MBA INTERVIEW TIPS
Most business schools require an interview. These give you an opportunity to show your skills, personality, and drive in a way that test scores and transcripts do not. These are some of the typical questions interviewers in MBA schools pose to prospective students. • Why business school? • Why did you decide to apply to this business school? • What makes you stand out among other candidates? • What can you contribute to our program? • What are your expectations of this program? • How do you plan to use your degree? • Where do you see yourself in ten years? • Can you walk me through your resume? • Can you give me an example of a time that you demonstrated leadership? • What is your definition of teamwork? • What would you say is your biggest weakness? • What are your greatest strengths? • How would your colleagues describe you? • What are your hobbies?
1. Carry yourself confidently don't hesitate when you are asked a question. Know where you have been and where you want to go. Know your strengths and use them well. 2. Research the school before you go. Different schools are looking for different things; some schools look for more academically oriented students. You should be prepared to tell them how you will be able to contribute to the learning environment there. 3. Understand what the interviewer is asking you. Don't begin until the interviewer has asked the question and don't cut him short when he is speaking. Its important not to ramble off an answer that is not related to the question. If you don't understand the question, it is okay to ask them to restate it. 4. Respond to questions honestly; don't try to add twisted facts to your story. 5. Dress appropriately in formal wear, don't be late, and be prepared for both the worst and the best. 6. Be prepared to answer the obvious questions. Like the ones stated in the beginning of this article. Prepare well for these basic questions. They are very essential. 7. Most important thing is to be you! They will see right through you if you try to be someone else. Be confident and proud of who you are. 8. Once you have narrowed your desired schools down to 8, visit the campuses; it will be most beneficial if you can ask the current students on campus some questions. And the questions they were asked and if they faced any problems. This will give you a general idea what the interviewer is looking for. 9. Take a mock interview if you have an opportunity. 10. Be interested in the school; ask questions regarding the faculty, programs, and especially areas of interest. 11. Be prepared to show your knowledge regarding an MBA degree and what it can do for you. 12. Inquire about facilities (library, computer equipment), housing, and campus life. 13. If financial aid is critical to you, be sure to ask about its availability, and the name of the person responsible for administering the program. 14. Discuss your specific college work, mention special reference to courses/projects that were valuable, beneficial, worthwhile, and important to your future. 15. Be upfront about problems, however, don't rationalize, apologize, blame, or excuse. 16. Common problems may include grades, test scores, an inconsistent record, or minimal work experience. 17. Don't waste time discussing things that are already clearly indicated on your application. 18. Greet the interviewer by title and last name. 19. If you are given a tour of the facility, greet every person you see with courtesy and respect. 20. Shake hands firmly. 21. Remember posture and body language and look interested at all times, refrain from being distracted as much as possible. 22. Close the interview by verifying your interest in the school. 23. Wait to be offered a chair before sitting; don't just sit down when you walk in. 24. Focus on your achievements; this is your chance to sell yourself. 25. Never reschedule the interview unless you absolutely have to. 26. Refrain from offering any negative information about yourself. 27. Verbally thank the interviewer for their time and consideration
Some interviews are actually fairly distinct among the top business schools. For one thing, your interviewer is likely to have already read your application (particularly your essays), in addition to having access to your resume. You should therefore not be surprised if you are asked to delve into an example you gave in your essays in greater depth, or to be asked for an example that you did not provide in your essays. These interviews are more intense than the average interview and the interviewers may lead you into saying contradictory things. The key in such situations is to stick to your ground, remaining confident of your message and projecting that confidence
Finally, you want use this opportunity to show the interviewers how you are different from the thousands of other applicants, not to blend in to the crowd. So take that interview and prove yourself worthy of that particular college.
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