HBS interview: answers length

Question

Hi all!

I've been reviewing interview reports on Clearadmit and would like to get a sense of how long should the answers be ?

Some experts recommend to keep the answers concise as the interview tests our ability to keep it short: every student will not have more than a minute to give an opinion during case method classes. Others prefer insightful answers, which would bring other perspective and reflection on the questions.

Is an interview that has 20-25+ questions the standard or does that kind of interview mean that the candidate did not provide enough information / reflection ?
On the other hand, is 10-15+ questions too short, meaning the student elaborated too much on each questions?

Could any admitted students or consultants who helped students to get in share their experience?

Thank you so much!

VantagePointKatie · Answer

Assuming the question warrants a fairly robust answer, I recommend targeting ~2 minutes. I am always surprised how many questions the HBS interviewers ask in 30 minutes, but 25 seems very high. In my experience, more like 10-15 is typical in a successful interview. Anecdotally, the interviews seem to have gotten more conversational as of late, so I guess if you're counting very minor follow up questions (ie yes / no answers) it might be higher. As with anything, the interviewer is gauging your EQ - in other words, are your answers appropriately detailed for the question they've asked and the tone of the overall discussion. Good luck!

MartRob · Answer

Thank you "VantagePointKatie" for your answer!
I was thinking 2-minute response is pretty long for an answer, and a lot of interview guides recommend student to be brief!

Is there any students who can share their experience?

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I am backing Katie up on saying if the question warrants a fairly robust answer, 2 minutes is the target. Walk me through your resume, even higher. But why did you get a dog, a lot shorter. The reason they usually ask a lot of questions is to follow up on things, get underneath the superficial, and make sure the candidate is delivering what the interviewer is wanting. If you are serving up introspective information they are less likely to interrupt you and hence ask another question  MartRob

MartRob · Answer

MBAPrepCoach , thank you for the insight.
I agree with you for the "walk me through your resume" type of questions or behavioural ones. 
I saw a mock with Sandy Kreisberg, and he advised to be brief too.

How about questions like
- tell me a recent project you worked on?
- what are the competitors in the market?
- why did you choose consulting?

shorter right?

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

MartRob

They are trying to get to know you. Focus on helping them understand what makes you tick, why you made certain choices more than being short.

On being concise. The thing is, many candidates just keep going on and on forever until someone interrupts them. Don't be that candidate.

Edit yourself, have a beginning middle and end but stay focused on the highlights, the most salient points. It needs to be interesting and ADDITIVE - like your answers in class.

For a recent project, I would argue CAR or STAR format so they can appreciate it; I am hesitant to say short answer for why consulting because that might be a really interesting story that helps them understand you better.

Just be WILLING TO BE BRIEF and not feel like you have to fill the space with a bunch of fluff. If the answer needs development, serve it, but don't manufacturer length for the sake of it. Shutting your mouth voluntarily shows confidence. Hope this helps.

MartRob · Answer

MBAPrepCoach

Crystal clear thank you coach :D

bb · Answer

HBS interview: answers length

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