10 Tips To Protect Eyes From Computer Strain

DO THESE EXERCISES TO TREAT A LAZY EYE 

There is a new kind of ailment that affects young people these days. It is called the computer eye strain. If you do not protect your eyes from the computer screen, you will end up suffering from this condition too. The brightness of the screen puts pressure on the eyes. And staring at the screen continuously can also change the shape of the retina. So, you must learn how to protect your eyes from the computer screen. There are many simple changes you need to make in your computer in order to keep your eyes safe. Computer eye strain can be easily avoided if you put a barrier between your eyes and the screen. You might find the following eye protection tips interesting. Try these tips to protect your eyes from the computer screen.

Lower The Screen Brightness

       

 As you have to keep looking at the computer screen for the whole day as a part of your job, at least lower the screen brightness. The glare from the screen makes your eyes water.


Wear Glasses Instead Of Lenses


       

If you wear contact lenses while working on the computer, it can damage your eyes. Lenses make your eyes dry and do not function as a physical barrier between the screen and your eyes.

Wear Anti-Glares 
      

If you have to wear glasses anyway, add an anti-glare layer to them. All eye care providers and spectacle shops have the option of anti-glares these days.

Blink As Often As You Can
       

 We are so engrossed in our work that we often forget to blink, this makes our eyes to become dry. Make a conscious effort to blink as often as you can so that your eyes stay moist.

Maintain Distance From The Screen

       

 Always maintain a decent Distance from the computer screen while working. That is why, it is often better to use desktops as compared to tablets and laptops.

Increase The Font Size 

         

When you are trying to read something or write quickly, always use a large font size. This reduces the pressure that is being put on your eyes while using the computer.

Do Not Squint Never squint 
      

when you are trying to read something on the screen. Your tablet or phone has the option of 'maximise', so put it to best use. Squinting really damages your eyes.

Add Screen Optical Guard

     

 Some people add an optical screen guard over their computer screens to protect their eyes. It may be one of the best ways to reduce the strain on your eyes.

Roll Your Eyes 
     

Focussing your eyes continuously on the computer screen might make your eyes lazy. So roll your eye over once in a while so that your eyes get some real exercise.

Zero Power Glasses 
      

Even if you have perfect 6 by 6 vision, it might be worth your money to get yourself some zero power glasses. The glasses help to protect your eyes from the direct glare of the computer screen.

Read More

10 Homemade Besan Face Packs For All Skin Types

Besan or gram’s flour is an age old super hit granny’s recipe to fight out a number of skin problems like dull lifeless skin, acne, pimples, dark skin, blemish buster and for removal of unwanted hair. Besan has been documented since traditional times as an ingredient to many beauty and spa treatments. It is inexpensive and is easily available in everyone’s kitchen!!

Gram Flour tends to be alkalizing in nature – to make them slightly acidic; it is often used together with lemon or yogurt. This mixture when applied onto skin – attracts the toxins and dust which are lodged deep into the pores of the skin. Thus the concoction has good cleansing and anti-microbial properties which are beneficial to our skin.

Below are some recipes for homemade Besan face packs:

Yogurt Besan Face Pack for Oily Skin :

Besan Face packs made at home are great for oily skin because besan helps to absorb and remove excess oil.

Pack 1: Mix Besan (gram flour) along with rose water. Apply on the face, let it dry and wash off.
Pack 2: Besan mixed with curd/milk face pack also works good  for oily skinned. Make a thick paste of curd/milk and besan. Apply on the face and keep it for 20 minutes before washing it off.

Face packs with Besan for Dry Skin:

Gram flour works on all the skin types making it an ideal candidate as a cleansing agent. Dry skin can use homemade face packs made with besan, full cream/milk, honey and a pinch of turmeric. Apply this regularly on the face. The ingredients of the face pack will maintain the moisture levels of your skin and avoid dryness.

Face masks with Gram Flour for Acne or pimple prone skin:

Pimple prone skin needs to be looked after because mostly pimple prone skin tends to be little sensitive too. Always stick to natural ingredients if your skin is sensitive.

Pack 1: Mix gram flour and warm honey. Apply this paste regularly to your face. The anti-microbial properties of honey will definitely help curb pimples.
Pack 2: Mix Gram Flour, sandalwood powder, turmeric and rose water into a paste. Apply on the face and wash off after 20 minutes.

Gram Flour Face masks for Blemishes and Open Pores:

A paste of besan and cucumber juice will help reduce the blemishes and also tightens pores.

Besan Face Pack for Skin Whitening:

To bleach your skin naturally, Ground 4 almonds. Mix it with half teaspoon besan and half teaspoon of milk and lemon juice. Apply this paste on your face for 30 mins and allow the bleaching effect to occur.

For dry skin: homemade face pack of besan, lemon juice, full cream and honey also works better.

For Oily Skin: Replace the full cream with sandalwood powder or curd. These packs will lighten your skin tone and help in tan removal. Gram Flour Homemade face pack, dried orange peel powder and milk powder applied regularly will ensure you have smooth and fairer skin.

These besan face pack for fairness options work wonders for both dry and oily skin!

Besan Face Mask to remove unwanted Facial Hair:

Mix gram flour with little water and apply on the desired area. Scrub it off when it completely dries. You can also add fenugreek powder to the mixture.

Besan Face Mask to treat Dark Legs, arms and neck:

Apply til oil daily and massage. Afterwards, mix besan, turmeric, lemon and curd and apply it thrice a week. Wash it off after keeping it for 30 minutes. Follow this by massaging til oil again.

Read More

Effective Home Remedies To Treat Viral Infections

As humans, we are exposed to bacteria and viruses, some of them good for us and important to our existence and others not so good! These invisible organisms can cause infections and diseases. Bacterial and viral infections also change with time and season of the year. While few viral infections can cause and lead to life threatening situations, others are merely due to changes in season and time or exposure to new environment. We cannot possible stay hidden from these infections. But we need not panic either! You can use simple home remedies to treat viral infections—efficiently and cheaply.

Top 16 Home Remedies For Viral Infections:

Here is a list of top 16 home remedies for treating viral infections:

Common Cold And Cough:

Common cold is aptly named! It can strike any time round the year, depending on one’s susceptibility to the infection. Many of us catch cold and get a coughing fit during change of seasons, which is usually transmitted from one person to another through contact and exposure. Common cold can be caused by many different viruses and the few common ones are rhinovirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus. Depending on the severity of infection, the symptoms can last a few days to about a few weeks. Some home remedies that you can use to treat common cold are:

1. Drink Lukewarm Water Or Hot Beverages:

Cold and cough can leave your mouth and throat cold and dry. So, it is paramount to drink plenty of liquid. Warm or lukewarm water, herbal tea with honey, lemon and ginger is a good way to cure that sore throat. Also, one can add tea and coffee for relief, but it is important to keep it to it a minimum as it could lead to dehydration.

2. Use Steam:

                     

Cold and cough causes excessive production of mucus and leads to blockage of the respiratory tract and nasal passage. To get relief from blockage and open the respiratory tract, use steam. Boil some water in a shallow bowl and slowly breathe the steam in and let it fill you. You should feel the warmth on our face as well. Be careful not to burn yourself with excessive steam and be cautious when you handle the boiling water. Post steaming, keep yourself covered for a while to let the warmth have its effect.

3. Use Ginger, Black Pepper And Fennel Seeds:

Boil finely grated ginger, black pepper and fennel seeds and reduce water to half. Let this concoction cool down a bit, and then have it warm for relief. Alternatively, one can also gargle with hot water and a pinch of salt added to it to get relief from cold and the mucus that blocks the throat.

Flu:

Many people contract what is known as the flu and some people also refer it to as influenza. Influenza can sometimes become even life threatening. Children are often given a vaccination against the disease as it could lead to complications. However, it is the common flu we will be discussing here.

4. Have Soup:

Soup works effectively for the flu. You can just churn up some hot soup in your kitchen and have it. Chicken soup or any soup that you like should do the trick and soothe your irritated throat. It is also known to help with the infection.

                             

5. Garlic:

Flu can be quite a persistent. Garlic helps take care of flu as it has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Cooking it too much can make it ineffective, so, it is best to take garlic in its raw form. Finely dice or grate 2-3 cloves of garlic and consume it with water. If you can manage, try to chew the cloves in your mouth for the enzymes to be released. Garlic works to cure the symptoms more effectively.

6. Vinegar:

Vinegar is known to help in cases of flu as it is alkaline in nature and balances the body’s alkaline levels, and alkaline is not the best environment in the body for viruses to grow. So, having apple cider vinegar is a great to cure flu. The way to have the applecidervinegar is simple. Add a spoon to a glass of water and have directly. Have it a couple of times a day to fight flu and get rid of the viral infection.

7. Edlerberry Or Sambucus Syrup:

Edlerberry or Sambucus syrup is commonly used to treat flu. It has anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties. It is also rich in anthocyanin, which is an anti-inflammatory agent. In case of flu, one might experience trouble thanks to the swelling. Elderberry Syrup is easily available for consumption and one can get it from the market and have it in green tea or just take a spoon early morning.

Bronchitis:

Bronchitis can be caused both by virus and bacteria and can lead to life threatening situations, but mostly can be taken care off at home if it has not developed into an acute case of bronchitis.

8. Almond:

The simple and most important single thing the Indian mothers put in our hands each morning are the soaked almonds. Almonds are a rich source of nutrients and vitamins. It also contains magnesium and calcium. It has amazing healing power for respiratory illnesses. So, if you are suffering from bronchitis, have enough almonds and consume them in any manner you like or are comfortable with.

9. Onions:

Onions and honey can treat bronchitis at home. Onions are good for the flow of mucus as these are loaded with expectorants. Honey is an amazing anti-biotic, which helps to build resistance against diseases. There are two ways to have onions.

• Make thin slices of onion and cover them with a few spoons of honey. Leave the onions and honey overnight. The aim is to ensure that the onions are covered in honey, so that the onions can soak properly. Have a spoon at regular intervals during the day for relief.
• Alternately, onions in any form are good. But try to have them raw as far as possible, like in sandwiches, salads or even in baked items if you can.

10. Chilies:

Chilies make you sweat and your nose run every time you have too much of them. The cayenne pepper will help you produce more mucus and clear out all kinds of blockages and help you breathe easy. So, increase your chilli intake a little and get rid of the mucus to breathe easy.

11. Lemon:

The good old lemon is one of the best home treatments for bronchitis. While many would recommend its use along with green tea and honey, it can also be consumed by taking 1 teaspoon of the rind of lemon and grating it into water to make lemon tea. Boil the water or just take 1 cup water and add lemon wedges to it and let it boil. Use a sieve to strain it and consume the same. Lemon is a good way to kill bacteria and virus. It also keeps infection under control.

12. Thyme:

Thyme is an effective ingredient that perpetuates through all global cuisines and kitchens across the world. But, very few of us actually know that thyme fights infections and helps take care of lung infections by strengthening the lungs. There are 3 ways to use thyme for healing purposes:

• The easiest is to use it as an herb. Season your food with it and at the same time ensure that you get the necessary supply to heal the lungs and strengthen them
• The second option is to take one cup water, bring it to boil and add a few leaves of thyme, boil it properly, sieve it and add honey to consume this concoction.
• Last but not the least, thyme oil is also available in the market these days. So, use thyme oil to massage or rub the chest area to clear congestion and get some warmth for relief of all the pain and breathing problems.

Gastroenteritis:

More commonly known as the stomach flu, this one is the main cause of stomach problems. It comes with symptoms like throwing up, diarrhea, and upset stomach with severe pain and cramping. One might want to get treated of this illness at the earliest as it spreads easily. The viral infection needs to be treated well in time and with caution.

13. Take Rest And Eat Light:

Avoid what you can’t handle as your stomach needs good amount of rest. If an infant is suffering from this problem, it is important to avoid milk products and heavy solids as they might give way to increasing the problem. Stay at home and take rest. Also, since you suffer from dehydration, it is important to give your body ample amount of liquids at regular intervals. So, have water at regular intervals and eat light. The first thing to treat this problem is to avoid anything that stresses the digestive system.

14. Ginger Or Peppermint Tea:

Have ginger or peppermint tea to get some relief as peppermint will help soothe the stomach and reduce the spasms in the stomach that cause severe cramping and intense pain. It also soothes your overall digestive system and provides instant and temporary relief from all the pain. When making tea you can add ginger and add honey, and drink the tea to soothe stomach pain and bring down the inflammation in your digestive tract. If you are comfortable, take some ginger, dice it into small pieces and chew it to release the enzymes and minerals in the mouth.

15. Use Ice Chips:

Fever is also an accompaniment of gastroenteritis and you can have ice chips to hydrate the body and at the same time bring your body temperature down. Use ice chips throughout the day as it will also make your stomach and oesophagus feel better with the cooling sensation.

16. Follow BRAT Diet:

BRAT diet can work wonders when one is suffering from gastroenteritis. BRAT is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, apples and toast. All these foods are high in fibre content and also are easy for the stomach to digest. It is a good way to help your stomach recover. Also, add yoghurt to your meals as this is rich in nutrients and bacteria that help improve digestion and make stomach healthier and stronger.

For all the above problems, if the symptoms persist longer than usual, it is important to visit your doctor and discuss your problem. Viral infections can often swirl out of control and lead to life threatening situations. Home remedies are effective and should work if you catch the problem in the first few days. So, make sure you diligently follow the home remedies to treat the problem.

However, if you are unable to see effective results, visit your doctor and get the medication you need.

Try these home remedies the next time you are down with a viral infection. They will help you heal—quickly and naturally!

Read More

50 Common Interview Questions and How to face

Common Interview Questions

                                 

Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read the questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.

(Excerpted from the book The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D, published by The Management Advantage, Inc.)
                                   

• 1. Tell me about yourself: The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
• 2. Why did you leave your last job? Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
• 3. What experience do you have in this field? Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
• 4. Do you consider yourself successful? You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
• 5. What do co-workers say about you? Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
• 6. What do you know about this organization? This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
• 7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year? Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
• 8. Are you applying for other jobs? Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
• 9. Why do you want to work for this organization? This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.
• 10. Do you know anyone who works for us? Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.
• 11. What kind of salary do you need? A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
• 12. Are you a team player? You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
• 13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired? Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.
• 14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that? This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.
• 15. What is your philosophy towards work? The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
• 16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
• 17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position? If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.
• 18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
• 19. Why should we hire you? Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
• 20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
• 21. What irritates you about co-workers? This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
• 22. What is your greatest strength? Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude
• 23. Tell me about your dream job. Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can’t wait to get to work.
• 24. Why do you think you would do well at this job? Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
• 25. What are you looking for in a job? See answer # 23
• 26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with? Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
• 27. What is more important to you: the money or the work? Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
• 28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is? There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
• 29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
• 30. What has disappointed you about a job? Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
• 31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
• 32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely? Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.
• 33. What motivates you to do your best on the job? This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
• 34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends? This is up to you. Be totally honest.
• 35. How would you know you were successful on this job? Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful
• 36. Would you be willing to relocate if required? You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
• 37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead ofyour own? This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
• 38. Describe your management style. Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.
• 39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job? Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.
• 40. Do you have any blind spots? Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
• 41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for? Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
• 42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position? Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.
• 43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience? First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.
• 44. What qualities do you look for in a boss? Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.
• 45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute betweenothers. Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.
• 46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project? Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
• 47. Describe your work ethic. Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
• 48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment? Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.
• 49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job. Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
• 50. Do you have any questions for me? Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.

Read More

How to face GD

Freshers - How to face GD

                                   

A group discussion consists of -

1. Communication Skills
2. Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
3. Capability to co-ordinate and lead
4. Exchange of thoughts
5. Addressing the group as a whole
6. Thorough preparations

Communication Skills -

The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time create an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive impact.

It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the wordage produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that are evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating stages.

Ability to listen is also what evaluators judge. They look for your ability to react on what other participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to add some more points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a loner or can work in a group.

You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people. Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers specialized courses in public speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of courses like conversation skills, business communication skills, business writing, negotiation skills and presentation skills. Mostly people attend these courses to improve their communication skills. Students here are involved in activities which use communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and facilitate the classes. The course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people without any nervousness.

Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject -Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.

Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities -The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.

Exchange of Thoughts -A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions are held for selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high level of competition. The number of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.

The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about their skills, which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership skills, listening and articulation skills.

 A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are important points which are to be considered. .

Addressing the Group as a Whole -

                                           
In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may not know everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole.

Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like "yar", "chalta hai", "CP", "I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English) should be discarded.

Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do not exaggerate.

Thorough Preparation -Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is important to concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make it to the final list from 2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year.

It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four organizations but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared. 

In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a case study GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you should have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your group behaviour and communication skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the others and how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the course of the GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are open to accommodate others' viewpoints.

Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.

Points to Remember -

• Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
• Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
• Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
• If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
• A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
• A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
• Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
• Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
• Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
• Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.

Read More