MBA Interviews and how to survive them?
You're asked a question, you answer a question, then
your interviewer disagrees with whatever you said regardless
of whether it was right or not. At this point you can
- Realise the interviewer knows more about this than
you do and agree
- Stand your ground
Option 2 is the right one. You expressed an opinion,
they want you to prove there's something behind your
answer beyond parroting out something you read in a
textbook. So rack your brains for counterpoints, evidence,
arguments and any other clue-by-fours that might be
handy and use them.
Basic Startegy
- Know your stuff, if your application said you know
the derivatives market inside out, or have an amazing
knowledge of supply chains, or a brilliant mind when
it comes to marketing you'd better be right, 'cause
they'll check.
- Practice, down the pub, with your mates if they're
the kind who enjoy 'stimulating' conversation. Alternatively
try having a few ambitious ideas in the office and
defend them till the boss tells you to stop being
silly and get back to work.
- Don't say anything stupid, blase statements, and
throw away remarks.
- Know when to quit sometimes whatever you said was
wrong, and the interviewer provides clinching proof
in front of your eyes. It doesn't mean you've blown
it, it means it's time to move onto another topic.
- Hit back, you don't have to spend the whole time
on the ropes. Challenge your interviewers ideas where
you can.
Specific
- Discuss special interests and ask how the school
may help you to pursue them.
- Ask about faculty research and interests, especially
in areas that concern you.
- Review with representatives your work background,
highlighting the benefits you received from the experiences.
- 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 young,
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. A recent graduate chose
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 important to your future.
- Be frank about problems — real or perceived
— without rationalizing, apologizing, blaming,
or excusing. Common problems may include grades, test
scores, an inconsistent record, or minimal work experience.
Exercise
- Talk to people fellow applicants, staff, students,
anyone who'll listen. For one thing talking to your
fellow applicants is interesting and good for relieving
stress, while staff and students know far more about
this than you do.
- Ask Questions you'll be given presentations about
life in your particular school.
Ask questions because a) you want to know the answers
and b) you want them to remember you.
Think up some difficult questions and be prepared
to use them. Remember there are no dumb questions
- only dumb answers.
- Be enthusiastic for the whole thing.
Interview Checklist
Before you interviews, make sure that you've done the
following
- Can you exceed the position's initial requirements
- Are you ready to explain your past successes (have
them memorized)
- Do you know the its culture. Does your image, traits,
personality fit in.
- Have you done your homework on the Insttute.
- Remember to be confident and maintain your composure.
Potential questions
- What are your strongest abilities?
- What are you looking for?
- Tell me something about yourself?
- What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
- Where do you want to be in 5 years?
- Where did you grow up?
- What does "success" mean to you?
- What does "failure" mean to you?
- What are your three major accomplishments?
- What have you disliked in your past jobs?
- What kinds of people do you enjoy working with?
- What kinds of people frustrate you?
- What is your ideal job?
- Which is more important to you: money or the type
of job?
- What have you learned from your activities?
- Were your extracurricular activities worth the time
you put into them?
- What qualities should a successful manager possess?
- What two attributes are most important in your job?
- What major problem have you encountered and how
did you deal with it?
- What have you done that you consider creative?
- Who do you admire? Why?
- What do you get passionate about?
- What courses are you taking?
- Have you ever managed a conflict? How?
- Describe to me a recent (marketing campaign / finance
deal) you like?
- What are the most important attributes of a good
manager?
- Do you have these attributes (of a good manager)
?
- What stocks do you recommend? Why?
- How many new highs did the Dow reach last year?
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