https://www.mymbalink.com/blog/showing-up-the-interviewSHOWING UP- THE INTERVIEW“Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.” - Oscar Wilde You can be confident that you’ve already cleared a few hurdles by the time you receive an invitation for an MBA admissions interview. Yet, it can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the process. If you’re the type of person that welcomes the opportunity to sit down with a stranger and talk about yourself, that’s great. However, if you’re like many other people who feel a tad bit anxious about that prospect that’s completely normal too. Either way, like almost everything in life, preparation is key. Making sure that you prepare the way that you would for a regular job interview is one of the best pieces of advice I can share. Additionally, remember that while most interviews will ideally be conversational, they’re evaluative too. An interview report will be added to your file after the fact, and used to inform the final admissions decision that the adcom ultimately makes on your application. So remember that you’re “on” from start to finish during the interaction.
As you’re busy preparing for your interview, it might be helpful to have a sense for how your interviewer may be approaching the process as well. Below, I’ll share my perspective on the various “hats” that a typical admissions interviewer is wearing throughout your conversation with them. Their goal is to get a sense for who you are and will be as a student in the classroom, as a professional in front of potential recruiters and as a member of the community.
The Academic Hat
In some cases you may be interviewing with a faculty member, though it’s more likely that you’ll be meeting with an admissions representative, alumnus or a current/second year student. (Be sure to find out that information beforehand if you can as part of your prep). Regardless, the interviewer is going to want to get a sense for your intellect, beyond your transcripts and test scores. After all, that’s a major part of why you’re there- to study and earn a graduate degree. I used to ask applicants how they stay intellectually engaged; what books they were reading; how they kept abreast of what was happening in the world, etc. Your responses to these types of questions show how you might contribute to the academic environment.
The Recruiter Hat
Most aspiring MBAs are going to business school for professional reasons as well- maybe you want to pivot into a new functional role or industry, or maybe you want to start your own business. Either way, you’ll likely be part of your program’s recruitment process for internships and post-MBA employment. Although you’ll likely receive specific coaching from your program’s career services team when you get to that point, you need to be able to demonstrate professionalism from the get go. Your interviewer will want to see that you have an executive presence. I used to observe the language applicants would use (i.e.: avoiding slang), their body language and overall ability to represent themselves- and potentially the program- well to future recruiters and employers.
The Student/Alumni Hat
Even if you’re interviewing with a current student (beware- sometimes they’re even tougher interviewers!), this is an important dimension of the process. I used to think about whether or not this person seemed like someone that others would want to be in a study group with, or participating in a student organization with, or even hanging out with at a social event. I also used to think about what they might be like as a future alumnus (yes, the admissions folks are already thinking about when you graduate from the program and how you’ll continue contributing to the community). This is where an applicant's social acumen and ability to be relatable and have a conversation comes into play.
While there aren’t specific questions you necessarily have to prepare for related to each of the “hats” your interviewer will be wearing throughout your interview, it’s helpful to know what they may be thinking about as you craft your responses. At the end of the day, it’s best to relax, be yourself and enjoy the process. Remember- you’re interviewing them too, so always come with a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end (that you can’t easily find on the website or via Google!)
If you’re interested in learning more about our interview preparation services during a free consultation, get in touch below and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours to set up time to chat.
https://www.mymbalink.com/free-consultation-mba-link