a part of the institute. Thus before you go for the interview, just browse through your graduation syllabus and notes to get an idea. If you are asked something, this revision will prevent your faltering. Not being able to respond favourably to such questions will indicate your lack of seriousness. 

Tip 7 – Be serious

It is important to look and sound serious. You may try to portray that you are confident and not nervous. But a thin line separates confidence and complacency. Do not at any cost give an impression that you are proud. 

Tip 8 – Be individualistic

Avoid copying others. Do not suffer from peer pressure. There are candidates who take the guidance of ex-students and end up trying to be like them. Have your own unique identity and put forth your skills and achievements. Assess yourself and highlight what you re good at. An individualist usually fares well in these rounds where the selectors have to choose the best of the lot. No one wants commoners in their institute.

Tip 9 – Be objective

Being individualistic is essential, but do not overdo it. In the group discussion, give your opinion but dot over emphasise them, or negate someone else’s views. You have to be able to respect what others think. Do not go to extremes defending or proving your point. You are being tested on how knowledgeable you are and not how affirmative. Any aggression on your part will prove you rash, unrelenting and rigid behaviour which are big dis-qualifiers.

Tip 10 – Practice mocks

Stand in front of the mirror, or ask your family members or friends to help you practise. Ask them to note your body language, tone, vocabulary and style as you speak. Take up topics and discuss with them. Or answer questions asked by them. This will not only help improvise the suggestions given by others, but also make you confident. Sometimes we fail to realise our flaws till pointed out. This exercise will do this for you. You will not stammer at the real test. 

These are a few ways that will help an aspirant fare well in the group discussion and interview round of an MBA selection process. These if practised will increase your chances of making it to the institute of your choice.