For some Round 2 and Round 3 applicants, business school interview season is still in full swing, which means you still have time to prepare for and ace the interview that will help you gain acceptance to your top choice MBA program.
There are endless articles and books you can read about preparing for an interview (b-school or otherwise). Many of the tips included in these resources focus on what to say—what to include in your answers to the interviewer's questions and what to ask your interviewer. What we're going to focus on here is not the what of MBA interviews, but the how. How should you approach your interview? And how should you answer the questions?
Follow these three tips to nail the how aspect of your MBA interview:
- Structure your answers by visualizing an outline. Your answers should answer your interviewer's questions in a clear, organized fashion. To the question "Why do you want to attend B-School X?" don't say, "I grew up in a small town in Indiana and…" but instead present your interviewer with a clear structured answer: "There are four reasons why B-School X is my top choice school: curriculum, culture, and community." And then delve deeper into each of your answers.
- Exude confidence. Your voice and body language should project confidence from your handshake hello to the final goodbye. If you are naturally confident, then it won't be hard for you to achieve this. If confidence doesn't come easily to you, you're going to need to work your hardest to convince yourself that you are an ideal candidate who deserves an offer. Imagine yourself in situations where you are self-assured and successful. After that positive imaging, it'll be easier to feel and convey confidence.
- Follow interviewer cues. Some interviewers are bubbly and talkative. Some appreciate a sense of humor. Others are by-the-book. Notice the type of person with whom you are speaking and adapt your answers to match that person's personality or style. People who speak slowly, generally appreciate speaking with other slow talkers. Fast talkers may get bored if your tempo isn't up to speed with theirs.
As mentioned before, there are endless tips when it comes to preparing for and then acing your MBA interviews, but adjusting your attitude and staying organized is certainly a good place to start.
Please visit Accepted's new 101 Business School Interview Kit to view resources that will help you prep for your big day by providing you with info on common MBA interview questions, ways you can boost your interview confidence, and post-interview follow-up etiquette.
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