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The interview generally required by the MBA admissions interview committee of business schools is a compilation of a personal meeting and three recommendations. This is an opportunity for the student to present his or her personality and skills in a way that test scores cannot.
Each student should decide what to emphasize before entering the MBA admissions interview. Greatest strengths should be dwelled upon more, obviously. Some interviewers will ask specific questions, while others may be more general with questions such as "Tell me something about yourself." Be prepared to answer complete with explanations, definitions and examples. Be organized and forthright in your answers. Be sure that your body language fits your answers; meaning that honesty is the best policy. Explain why you have chosen this particular program over another, why you have chosen this school over another and why you would be a welcome student at this particular institution. Showing that you are well informed about the various programs and schools that are available will point to organization on your part, which is a very good trait for this particular area of study.
The individuals that write recommendations for you should be chosen with the same goals in mind. Three diverse individuals should be chosen to recommend you. All should know you well, but in different capacities. One professional, one personal, and one academic are usually a good combination. Consider carefully what traits you want the MBA admissions interview committee and see and who best recognizes those in your character. You should, of course, choose accomplished individuals who write well. It says a lot to the committee when impressive people describe you in positive terms.
MBA admissions interview tips
- Be yourself; allow your personality to shine.
- Respond to questions honestly and candidly. Falseness can be spotted a mile away, especially by interviewers who are expert at reading body language. It's not just the words that tell the story about you.
- Understand what is asked of you. Don't answer until you feel sure that you've understood the question perfectly.
- Avoid being a 'know-it-all' and the clever-flip demeanor (you know, the effort to be cute, comical, falsely witty).
- Do your research on the school and program.
- Be on time. Dress well and be well-groomed.
- Do a self-test to see how much you know about the MBA and how it can aid you.
- Discuss special interests and ask how the school may help you to pursue them. For example, if you are interested in fund-raising management, try to talk about that with the representative interviewing you.
- Ask about faculty research and interests, especially in areas that concern you.
- Your work background, highlighting the benefits you received from the experiences is a subject to discuss with the MBA admissions interview representative who is interviewing you.
- Know something about the MBA degree and what it can do for you. Explore the possibilities of the degree as it relates to what you are seeking.
- Inquire about the school's philosophy, approach, and direction. Since management education is fairly new, many schools are still defining and redefining themselves in regard to what they do and how they do it.
- Inquire about facilities (library, computer equipment), housing, and campus life. You may be interested, for instance, in a school based on its tremendous computer laboratory.
- If financial aid is critical to you, ask about aid sources, its availability, and the name of the person responsible for administering the program.
- Describe to the representatives who you are: your strengths, assets, traits needing development.
- Discuss your college work, making special reference to those courses/projects that were valuable, exciting, worthwhile, and relevant to your future.
- Be candid about problems — real or perceived — without rationalizing, apologizing, blaming, or excusing. Common problems may include grades, test scores, an inconsistent
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