How to succeed in virtual GD and PI?
MBA, TOP PGDM PROGRAM
Across the country, admissions to the top MBA and PGDM courses are in full swing. Students have been preparing for the last few months to put up a good performance in the selection process. We have already discussed how to prepare for the Group Discussion and the Personal Interview rounds in this blog. However, due to the Covid – 19 inspired shifts in our society and work culture, several top management colleges have moved their selection processes online. Though most students are familiar with online meeting platforms due to the need for live online classes during lockdowns, there might be some anxiousness about participating in an online selection process. This article is to help students overcome this anxiousness and perform well in online GDs and PIs.
Practice and Preparation
We have already posted a few articles on how you can prepare adequately and perform well in GDs and PIs. Please check the links for more details. Even though the situation may be slightly different, most things that are important for an in-person GD and PI applies to the virtual format as well. The expectations, the parameters on which candidates are evaluated, topics and format will all be the same. So, candidates need to prepare for their GDs and PIs keeping these in mind. This will also boost your confidence to face the selection process.
Digital Competence
The organisers of the virtual selection process will send you the link to your sessions a few days before the scheduled date. If they don’t receive the link, reach out to them and ask them about the platform they use for the process. Once you identify the platform, make sure to install the application in your computer and make sure it is updated to the latest version. Make sure your device is compatible with the software. If there are compatibility issues, update your device or borrow one for the selection process. Familiarize yourself with the application beforehand so that you are comfortable using it during the session and you don’t make mistakes at a crucial time. Organise a group video call with your friends or family to check your setup and to get feedback on how you appear on the call. You can also check for and fix any technical glitches during this dry run rather than doing it during the session. Before the session, once again check your audio and video to make sure everything is fine.
Setup an Interview Space
The online selection process can take time to complete, and you will get only one shot at making the best impression. Create a space for yourself that you will use for the online session. Most importantly, the space must have good internet connectivity. Make sure your Wi-Fi or dongle has a good signal in the location you have chosen to participate in the process. Subscribe to a high-speed internet plan so you have seamless connectivity during the video session. Additionally this space must provide privacy, where no one will disturb you or appear in the background of your video. It must be a quite space, so that loud background noises do not disrupt the session when you are unmuted. Use headphones or earphones with a mic to minimise noise disturbances and so that you can listen to the session without any distraction. The lighting should be placed such that it illuminates your face and as far as possible, make sure there are no lights behind you. The background is also important. Make sure the background of your video is simple without any movement and distracting elements. Blur your background if possible to highlight your face. Try to avoid using virtual backgrounds as they can be distracting to the other participants.
Personal Grooming
Even if you are attending the session virtually, you still need to make the right impression with the evaluators. Dress appropriately in formal wear for the selection process. Wash your face, comb your hair and look smart in the video. Adjust your camera such that your full face and at least some part of your upper torso can be clearly seen in the video. Make sure the colour of your clothes contrasts well with the background of your video. Dress for the virtual session in the exact way you would have appeared for an in-person session. This will help you get into the right mindset to compete in the selection process and show the evaluators that you are a serious candidate.
Practice Good Digital Etiquette
Ensure you practice good etiquette when you are on the video call. Join the call 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the online meeting. This will give you enough time to do a last-minute check of your audio and video and it may give you the time to interact informally with the evaluators, organisers and your fellow participants. Mute yourself when requested and don’t disrupt the session unnecessarily. However, be assertive during your GD round and put your points forward fearlessly. Keep your video on, unless you are asked to switch it off, to show that you are actively participating throughout the session. While speaking, maintain eye contact with your camera regularly so that the other participants and evaluators feel like you are speaking directly to them. Ensure your camera and screen are not too far apart, this will give the illusion of you maintaining eye contact even when you are just looking at the screen. Focus on how you are presenting yourself. Good body language can be recognised even virtually. Sit up straight and show that you are being attentive and actively participating in the session. By doing this, even before you speak, your confidence and personality will be evident to the evaluators.
Conclusion
Virtual GDs and PIs can seem like a daunting test for candidates who are not familiar with the format. But for a well-prepared individual, it can be easier than an in-person process. Afterall, you will be participating in the process from a space you are comfortable in. The challenges you will face will be a little different due to the different format. But as long as you are aware of them and prepare accordingly, you will breeze through the Virtual selection process
