10 Tips for Your Next Group Discussion Job Interview

Group discussions are becoming increasingly popular to narrow down large fields of candidates and determine who has the strongest workplace or human skills. Employers and universities often use them for job interviews or to decide which candidates are the best fit for graduate programmes. 

As with any step of the interview process, the best way to succeed is to come to your group discussion prepared and ready to show off what you have. Remember, how you present yourself and speak can be even more important than what you say. 

What is a group discussion job interview? 

When faced with numerous good candidates for a job, and an employer or recruiter wants to narrow the field, they'll typically invite them to a group discussion. Sometimes called a GD, group discussions bring several people together to discuss a current event or a topic related to their field. In addition to being used for job interviews, higher education institutions will also use them to narrow down candidates for programmes, usually for graduate school. 

A group discussion isn't necessarily just an opportunity to show off what you know about a subject. It's also an opportunity for the recruiter or manager to see what human skills you bring to the job or programme. They'll take note of your expertise, but they'll also look at your ability to lead, your body language, whether or not you're a good listener, and how well you work with a team. You should display creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. 

Use these tips to help prepare yourself to shine at your next group discussion.

1. Re-familiarise yourself with some job-specific topics. 

Group discussions can cover numerous types of topics. If you're going for one that's part of a job interview process, you'll want to ensure you're up to date on the latest trending topics in your industry and standard topics that everyone in your field should know. Pick some issues you might not be as up-to-date on as you should be, and take some time to read more about them. Read current blogs and websites related to your field and see what they discuss. Of course, you can only memorise some topics, but ensure you are well-versed in the big ones.  

2. Brush up on current events.  

In addition to industry-related topics, you should also brush up on some current events. Many group discussions will focus on issues currently impacting the world, like how the COVID-19 pandemic affected how we work or whether or not India should institute a country-wide uniform policy. Discussion leaders may ask you to speak on general topics like whether social media is good or bad for society or what schools can do to improve dropout numbers. 

Look online for sample group discussion topics and practice your answers. Read current events blogs and newspapers to see what topics are making headlines. 

Also, remember that you could encounter several types of group discussions. Opinion-based GDs allow you to share your views, while fact-based ones want you to provide real-world details to back up your side of the debate. Sometimes, GD leaders give the group a problem and ask you to devise a collaborative solution. 

3. Listen to what everyone is saying.  

A group discussion is not just about what you have to say—it's about the conversation as a whole. This means you must actively listen while your colleagues are speaking. By listening and hearing what everyone else says, you show respect and would be a good leader. Taking time to listen may also inspire some ideas you may not have thought of. Some active listening tips include the following: 

• Facing the speaker and making eye contact while they speak

• Listening without judgement 

• Using relaxed yet attentive body language 

• Asking questions when you're unclear about a certain topic

• Paying attention to nonverbal clues

• Being patient—everyone tells stories at their own pace 

• Showing empathy for the speaker

4. Take the lead when you feel confident enough to do so. 

While listening is important, you should avoid sitting back and letting everyone else speak. You should find an appropriate gap and take the lead when you have something relevant. This means you can communicate without speaking first or talking over others. It’s more effective to say first when familiar with a topic. If you aren't familiar with a topic, listen more to see if you can pick up some context clues from your colleagues.  

5. Focus on your appearance and body language. 

Your appearance matters, often as much as what you say. First, make sure you're dressed appropriately, nicely, and well-groomed. A first impression is always essential when seeking a job or other important position. During the GD, watch your body language. Never point at people. Sit up straight. Avoid gestures others may perceive as rude or negative, such as playing with your phone or staring out the window. 

6. Avoid becoming too passionate or aggressive. 

The line between becoming passionate about a topic and becoming overly aggressive when discussing it is a fine one that can be easy to cross if you aren’t careful. Avoid becoming overly emotional, shouting, or behaving rudely to another speaker. This isn't the time to start an argument. If you disagree with someone, do so politely by saying something like, "I respect your opinion, but I disagree because…" or don't say so. 

7. Make eye contact. 

You already know body language is essential, but make eye contact if you do nothing else. When someone else is speaking, when you’re speaking—at every available opportunity, get into the practice. It's a good idea to try to make eye contact with as many audience members as possible while speaking. 

8. Bring a pen and notepad. 

Bring a pen and notepad so that you can jot down ideas. The recruiter or manager will likely give you a few minutes between announcing the topic and beginning the discussion. This gives you time to organise your thoughts. You can also take notes while your colleagues speak if they prompt you to think about something differently. Finally, coming prepared with these tools will show the recruiter or manager that you like to be ready. 

9. Quality is more important than quantity. 

Be concise when you speak. Most group discussions only last about 10 to 15 minutes, and it's unfair for you to take up more than a minute or two of that time. Be sure to make a good point, not a long one. One way to do this is to stay on topic. Only add necessary opinions or valuable insight that’s relevant to the topic. 

10. Practice, practice, practice. 

You may need to improve in every group discussion, but the more you practice, the more likely you will succeed. Read up on topics and practice your answers on your own. Gather a few friends and ask them to practice with you. You can also participate in mock group discussions online at some colleges and universities. 

Next steps 

Taking online courses that improve your communication and people skills will not only help you with group discussions, but they'll help you become a more effective communicator throughout your career. Visit Coursera to find courses and Specialisations offered by world-renowned institutions. 

For example, you could explore People and Soft Skills for Professional and Personal Success with this Specialisation from IBM or become Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting, a Specialisation offered by the University of Michigan. You can also improve your group discussion abilities with the Improve Your English Communication Skills Specialisation from Georgia Tech.