{"id":50118,"date":"2020-10-07T03:22:37","date_gmt":"2020-10-07T10:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/2020\/10\/tips-for-writing-the-hbs-post-interview-reflection-2\/"},"modified":"2020-10-07T03:22:37","modified_gmt":"2020-10-07T10:22:37","slug":"tips-for-writing-the-hbs-post-interview-reflection-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/tips-for-writing-the-hbs-post-interview-reflection-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Writing the HBS Post-Interview Reflection"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The HBS Post-Interview Reflection is a distinctive element of Harvard’s evaluation process, and you\u2019ll have just 24 hours to submit it the admissions committee after your interview.<\/h2>\n

At first blush, this might feel like a timed test version of the HBS essay<\/a> (\u2018what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy?\u2019).\u00a0Instead, think of it as a final opportunity to set yourself apart as the thoughtful, incisive human that you are.<\/p>\n

As I wrote earlier this week in my post, Ace the HBS Interview: An Insider\u2019s Advice<\/a>,\u00a0I can affirm that no one gets an invitation to interview that doesn\u2019t have a really solid chance of being admitted. Yet the reality at ultra-competitive HBS is that you can have a flawless interview and still not land a place in its incoming class. That\u2019s why leveraging its \u201cPost-Interview Reflection\u201d to your advantage is imperative.<\/p>\n

The interview is your opportunity to let your personality and charisma shine through \u2013 traits which are difficult if not impossible to correctly discern from an application form or essay. It is also the opportunity for the committee to see how you handle pressure, and being put on the spot, which is something that will happen in case discussions in the HBS classroom.\u00a0But your work isn\u2019t over when you walk out the door.<\/p>\n

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Here’s the upshot: HBS, in effect, is giving you the chance to have the last word before making a final decision. This is a rare gift and you\u2019ll want to set yourself up for success to make the most of it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

First, do not approach this as another formal essay, which is the first official caution noted on the HBS website about the Post-Interview Reflection. Don\u2019t even think about writing it until you\u2019ve distanced yourself from the interview experience by at least a few hours. For one, it\u2019s positively essential that your response not be pre-prepared (your savvy admissions committee members can usually sniff this out immediately, which will be a red flag.) The purpose of this exercise is to see how candidates think on their feet. Most of all, the interview will go so quickly, you may be surprised how much ground you won\u2019t cover that you would have expected to discuss.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll want to craft your reflection within the context of the actual conversation. Demonstrating your depth of insight, and ability to cross-correlate, is vital. Consider carefully: What else did you want to say? What would you like to develop, or correct? Keep in mind that HBS is looking for authenticity and sincere introspection.<\/p>\n

Think of this exercise as a post-meeting memo thanking key participants for their input and reiterating the key selling points you want them to remember.<\/p>\n

Top Tips for Writing Your Post-Interview Reflection<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Take notes about your conversation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s best to find a quiet place to take notes immediately following the interview. Consider:<\/p>\n