Advisory

ADVISORY – 1

GUIDELINES FOR TCS CAMPUS DRIVE (DAY 1)

1.Find below few guidelines to help students crack the selection process of TCS. These are covered in the succeeding paras.

(a) Online Verbal Ability Test.  Duration – 10 minutes. Students would be given a set of 10 odd key words/phrases and would be asked to frame an email/passage of about 70-100 words using these words. The aim of the test is to assess candidate’s written communication skills. Candidates are expected to structure grammatically correct sentences, on the given subject, by using the key words appropriately. Remember the email/passage has to be short, crisp, to the point and must convey the intended message. Also, it is important to remain positive in your communication.

(b) Aptitude Test (Analytical Ability Test).  Duration: 80 minutes. Total Questions: 30 Question Type: Multiple choice – Mix of Logic & Arithmetic type questions.

Negative Marking is applicable to this section. Please avoid guessing. It is possible to skip a question which you do not wish to attempt.An online scientific calculator will be provided on the test screen. You are permitted to carry your own scientific calculator too.

Students must practice maximum questions available at ‘TCS Next Step Portal’ by clicking at ‘Open Sesame’ According to the model questions given in the TCS recruitment portal following chapters are very important. Number system, Equations, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Time speed Distance, Areas and Mensuration, Averages, Permutations and Combinations, Probability, Plane geometry, Seating Arrangements, Sets, Progressions.

c) TCS Interviews Process For Freshers: There is no hard and fast rule that you may be asked only Technical questions in technical interview or HR questions in HR interview.  You have to prepare well before for all the types of interviews.
For technical interview, you have to focus on C, DBMS, JAVA etc. It is important you have to be through with at least a couple of your core subjects and deep understanding of atleast one/two programming languages.

2. Following are the points you should keep in your mind while preparing for TCS Campus Drive:

• You should have sound knowledge of your core subjects and academic projects.
• Be sure of all aspects mentioned on your resume.
• Know the organization.
• Keep yourself abreast of the latest industry and technology trends as well as current affairs.
• Be active on Campus Commune – TCS’s Professional Network. Campus Commune hosts various industry relevant discussion forums, blogs, contests, workshops etc. that will help bridge the gap between campus and corporate.
• Dress well in formal attire to make a positive impression.
• Be relaxed and composed. Ask for clarification if you do not understand any question during the interview .
• Highlight your achievements.
• Do not misrepresent facts. Be Honest!

3. Students must be exhorted to put in concerted efforts, particularly for the Written Aptitude Test as that forms the first elimination round. They must also practice writing professional email/passages without using telegraphic language. This will help them in the ‘Verbal Ability Test’.

Best of Luck !

ADVISORY – 2

LAST MINUTE TIPS FOR SELECTION PROCESS OF IT COMPANIES

1. 1. 1. Written Test
      You will be required to answer a large number of questions in limited timeframe. So concentrate on questions and do not waste time. Most questions will have three options i.e. ‘YES’, ‘NO’, ‘CAN’T SAY’. Be honest in your answers and avoid ‘CAN’T SAY’ option.

1. 1. 2. Technical Interview
      • Brush up your domain knowledge particularly on IT. Emphasis should be on Programming Languages, Database, Data Structures, Data Warehousing, Data Mining, DBMS, Cloud Computing etc.
      • Be thorough with your ‘Project Work’. In that, be very clear on Aim, Scope, Methodology Adopted, Findings, Inferences drawn and Recommendations, if any. There are likely to be many questions on your project work.

1. 1. 3. HR Interview
      • You are likely to be asked to ‘ Describe Yourself’, ‘Why you want to join us’, ‘Your Academic Background’, Hobbies/Sports/Interests’, ‘Your Role Model’, ‘Strength & Weaknesses’ , ‘How you see yourself in next five to ten years’. So prepare and rehearse your response to such questions. Response should be crisp, precise and truthful.
      • If the ‘Interview Panel’ invites you to ask question(s), pose questions relating to the Company. Frame your questions intelligently pertaining to New Ventures/ Projects undertaken by the Company, New Technologies the Company is contemplating to introduce, Latest Innovations done by the Company, Company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities, Values/ Vision of the Company, Work Profile for Freshers etc. The questions must reflect your passion for the Company. For this, go through the website of the Company in detail and gather maximum information.
      • Keep yourself updated on Current Affairs to include subjects like Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare’s Movement, Developments in Libya & Syria, Corruption, Spectrum Scam (2G/3G), Economic Downturn in US/Europe, its effects on Indian Economy & IT Sector, Inflation, Energy Security, Achievement/ Performance in Sports etc. Be prepared to answer any query in your CV, so be sure your information is accurate.

1. 1. 4. Finally, to do well in the interview, be meticulously dressed, maintain proper etiquettes/ poise while walking, entering, wishing, shaking hands and sitting etc. Be polite and polished in your conversation. If you are not aware of any answer, admit it humbly and say so. Do not bluff. Interviewers appreciate honesty. Always remain positive in your attitude/ outlook.

All the best!

ADVISORY – 3

TIPS ON GROUP DISCUSSION

1. 1. 1. Why is Group Discussion Conducted? Group Discussion(GD), as an essential part of the selection process, is primarily held to assess the following skills in the candidates:-
      (a) Communication Skills.
      (b) Interpersonal Skills.
      (c) Leadership Skills.
      (d) Motivational Skills.
      (e) Team Building Skills.
      (f) Tolerance to Ambiguity.
      (g) Divergent Thinking.
      (h) Listening Skills.
      (i) Presentation Skills.
      (j) Analytical / Logical Skills.

1. 1. 2. On an average, 8 to 10 candidates are made to participate in a GD and 15 to 25 minutes are allocated to discuss the given topic. During this time, each participant is expected to grab the opportunity to express his/her views.

1. 1. 3.The topics are generally related to Social, Political, Economical, Technical or Current issues. Therefore, it is important that students keep their general knowledge updated by reading news paper or magazines or watching informative TV serials.

1. 1. 4. Usually, during the GD, Recruiters do not interfere unless they find that the discussion is going off track or the participants are behaving in an improper manner i.e. shouting / snubbing each other to make a point.

1. 5. (a) Once the topic is announced, if you can collect your thoughts on the subject, take the lead by introducing the topic, express your opinion and then invite other participants to air their views. Such an action signifies qualities of leadership.
   (b) Avoid speaking out of turn or resort to verbosity. Remain focused to the topic and speak to the point with confidence and assertiveness. There should be logic in whatever you state.
   (c) Display good listening skills.
   (d) Respect others’ view point.
   (e) Do not get too emotional or be over dominant during the discussions. Be polite and remain courteousAll the best!

ADVISORY – 4

TIPS ON INTERVIEW

1. 1. 1. Actions before the Interview.
      (a) Review your resume and be ready to describe the skills, achievements and experience you have incorporated in the resume.
      (b) Have comprehensive knowledge about the company you want to join to include its niche areas, turnover, competitors, future plans and recent events/ products organised/ developed by the company.
      (c) Dress up formally with neat shave, hair do and polished shoes etc. Remember you are being judged and first impression/ appearance can make a huge difference.

1. 2. Actions during the Interview.
   (a) Be punctual.
   (b) Enter the room confidently, walk smartly and wish the interviewers (as per the time of the day) with a smile on the face.
   (c) Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
   (d) If offered seat, sit squarely with good posture. Avoid keeping hands on the table, crossing arms and looking downwards. Remember body language can reveal a lot about your personality/ traits/ behaviour.
   (e) Be positive in your attitude.
   (f) Whenever posed with a question, listen carefully, understand the question and then answer briefly with conviction quoting example where applicable e.g if asked’ what is your hobby’ don’t simply say ‘music’, rather amplify what kind of music and why you listen to it.
   (g) Demonstrate enthusiasm and attentiveness.
   (h) If the interviewer invites you to ask any question, only pose relevant questions which crossed your mind while browsing the website of the company or during the presentation made by the company representative.
   (i) At the end, thank the interviewer and wish ‘good day’ or ‘good night’ as per the time.All the best!