PCOM NOTES

Module: Introduction to Soft Skills

Hard Skills & Soft Skills Employability:

Definition: Hard skills refer to specific, teachable

abilities or knowledge, such as technical skills or
proficiency in a certain language. Soft skills, on the
other hand, are interpersonal or people skills that are
often more difficult to quantify but are crucial for
effective communication and collaboration.

Importance: Employability in the professional world is

not only about possessing technical expertise (hard
skills) but also about having strong soft skills.
Employers often seek individuals with a balanced
combination of both types of skills.

Grooming as a Professional with Values:

Professional Grooming: This encompasses physical

appearance, communication skills, and behavior in a
professional setting. It involves presenting oneself in a
polished and respectful manner.

Values in Professionalism: Emphasizes the importance

of ethical behavior, integrity, and respect in the
workplace. Professionals with strong values contribute
to a positive work environment and build trust among
colleagues.

Time Management:

Definition: Time management involves organizing and

planning how to divide your time between specific
activities. It is a crucial skill for professionals to
enhance productivity and achieve goals.

Key Components: Setting priorities, creating schedules,

avoiding procrastination, and learning to delegate tasks
efficiently.
Benefits: Effective time management leads to increased
productivity, reduced stress, and improved work-life
balance.

Module: Self Introductions

Organizing the Material:

Structuring: Begin by organizing your content logically,

often following a clear introduction, body, and
conclusion format. Break down information into key
points to maintain coherence.
Relevance: Ensure that the content directly relates to
your self-introduction and the topic at hand. Avoid
unnecessary details that may distract your audience.

Introducing Oneself to the Audience:

Personal and Professional Details: Share relevant

personal and professional information, including your
name, background, and any relevant experiences or
achievements. Tailor this information to align with the
purpose of your introduction.

Introducing the Topic:

Contextualizing the Presentation: Provide a brief

overview of the topic you will be discussing. Clearly
state the purpose or main message to set expectations
for your audience.

Answering Questions:

Active Engagement: Encourage audience interaction by

inviting questions. Be prepared to respond confidently
and concisely, demonstrating your knowledge and
expertise on the subject.

Individual Presentation Practice:

Rehearsal: Practice your self-introduction and
presentation multiple times to enhance fluency and
confidence. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body
language during practice.

Presenting the Visuals Effectively - 5 Minute

Presentation:

Visual Aids: If using visuals, such as slides, make sure

they are clear, concise, and directly support your key
points. Avoid overwhelming the audience with too much
information.
Time Management: Given the 5-minute timeframe,
allocate time effectively for each aspect of your
presentation. Practice keeping within the time limit to
ensure a smooth delivery.

Module: Introduction to Group Discussion

Participating in Group Discussions:

Active Listening: Actively engage with other

participants by listening attentively to their points of
view. Demonstrate respect for diverse opinions and
contribute constructively to the discussion.
Body Language: Use positive body language, such as
maintaining eye contact, nodding in agreement, and
avoiding defensive postures, to convey openness and
receptivity.

Understanding Group Dynamics:

Group Roles: Recognize and adapt to different roles

within a group, such as a leader, facilitator, or
contributor. Understand how these roles influence
communication and collaboration.
Interpersonal Relationships: Be aware of the
interpersonal dynamics within the group, fostering a
positive and inclusive environment for effective
communication.

Brainstorming the Topic:

Generating Ideas: Encourage creative thinking by

brainstorming ideas related to the discussion topic.
Create a supportive atmosphere where participants feel
comfortable expressing their thoughts without
judgment.
Recording Ideas: Document and organize generated
ideas to facilitate the discussion process. This can be
done through note-taking or visual aids.

Questioning and Clarifying - GD Strategies:

Effective Questioning: Pose thoughtful questions to

stimulate discussion and encourage critical thinking.
Use questions to clarify points, explore different
perspectives, and guide the conversation.
Active Clarification: Foster a culture of clarity by
seeking and providing clarifications when needed.
Ensure that everyone in the group has a shared
understanding of key points.

Activities to Improve GD Skills:

Role-Playing: Engage in simulated group discussions

through role-playing exercises. This helps participants
practice communication and conflict resolution skills in
a controlled environment.
Feedback Sessions: Provide and receive constructive
feedback from peers to identify strengths and areas for
improvement. This continuous feedback loop enhances
individual and group discussion skills.

Module Name: Interview Etiquette

Dress Code:

Professional Attire: Choose appropriate clothing that

aligns with the company's culture and the position
you're applying for. Dressing professionally contributes
to a positive first impression during job interviews.

Body Language:
Positive Gestures: Use open and confident body
language, including a firm handshake, maintaining eye
contact, and sitting up straight. Non-verbal cues play a
crucial role in conveying professionalism and
confidence.

Attending Job Interviews:

Preparation: Research the company and the role to

demonstrate your interest and knowledge. Prepare
answers for common interview questions and have
examples ready to showcase your skills and
experiences.
Punctuality: Arrive on time for the interview,
demonstrating respect for the interviewer's time. Plan
your route to avoid unnecessary stress.

Telephone/Skype Interview, One-to-One Interview &

Panel Interview:

Telephone/Skype Interview: Be prepared for virtual

interviews by ensuring a quiet environment, testing
technology in advance, and dressing professionally
even if the interviewer can't see you.
One-to-One Interview: Focus on building a rapport with
the interviewer, demonstrating your qualifications, and
showcasing your enthusiasm for the position.
Panel Interview: Navigate a panel interview by
addressing each panelist, maintaining eye contact with
everyone, and adapting your responses to different
perspectives.

FAQs Related to Job Interviews:

Common Interview Questions: Familiarize yourself with

frequently asked questions, such as strengths and
weaknesses, career goals, and situational scenarios.
Practice articulating your responses to these questions.
Asking Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask
the interviewer about the company, team, or role. This
demonstrates your interest and engagement in the
interview process.

Module: Recognizing Differences Between Groups and

Teams:

Group Dynamics: Understand the dynamics of both

groups and teams, recognizing that teams often involve
more collaboration and shared goals. Acknowledge the
strengths and weaknesses of each structure in various
contexts.
Managing Time:

Prioritization: Develop skills to prioritize tasks based on

urgency and importance. Utilize time management
techniques, such as creating schedules and to-do lists,
to maximize productivity and meet deadlines.

Managing Stress:

Stress Recognition: Identify sources of stress and adopt

coping mechanisms. This may include mindfulness,
relaxation techniques, and finding a healthy work-life
balance to prevent burnout.

Networking Professionally:

Building Connections: Actively engage in professional

networking to expand your contacts and opportunities.
Attend industry events, use online platforms, and
cultivate relationships to enhance your professional
network.

Respecting Social Protocols:

Professional Etiquette: Understand and adhere to social

protocols in professional settings. This includes proper
communication, punctuality, and respectful behavior,
contributing to a positive and collaborative work
environment.

Understanding Career Management:

Self-Assessment: Continuously assess your skills,

strengths, and areas for development. Understand how
your skills align with your career goals and the evolving
needs of the job market.

Developing a Long-Term Career Plan:

Goal Setting: Define clear, achievable long-term career

goals. Break down these goals into smaller milestones
and create a roadmap for professional development.

Making Career Changes:

Assessment: Evaluate the reasons for considering a

career change. Assess your skills, interests, and values
to align with a new career path. Seek advice from
mentors and explore opportunities for
retraining or upskilling.