{"id":37702,"date":"2017-06-14T06:00:24","date_gmt":"2017-06-14T13:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=37702"},"modified":"2017-06-14T02:27:41","modified_gmt":"2017-06-14T09:27:41","slug":"emba-interview-tips-you-need-to-get-accepted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/emba-interview-tips-you-need-to-get-accepted\/","title":{"rendered":"EMBA Interview Tips You Need to Get Accepted"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Check<\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re like many of my EMBA clients, it\u2019s been quite a while since you\u2019ve interviewed \u2013 at least as the interviewee. And if you have recently sat in the hot seat, it\u2019s been for a job interview, not a school interview. Most EMBA applicants<\/a> have strong interpersonal and communication skills (otherwise, you wouldn\u2019t be where you are professionally), and so theoretically needn\u2019t worry about the interview. Yet the unfamiliarity with the situation triggers nerves. In addition, you\u2019re probably applying to only 1-2 programs, giving each interview great weight \u2013 no room for error!<\/p>\n

One simple way to alleviate those nerves and get in the EMBA interview groove: prep and practice<\/strong>! It can be casual prep or it can be more involved, whatever works for you.<\/p>\n

In coaching EMBA applicants for interviews<\/a>, I\u2019ve identified the unique challenges and distinction of the EMBA interview process. Here is a summary plus tips on how to deal with them.<\/p>\n

When in the process will you interview?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This will affect your approach and preparation. (While most EMBA interviews occur after you have submitted your application, some, such as NYU and sometimes Wharton, occur before.)<\/p>\n

\u2022 If you interview before submitting, don\u2019t just jump into it without thinking through your \u201cstory\u201d and your goals. What you write later in the application must align with what you say initially.<\/p>\n

\u2022 If you interview after submitting, you\u2019re immersed in your story and goals from the app writing process. Be careful not to sound like you\u2019re reciting your application \u2013 your challenge here is to be fresh and engaged.<\/p>\n

Blind interview or not?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A blind interview is one where your interviewer has not read your application, only possibly your resume<\/a> \u2013 or as Kellogg currently does, you\u2019ll bring your resume to the interview. Most EMBA interviews are not blind \u2013 the interviewer will have read your application.<\/p>\n

\u2022 For blind interviews<\/strong>, you\u2019re essentially a blank slate in the interviewer\u2019s eyes. Your challenge is to impart a distinct, compelling impression<\/a> that will leave the interviewer enthusiastic and interested. Bring stories and points to the table that will create that impression, and work them into your answers. If you\u2019ve completed your application, you can use examples and stories in it, because they will be new to the interviewer.<\/p>\n

\u2022 For non-blind interviews<\/strong>, expect questions probing your application, and do not reiterate stories and examples from your application; have some new examples\/anecdotes at hand. Also, review your application shortly before interviewing, so that you remember it well.<\/p>\n

Types of questions to prepare for<\/strong><\/p>\n

You should be ready for anything. Still, there are types of questions that almost always pop up.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Open questions such as \u201cSo, tell me about yourself\u201d or \u201cPlease walk me through your resume<\/a>\u201d are common as openers. For the latter, avoid going on too long, repeating every item \u2013 a common pitfall. Rather, summarize your career trajectory and zoom-in on 1-2 key points to add value, e.g., an important decision or learning\/growth experience. Give more emphasis to recent positions. Actually, I suggest always preparing a \"Tell me about yourself\" reply \u2013 it requires you to identify key points about your candidacy, which helps you strategize overall. It\u2019s a great interview prep exercise.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Since EMBAs are part-time programs, expect a question about how you will balance and fit school into your work and life \u2013 be specific and practical. Acknowledge the challenge<\/a> and show you're prepared.<\/p>\n

\u2022 For open questions like \u201cWhat is your leadership style\u201d or \u201cWhat are your strengths and weaknesses as a manager\u201d don\u2019t just explain, but also give a brief example. For EMBA strategy questions, find examples\/stories that show you in a high-level role and\/or dealing with high stakes issues, to underscore your appropriate level.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Also, there may be behavioral questions: \"Describe a time when...\"; essentially stories. The key is answering with enough detail to make the story meaningful and interesting but not drag on too long. Again, for EMBA strategy, select stories that reflect higher level, higher stakes situations and responsibilities or that reflect distinctive aspects of your candidacy.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Goals questions are almost inevitable. Be consistent with your application, and indicate why you want to pursue that path<\/a> \u2013 share your motivation with the interviewer. What do you hope to do during and after your EMBA that you can\u2019t do now?<\/p>\n

\u2022 Why the program, why an MBA<\/a>: everybody loves to be loved \u2013 including EMBA adcoms. Let your enthusiasm for the program show! Cite program details that excite you, connecting the program to your goals and professional growth needs. If it\u2019s a non-blind interview, do bring in some new points.<\/p>\n

Beyond these, there are often questions about your industry, your function, your work culture, etc.<\/p>\n

A few final tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 STRATEGIZE: Think about your candidacy and what points you want to make \u2013 then during the interview find opportunities to weave those points into your discussion.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Nudge the interview toward dialogue, rather than just interrogation style Q&A.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Use social IQ to adapt to the interviewer\u2019s style, tone, interest level, etc.<\/p>\n

Good luck and enjoy the interview \u2013 it should be an enjoyable conversation. If you\u2019d like coaching or practice before the big day \u2013 that\u2019s what I\u2019m here for!<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Get<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Cindy<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Excellent Executive MBA Admissions Advice<\/a>, podcast interview
\n\u2022 6 Steps to Better Self Knowledge & a Successful MBA Interview<\/a>
\n\u2022 Do I Really Need a Mock Admissions Interview? [Short Video]<\/a><\/p>\n

This article<\/a>\u00a0originally appeared on\u00a0<\/i>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/p>\n

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help\u00a0you\u00a0<\/i>get accepted<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re like many of my EMBA clients, it\u2019s been quite a while since you\u2019ve interviewed \u2013 at least as the interviewee. And if you have recently sat in the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,939,775,113,243],"tags":[1806,60,1780,286,1039,1353],"class_list":["post-37702","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mba","category-accepted","category-admission-consultants","category-applications","category-blog","tag-admissions-interviews","tag-emba","tag-emba-admissions-advice","tag-interview","tag-interview-tips","tag-tips-for-interviews","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37702","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37702"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37702\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37705,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37702\/revisions\/37705"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37702"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37702"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}