To answer these and various other queries related to personal interviews and group discussions, Sanmeet Sidhu hosted a chat with GA readers on January 19. 

For those of you who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:

varun asked, hi what is the basic thing for gd and pi

Sanmeet Sidhu answers,  at 2009-01-19 15:17:54it is basically a test of your group skills and personlaity. Certain imp management traits like initiative, lateral thinking, logical analysis need to be demonstarted

mamu asked, Hi Sanmeet, can u give me 10 tips to prepare for GDs and PIs?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, ~ Reading magazines and journals for an update on current affairs, with specific emphasis on opinion formation and clarity vis-�-vis controversial issues.
~ Watching news channels to develop an overall perspective vis-�-vis issues of contemporary importance, specifically the ones on socio-economic environment.
~ Undergoing practice GDs/Case Studies/ PIs for near real simulation of these activities. However, while doing so please ensure that the moderators are sufficiently equipped/ experienced to give you a constructive feedback. Further, you should be receptive to the inputs and incorporate them with a quick doze of skill and pragmatism.

vishalbmehta asked, Hello Sir, does High percentile (say 99.98) and good individual scores (say 99.97 in Quant, 99.92 in DI and 98.08 in English) guarantee a selection with mediocre interview in any of the IIMs (say ACLICK)(PGDM and PGDCM from Cal)? Or maybe MDI Gurgaon or NITIE, Mumbai [Images]?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, the IIMs look at your overall performance, like CAT scores, academic performance, experience profile and performance in GD/PI. However the proportions in which they are evaluated vary...eg at IIM-L, 50% evaluation happens before GD/PI and the balance 50% is done at the GD-PI round

aalekh asked, Sir, is extra curricular activities are more important even when u get above 99 percentile in CAT?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, your performance in CAT is one aspect of the overall selection process and demonstartes your quant and verbal aptitude.The extra curricular participation becomes important to test your ability to learn from sources other than academics and demonstrates a different aspect equally important for your candidature.

maddy asked, Hi...does any of the cat allied colleges like kj somaiya, nirma , mica etc stress on sectional cut offs

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, the selection norms and criteria vary from one year to another, so you can not judge on the basis of past trend analaysis; since all these B-schools accept CAT scores they would by and large abide to the instruction of upholding sectional competence, butwill be less stringent as compared to the IIMs .should be in the range 85 to 93 percentile

Parth asked, Hello, do you think one should really even prepare for GD/PI? I think it's better to do it extempore. I had participated in the GD and PI for IIM Ahmedabad [Images] and was selected eventually. I didn't even know what format these things would be, plus I didn't know answers to 60% questions asked in the PI. Why do people need to fuss so much about the process? They should just be themselves, don't you think?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers,  I agree that there are certain questions to which thinking off the feet ability will be tested at the spur of the moment, but prior preparation will definitely condition you to handle certain questions better.e.g there are certain probable questions like introduce yourself, career planning , hobbies etc

db asked, Its always good to be the first person to speak in a gd.But what should be the first few sentences in any gd like???plz give an example.

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, your ability to break the ice is indiactive of your ability to initiate.This is indicative of your ability to impart direction to the group and define the key issue(s) along which the discussion has to progress. The three "Cs" which rank you high on this parameter are clarity (the main points to be discussed), content (the vertical depth in each point) and confidence. The "Key Word Approach", wherein you start with defining the dominant words in the topic and then develop subsequent constructs, can help you to initiate effectively. E.g. in a topic like "Should Republic Day celebrations be redefined?, the key words are "Republic Day" and " redefined". Thus giving a backdrop against which the day is celebrated, then graduating to the way it is celebrated and finally talking about ways and means of redefining (if at all) the celebrations, can be a good strategy. If demonstrated properly, this skill gets you in visible limelight and reflects your ability to break the ice and evoke a discussion!. However, if mishandled (e.g, you may start off on a high note and then abruptly recede into an eerie silence), it puts you in an embarrassing position!

varun88 asked, u as an interviewer, what qualities u would expect from a candidate??

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, the process of PI is rigorous as it scrutinizes the candidate from an individualistic angle, with specific thrust on the following:-

~ Introduction (students need to understand the the action reaction syndrome at the onset, the importance of "innocuous teasers" in the preliminary stage of the interview and the ability to skillfully handle the introduction part and give only those clues which portray their true selves and which they can handle aptly)
~ Academics, with focus on basics of the graduation stream, main/ favorite subjects, projects undertaken, empirical understanding of subjects
~ Extra Curricular activities, with focus on the recent most activities, and the learning therein.
~ Current affairs and environmental sensitivity, with special emphasis on major events and their impact on various sectors
~ Career ambitions , with a time bound plan and the relevance of an MBA
~ Personality based questions, with emphasis on strengths (with examples) and weaknesses (with remedies), role model, ~ Work experience, with special reference to job profile, learnings As a panelist i would expect you to be fair to the above mentioned parameters.

mukesh asked, how to prepare for gd/pi of IRMA?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, IRMA is testing the candiadte on a specific profile. Apart from preparing questions on your family background, academics extra curricular activities , you need to demonstrate an affinity for socio- economic issues and rural india. Please appreciate different aspects of indian economy, with special thrust on agriculture.

endpercentile asked, Hi, there are often GDs where the group is so chaotic that trying to make even a single point in such a group would only add to the anarchy, rather than enable a candidate to create any impression on the selectors. How should one handle such a GD group?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, More often than not, GDs tend to be chaotic. You need to keep your poise and handle the stress therein. One way is to moderate the discussion and impart a structure to it so that every candidate gets the opportunity to speak in a sequence. It may go against the essence of an open discussion, but it is the last resort in such a situation

rajan asked, hello sir, i have a question. The most common question in every b-school's PI happens to be TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF. Please tell me what should be our start in this question and what is the propoer format to carry it on??

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, Please start with those aspects of your personality which you are comfortable with or which define you. e.g I wish to introduce myself as a creative and passionate person with strong inter personal skills etc..You need to understand the the action reaction syndrome at the onset, the importance of "innocuous teasers" in the preliminary stage of the interview and the ability to skillfully handle the introduction part and give only those clues which portray your true self and which you can handle aptly.

aaaa asked, Can a GD start by allocating some time limit for every person in the GD. Like if there is a GD with 8 people for 20 minutes then start with each person 2 minutes

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, It is the discretion of the moderator to conduct the GD in this manner. However, conventionally, it is a free, open discussion

red asked, hello sir, what are the soft skills? is these skills are necessary to be a confidant person?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, Soft skills indiacte your ability to communicate effectively.They are not looking for people who can use high vocab speech, but simply looking at candidates who can express themselves fluently and aplty in a group situation. These skills def ensure higher comfort levels and you can acquire them through practice.

Hari Nair asked, Hi Sanmeet. I have a low pitch voice, and hence finds it difficult to grab attention of the group-mates. Kindly help me in this.

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, Decibe levels and pitch will not get you the group's attention. It is the conviction in your point, the examples you quote, the relevance of your context and group skills which give you the desired leverage.

debanjan asked, hey..i ve got 98.37 %ile ,,can i expect an mdi call??if yes,should i enrol for some gd pi workshop??will it be of any help at this stage??

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, Your overall score is good and thus it is highly likely that you will be shortlisted there, provided your sectional scores are competent.GD/PI training will help you to conduct yoursekl in a group and handle peer pressue. Undergoing practice GDs/Case Studies/ PIs for near real simulation of these activities will def help. However, while doing so please ensure that the moderators are sufficiently equipped/ experienced to give you a constructive feedback. Further, you should be receptive to the inputs and incorporate them with a quick doze of skill and pragmatism.

koti asked, Hello, I have a problem with formation of right english sentences while speaking. How can i come out of this problem? what kind of practice i need?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, Mirror practice will help. Additionally, please practice simulated GDs so that you learn hoe to put across your pint in a group. It is not about high vocab english, just focus on the continutiy part of it abd being fluent. Also, try adding ideas to the group.

Riddhi asked, Hi Sir, I m not much good in current affairs.plz tell me how shld i improve it?heard somewhere tht for gd prepare well on current affairs. I am really afraid for GD. How can i start prerparing myself for it. I am expecting a call from SCIT.

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, Please update yourself on certain contemporary issues like financial meltdown, satyam scam etc. Topics may be factual or abstract, but knowing these facts will def ensure high comfort levels.

Vik asked, What all things count during the GDPI rounds?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, The following skills are being evaluated at this juncture:-
~ Idea generation, lateral thinking & clarity of thought
~ Prioritization and sequencing to display logical thinking
~ Initiative
~ Communication skills
~ Group Dynamics (incase of GDs, Case Studies, Group Tasks, Group Interviews)
~ Environmental sensitivity and an understanding of key issues of contemporary importance
~ Overall presentation skills-body language, confidence, poise, composure etc

red asked, hi sir i have a problem that whenever i take interview ,when interviewer ask me a question i find myself unable to explaine answer correctly although i know answer very well,after the interview points comes in my mind that i could tell this plz sir tell me how can i overcome this problem and my english speaking is very poor?

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, I suggest that you make a checklist of important things that you could be asked and are integral to the PI process e.g introduction, career ambition, relevance of an MBA etc. Further, please undergo simulated interviews to ensure those comfort levels.

Riddhi asked, Please tell me what is group task n pshychiomatric test??

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, Group Task/Group Exercise � is a task assigned to the group to be completed in a certain time frame. Following are the skills being tested:- 1.Ability to grasp and connect with the objective of the task 2.Ability to split the task into discrete elements and assign well defined responsibilities to the members of the group (if you are assuming the role of a leader / co-ordinator) 3.Effectively trading off the implications and requirements of collective responsibility and your contribution as an individual. 4.Ability to accomplish the task and ensure a closure.

Riddhi asked, Please tell me what is group task n pshychiomatric test??

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, Psychometric tests - These are scientific and standardized ways of measuring specific aspects of human performance or behavior (like general intelligence, interests, values & personality).Tests are designed such that they are objective, valid, reliable & unbiased. They check the candidates on the following parameters:- 1.Consistency in responding to similar situations - The challenge is sustaining consistency while responding to proportionately more number of questions in a limited time span. 2.Demonstrating managerial skills � While being consistent in your response, you also need to measure upto specific traits of effective managers One B-school which has employed this selection tool year on year is S.P Jain Institute of Management, Mumbai.

hemu asked, HI Sanmeet, i have got a call from IIM lucknow, so plaese tell me how to prepare for the GD/PI . i am very much scared.

Sanmeet Sidhu answers, The overall focus in this round of selection is on personality traits and an ability to strike the right balance between individual excellence and group performance. The following can ensure higher comfort levels here:- �Reading magazines and journals for an update on current affairs, with specific emphasis on opinion formation and clarity vis-�-vis controversial issues. �Watching news channels to develop an overall perspective vis-�-vis issues of contemporary importance, specifically the ones on socio-economic environment. �Undergoing practice GDs/Case Studies/ PIs for near real simulation of these activities. However, while doing so please ensure that the moderators are sufficiently equipped/ experienced to give you a constructive feedback. Further, you should be receptive to the inputs and incorporate them with a quick doze of skill and pragmatism. Knowing yourself and understanding your ambitions and the relevance of an MBA is imperative.

Sanmeet Sidhu says, Guys, this is all we have time for today. Please feel free to write me at ims@imsindia.com