MBA Admissions Interview Tips
The MBA admissions interview is an integral part of gaining acceptance to an MBA program. The interview process is your best opportunity to differentiate
yourself from other applicants. In competitive programs, the majority of your competitors will be applying with the same high GMAT scores and impressive undergrad GPA's. So, while these two criteria are extremely important, you're still just part of the pack. The interview process is one way to rise above the
pack. First and foremost, make sure you take an interview every chance you get. Sometimes this means calling and scheduling one (which in and of itself displays initiative), although, depending on the school, you may need an invitation. Be aware of how it works for each MBA program (some do not take interviews).Now it may not be possible to interview for every school you apply to- it can be very costly to go to every school- so prioritizing is key. If you do not believe in the importance of taking an interview, look up the admissions statistics of your potential schools, looking specifically at the ratio of students accepted who interviewed to those who did not.
The MBA admissions interview can be nerve racking, to say the least. However, there are ways to prepare for it. First, to cover the obvious points. Be well rested if possible, and certainly well groomed. Guys, wear a suit (ladies, a suit or professional attire)- this is not the time to be casual, even if your contacts thus far have been; your applying to a business school, remember.
It is important to keep in mind that the interview process is your chance to sell yourself and establish your value. A firm handshake while looking the interviewer in the eyes goes a long way. There is a concept that many salesman employ, which is, in a nutshell, "give back what you get"; this refers to demeanor and attitude. It is important to get a feel for the tone of the interview, and contribute in a similar manner. For instance, if your interviewer is animated and likes to talk, oblige him/her. On the other hand, if your interviewer is subdued and straight to the point, tone it down. This does not mean you should turn into a lump- you always want your personality to come through. The point is to connect with the interviewer. Obviously, if your interviewer is unfriendly, you do not want to project that attitude in return- just be candid in all situations.
There is an endless list of potential MBA admissions interview questions which are not listed here. First and foremost though, it is important to consider the "meat" from which most of these questions are derived, which is: Why do you want to join this program and how will you benefit from it, and it from you". You must be able to communicate how your experience (usually this is work experience) will relate to that particular program and to your career after graduation.
It it essential to communicate clear goals (the "why do you want to join this program" part) to those performing the interview. They must see you are driven to succeed, both during the program and afterwards. Remember, you affect the program, from your GMAT scores to your career choice and starting salary after graduation- this will not be far from the interviewer's mind. Being able to clearly articulate an answer to the question posed above will put you well on your way to having a successful interview. However, you should not stop there, after all, preparation is key. There are many resources which will help prepare you for an MBA admissions interview, from answering common questions to proper speech and delivery- take advantage of these resources, do not be complacent; after all, you only get one chance (yes, you know the rest) to make a good first impression.
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