{"id":44803,"date":"2019-02-26T09:26:40","date_gmt":"2019-02-26T16:26:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/mistakes-to-avoid-before-after-your-mba-interview\/"},"modified":"2019-02-26T09:26:40","modified_gmt":"2019-02-26T16:26:40","slug":"mistakes-to-avoid-before-after-your-mba-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/mistakes-to-avoid-before-after-your-mba-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Mistakes to Avoid Before & After Your MBA Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Your MBA interview begins the moment you arrive on campus, and technically, your assessment can include any communication you\u2019ve had with an admissions committee representative up until that point. Each and every interaction counts, from coffee chats with current students, to an encounter with a professor, to your exchange with the receptionist. And it isn\u2019t over when you leave the interview \u2013 follow up is a key part of the assessment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was head of Wharton admissions, we had a fabulous receptionist. Like other administrative staff, she was on the front lines of interactions with prospective students,\u201d says my colleague and Fortuna Admissions co-founder, Judith Silverman Hodara<\/a>. \u201cIf a candidate wasn\u2019t gracious to her, wasn\u2019t polite \u2013 or worse, dismissive or patronizing \u2013 she let us know about it. I really appreciated it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The MBA interview experience is an overarchingly relational process, and the sphere of influence goes well beyond your assessor. As a coach at Fortuna Admissions, a Columbia Business School alumna and a former recruiting lead at Deloitte Consulting, I\u2019ve seen both sides of the coin. Below are seven useful tips for a holistic approach the MBA interview, from lead up to follow up, ensuring you put your best foot forward at all intervals: \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Don\u2019t just make the connection, build the relationship. <\/strong>As much as you want to impress your interviewers, make an effort to also cultivate relationships with former and current students. Having been in your shoes, they can serve as a helpful advocate. If someone is particularly impressed through their interaction with you, they can send a note to admissions \u2013 which been done before (just remember this scenario also works in the opposite direction). I had a client recently who was invited to a social outing at CBS by a student she\u2019d met on campus, offering her an opportunity to strengthen the relationship and a unique vantage point to assess fit for the school and what it might be like to go there.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    1. Don\u2019t get overly familiar.<\/strong> Even when you feel like your interactions are going well, whether a conversational interview experience with a recently graduated alumnus or a relaxed chat in the campus commons, don\u2019t make the mistake of being too casual. \u201cNo matter how comfortable you feel with an interviewer, AdCom member, or student ambassador, always treat them with the same respect you would treat the CEO of your company or your grandmother \u2013 whoever inspires you to maintain your manners!\u201d says Fortuna\u2019s Brittany Maschal<\/a> in her article, MBA Etiquette for Written Communications<\/a>. \u201cEven if the person\u2026 seems like a peer, don\u2019t be misled. You should still address them with the care of someone who is in a position of evaluating you.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      1. Don\u2019t just wing your introductions. <\/strong>Alternatively, have your tailored elevator pitch prepared. In a couple minutes, you should be able to succinctly explain who you are, the things you are passionate about and the key drivers inspiring you toward pursuing your MBA at that specific school. \u201cAuthenticity is key, so as you draw these connections within your pitch, stay true to yourself and your personal style,\u201d advises my Fortuna colleague, Sharon Joyce<\/a>, in her article, How to Develop Your MBA Elevator Pitch<\/a>. \u201cRemember that your goal is to both create a positive impression and open the door to further conversation by generating interest, not to tell your life story.\u201d With ample practice, you\u2019ll be able to avoid sounding scripted and articulate why this stepping stone in your education and career is meaningful with poise, confidence and clarity.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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        1. Don\u2019t forget some thoughtful questions.<\/strong> It\u2019s prudent to arrive armed with a few considered questions to highlight your interest in the program, whether you pose them at the formal admissions interview or a more casual networking event where current students are sharing their candid insights. \u201cWhen it\u2019s your turn to ask questions, use the opportunity wisely,\u201d says Fortuna\u2019s Melissa Jones<\/a> in her article, Preparing for Alumni-led Interviews<\/a>. \u201cDon\u2019t make the mistake of asking questions for which the information is easily available online.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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          For all seven tips to help you succeed during the assessment process, read my full article, \u201cMBA Interview Mistakes To Avoid: Before & After<\/a>\u201d on Poets & Quants.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          For more advice on how to maximize your interactions with schools before and after the MBA interview, view my brief video strategy session<\/a> with Fortuna Co-Founder Judith Silverman Hodara.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          Fortuna Admissions expert coach <\/em>Karen Hamou<\/em><\/a> is a Columbia Business School alumna and former Deloitte Consulting recruiting lead. <\/em><\/p>\n

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           <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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