Placement Tips

Hi,

I cannot claim to be an authority on this area, as it is I have just given two campus tests and was lucky enough to get through early. But I think I can share some tips and ideas which may be useful to the result of us. In this page I would try to cover GD, Interviews, and Aptitude tests :

Aptitude Tests (Verbal + Quantitative + Reasoning + Data Sufficiency)

People have a preconcieved notion that all CAT and GRE aspirants have an upper edge, I must say that this is true to an extent. However, looking at the Accenture placements there were only four of us CAT and GRE aspirants who finally made it! Moreover, I must say that the level of toughness which the Campus papers offer is nothing in front of CAT questions. So, all ye people out there shouldnt feel that it isn't achievable.

For Verbal questions which include synonyms, antonyms and fill in the blanks, all I can say is that you need a normal vocabulary, try eliminating the wrong answers so that your probability of getting the right one increases. Verbal is one area which can't be improved in a week. For paragraph arrangement, the important point is to try forming the paragraph as you start reading the sentences, need not be in the start to end order, but also by identifying the possible location of a sentence. If everything fails then trying going the other way round using the options(it is time consuming!).

For Quantitative section, I feel that the companies prefer only a few chapters which include Work and Time, Time and Speed, Profit and Loss & Averages, apart from these basic questions on Number Systems and Algebra(age calculation) are asked. So, all those in short of time must do these chapters! The main tips for this section are :
[A] Please don't fall in love with a question, when in doubt move ahead...
[B] Many times answers can be guessed with the given options, DO LOOK AT THEM BEFORE SOLVING, working backwards also helps a lot.

Remember, it doesnt matter the way you solve the question but only that you get the answer!

For Reasoning section, this section needs the presence of mind more than the practice. Most of the questions just need your ability to write down the facts properly and work accordingly. For example: If there is a paragraph about how 5 teachers take classes in day like A takes before B and B never takes in afternoon etc... You SHOULD be writing it all down as you read the paragraph. You wont need to refer back to the paragraph while solving the question...most of the times the answer is infront of your eyes.

For Data Sufficiency section, all you need is good concepts, don't solve the question but just think, its the fastest section you can attempt! The only tip I have is that only the option which gives a specific and unique answer is true. For example:
[1]Can you find x?
- If x^2=9
- If x^3=27
The answer here is that only x^3=27 gives us a specific and distinct x=3, while in first case x=+3 or -3. Only the unique answer is the valid one!

Group Discussion

To be frank, its impossible to improve your communication skills in a day! But remember, with a job at stake you HAVE to speak, there is no way out! Moreover, I don't think you dream to get a job by being silent in the place where they would be judging your ability to express your ideas.

But the best GD tips are:
[A] Don't be the Boss there, its cool to be the leader, but try not to be the predator!
[B] If someone interjects while you speak, don't stop, continue till you have made your point. India is a free country, and freedom of speech is your right!
[C] If somone is speaking and you need a chance, keep your ears open for a full stop, and in a snap continue from there...(this is something too difficult).
[D] Don't get into a one to one dogfight!
[E] Be quick to point out that the group is digressing from the topic, if they are.
[F] Look interested and listen properly, they may ask you to sum it up.

Interview
I just cannot claim to be an expert on Interviews, afterall I ruined my Infogain interview and then only managed the Accenture one. But then, my Infogain interview was a learning experience and I could learn from my mistakes.

For HR Interview, please be prepared with a few basic typical questions beforehand. Some typical questions which you must be prepared with are :
1. Describe yourself? (you can answer about your education, family, hobbies, and interests)
2. Your strengths and weaknesses? (Give proper strengths and weaknesses, dont be negative, and must have examples ready illustrating strengths).
3. Why do you want to join our company?
4. What is you greatest achievement?
5. Do you grades reflect your knowledge?(Beware: For all those unlucky ones with a bad GPA, prepare this one thoroughly, don't blame the system for bad scores).
6. Why should we hire you?

Please never be negative, most of the times all they want is your confidence, don't be defensive, be yourself and be truthful.

For Technical Interview, I cannot guide on this much, all I can say is be thorough with your subjects of areas of interests, please write only your favorites in your CV. Be positive and confident, try attempting everything they ask.

But if you dont know something try not making a wild guess, take one question at a time. Moreover, if they are not giving a time limit for a question then take your time to phrase your answer, it would we much worse if you are not able to answer something which you already knew. That's all I have for you guyz. Be prepared and Get placed!

>>Top