Of all the steps in applying for a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree, the MBA interview is a key factor and pivotal point in the admissions process that gives an applicant the best chance to stand out among a highly competitive selection of candidates.
While GMAT scores, grades and professional qualifications are important factors for consideration, admissions committees want to know the unique person behind the resume and how they can add value to the MBA program. Receiving an invitation to be interviewed after completing the application requirements for an MBA is already a good indicator of potential acceptance, signifying the school’s interest in an applicant.
The following best practices will help you effectively prepare for and ace the MBA interview–the final hurdle in the admissions process–to increase your chances of successful placement in your MBA program-of-choice.
Before the MBA interview…
Before attending an MBA interview, it is important to research your chosen MBA program and business school. How does the school’s culture, specialization, values and offerings align with your own career goals, interests, values and sense of purpose? How can the MBA program help you achieve your long-term personal and professional objectives?
Apart from checking the school brochure, website, social media sites and internet forums, consider visiting the campus, sitting in a class and speaking with an academic advisor. Connect with MBA alumni and professors to gain insights and perspectives. These efforts demonstrate your genuine commitment to the program and will reflect in the interview.
MBA interviews vary in format. Interviews can be conducted in-person or remotely (via video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet and other social media applications); and either one-on-one or in a group/panel setting.
Adjusting your communication and presentation style to the interview format can significantly impact how people perceive you. For panel and group interviews, practice speaking with confidence–not with arrogance. Actively listen to and collaboratively exchange ideas with others. For virtual interviews, a flawless technical set-up (with good lighting and audio, a neutral background and an interruption-free internet connection) can enhance the impression you make on interviewers.
“Why an MBA?”, “Why Now?” and “Why this specific MBA program/school?”
These are three common questions that interviewers ask to understand your motivations for pursuing an MBA. Whether it’s moving up the ladder, leading a team or initiative or transitioning to a new industry, clearly articulate your reason for taking an MBA relative to this point in your career and how the MBA can help you achieve this. Your knowledge of the program and school will help inform your answers.
“What are your strengths/weaknesses?”
Your strengths and weaknesses are an opportunity to display your level of self-awareness and growth mindset. When highlighting strengths, focus on abilities that are most relevant to the MBA and to your career goals. For weaknesses, honestly identify areas for improvement from a strategic perspective that also discusses the measures you’re taking to address these.
“Tell me about a challenge you overcame or a problem you solved at work.”
Behavioral questions that assess how you have handled past specific situations are indicators of your future performance. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action & Result) can help you structure effective answers using examples from your own experiences that describe your abilities.
“How would you handle a tight deadline, team conflict or managerial issue?”
Hyphothetical and situational questions are commonly asked by interviewers to assess a candidate’s problem-solving and leadership skills. Take a minute to structure your answer by outlining the problem and the steps you would take to fix it. Explain why you would choose to approach the problem in that way and the leadership skills you would apply in the situation.
Your resume forms the first impression admissions committees will have of you, but the interview is an opportunity for you to make a greater impression of who you really are. No one knows you better than you know yourself, which means that you are most capable of presenting yourself in the best light.
Be ready to discuss your strongest accomplishments and success stories best showcasing your skills, strengths and leadership abilities, which are your main selling points. Anticipate tough and unexpected questions that might arise from your application, such as employment gaps, professional failures or a career change, and prepare insightful answers. Your personal story is a compelling narrative that ties in your past experiences, current actions and future goals while reflecting your values.
During the MBA interview…
Business schools are looking for MBA candidates with strong communication skills, emotional intelligence and leadership and teamwork abilities. Demonstrating these competencies during your interview can help set you apart from the rest.
Be yourself, in a positive light. Authenticity, the ability to be yourself by honestly accepting and expressing your quirks and vulnerabilities, is an underlying trait of emotional intelligence. Authenticity helps us understand ourselves and connect with others better.
Authentic leadership marked by compassion, empathy and self-awareness is increasingly valued in business leaders. During the interview, be confident and honest while reframing your mistakes and negative experiences in a proactive way. Talk about successes and achievements confidently, with humility and a light touch of humor. Build rapport with your interviewer by treating the interview as a conversation, an exchange of ideas coming from a place of genuine interest. These are just a few ways of uniquely expressing yourself without sacrificing professionalism during the interview.
Be aware of your non-verbal communication. Your gestures, facial expressions and behavior during the interview can convey so much more than your words. Good posture and composed facial expressions signify your confidence and professionalism. Maintaining good eye contact, nodding when appropriate and responding thoughtfully to interviewers’ questions show that you are an active listener.
Fully address questions and be clear, concise and direct with your answers. During the interview, remember to answer questions completely and directly. If a question is unclear, ask for clarification and take a few minutes to form an insightful response. Avoid long-winded, rambling statements; and speak clearly, concisely and articulately when delivering key points without over-explaining or using jargon or complicated terminology.
Remember that asking insightful questions is also a completely acceptable part of the interview. You are also getting to know the school, after all. Thoughtfully prepared questions that go beyond the generic FAQ section of the school’s website demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you determine whether the MBA program suits your needs.
After the MBA interview, take note of any next steps and important dates. Generally, the school will notify you of the status of your application themselves unless they specify a follow-up process. You can send a thank you note to the alumni and professors that helped you during your application as a professional gesture of appreciation for their time.
An MBA Interview can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, but it is also a great opportunity for self-assessment to reflect on what went well and what could be improved in the future. Whether it goes well or not, an MBA interview is a great learning experience in your professional development and career journey.
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