Interview Experience -
Pre-Interview: Reviewed INSEAD interview format, Re-read all my essays and spoke with more INSEAD students/alumni. Several mock-interviews. Focused prep on trinity questions (why MBA, why INSEAD and why now). Followed AO's instructions and send INSEAD application to interviewers. Additionally sent CV to them. Also brought paper copies of both to the interviews.
First Interview:
Even interview at a coffee shop with an entrepreneur. Unsure of how to dress so I went with business formal. However, I took off my tie and jacket after arriving because I was overdressed for the venue.
Interview went very well. Questions -
-Tell me about yourself
-Trinity questions
-cultural differences about places I worked in
-biggest challenge at work
-post MBA goals
Since the interviewer was in a field I am interested in, I asked a lot of questions about their experience/background in addition to questions about INSEAD. Interview went like a conversation and ended up lasting about 1.5 hours. Felt very confident, but was concerned when the interviewer wished me luck with the rest of the INSEAD application process and said "IF you get into INSEAD..." several times, rather than some of the very positive feedback other interviewees have received in the past (i.e. "I will give a positive recommendation to the AdCom").
Second Interview:
At the office of a director at a large MNC. Interviewer was older than my first. Dressed business formal.
Questions -
-Why MBA. Interviewer injected with valid questions about my goals several times during my response.
-Asked about my non-quant background.
-Asked what you could classify as case questions about my field and post-MBA interests.
-Trinity question. Focus vs. other similar MBA schools.
-Questioned my plans as an entrepreneur and how INSEAD fit (or didn't) with it.
-How will I finance the MBA
In the end, the interview went very well. The interviewer interjected and questioned me quite a bit but always was respectful. And I was glad it went that way, as I was able to clearly articulate why INSEAD is for me. I was confident from the first interview and preparation. I knew INSEAD is the best fit for me and the value that I bring to the community.
Overall Takeaways:
-Be honest! Like everyone else, I know why I want to go to INSEAD and I made sure to stress that.
-Know your interviewers. Research them and their background. Anticipate what sorts of questions they would ask with their background, position, etc. If you are interviewing in a country or with an interviewer from a respective industry, understand the cultural context and prepare for it.
-Know your "weaknesses". Hopefully they come up in the interview process. Surely the AdCom has the same questions and having an opportunity to address them is great. Each "weakness" or hurdle was an opportunity for growth and should be a chip on your shoulder!
Finally, know your strengths and story. Everyone brings value and has a unique story. Be sure to highlight both in a clear way. Why are you better than the next candidate? More likely than not, there will be a "better" on-paper candidate in terms of GPA, GMAT or work experience than you. What makes you awesome!? For me, my background and my post-MBA goals are unique. I am very proud of both and I made that clear. The interviewers want to see if you bring value to the school and if you are good INSEAD fit culture-wise. It's also important to say what kind of person you are AWAY from the paper, grades and work. What makes you you?
Good luck to everyone. Have rock solid interviews and have fun - interviews are the moment for you to shine and bring all your hard work together! Look forward to seeing you at INSEAD