Do I need to treat a visit like an interview?

Question

Hi all,

I am going to visit a number of b-schools in Europe over the next couple of weeks (LBS, IESE, ESADE, possibly INSEAD, SAID and HEC). Does anyone know if these universities pay close attention to who visits, their behaviour, attire, resume etc? Does whoever takes you on the tour make some sort of recommendation to admissions (or are they on the admission team)? I have read a few posts about this, but none seem to really clearly answer beyond most schools having an expectation that you visit at some point.

Also if they ask for a resume to be sent will it be recorded on file and become a part of my application or is it more just so they can see how seriously they want to treat me?

Would be interested in anyone has experience or suggestions regarding visiting these schools in particular.

Thanks, 
Jish

jishjohnny · Answer

Also a number of schools have emailed asking me to send my resume/cv so they can arrange an informal interview. How does the informal interview impact my application? If I send my resume now will they keep it on file and compare it with what I send when I actually apply?

The reason I ask is because I only have a resume that is written to apply for a specific job, not to apply for a b-school and probably what I would write on the two is significantly different.

Thoughts anyone?

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey Jish,

I'm really happy to hear you'll be visiting all these programs - that's a great thing to do! Informal interviews are a great way for schools to gather preliminary information on you as a candidate. It's more there for them to identify top talent rather than keep out people but, hey, if you botch it, it could keep you out!

As for visits - as your mom always says - be on your best behavior. School visits are no different. Behave appropriately. Dress appropriately. Engage appropriately. How much of a school visit is recorded depends both by school and the people you meet - some are more engaged than others. That said, school visits should not be taken lightly!

(PS - yes, your bschool resume should be different than a professional one!)

jishjohnny · Answer

If I sent my standard (applying for a job) resume and explained I would send an updated one when I apply will that be fine? Wil they keep a record of it on file and compare it with the updated one I provide?

I don't really have time to rewrite my resume and my trip is only two weeks away.

I don't really have time to rewrite my resume and my trip is only two weeks away.

CriticalSquare · Answer

2 weeks should be enough time to get a bschool resume ready but if you don't feel it is, then that's perfectly fine. They won't hold it against you! But it just would be preferred to have a consistent image, right?

Have fun with the visits!

Have fun with the visits!

jishjohnny · Answer

Yeah, I think some of it would change and there are probably things I would add and take away. Main problem is I am travelling visiting 6 countries over 3 weeks and two days with my wife and newborn son, including helping with a friends wedding, so much to organise and so little time to work with! If the circumstance were different I would redo my resume first, I just can't see me having time at this point.

CriticalSquare · Answer

Well if there is a new born baby in the mix - you clearly have your hands full! Don't sweat the resume - focus on not missing any flights or trains

!

jishjohnny · Answer

My thoughts exactly!!!!

Thanks for your help!

R1Hopeful · Answer

Related question - is there any difference in how you would treat a summer information session where they might be less people / no class in sessions versus a session during the school year? Is there perhaps more applicants visiting in the summer so it changes the dynamic?

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey there,

That's a wonderful question. There's no doubt that the dynamic changes in a summer info session rather than a full fledged class visit surrounded by students, etc. But in terms of how you approach it - no. Have your story ready, try to set up conversations, and learn as much as you can. How you approach them are the exact same!

Do I need to treat a visit like an interview?

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