I don’t see a lot of recent debriefs so thought I will add a fresh one for future interviewees' benefit. I had my interview just a few days before the deadline for interviewers to submit their feedback. Which was both good and bad; good because lots of time to prepare, bad because more time to be nervous about it. My advice – don’t be nervous because in my view LBS interview is something you can’t fully prepare for.
First, some information for people who don’t know about the interview process – Once you get an invitation to interview, a regional manager matches you up with an LBS alum. The process can take up to two weeks so be patient and use this time to prepare. Once you are matched, you reach out to the interviewer and set up a date. You have approximately 2-3 weeks to complete the interview before LBS's deadline for feedback from the interviewer. So, everything considered, you have almost 1 month to finish the interview after you get the invite.
You also have to complete two video questions and you will get about three weeks after the invite to complete those. I suggest completing it as soon as possible to have more time to prepare for the interview. Again, one of the video questions is something that you can’t prepare for. Don’t wing it but don’t overprepare either.
Now, for my interview experience – It went on for two hours and was full of random questions. I have a relatively unique professional background and her pre-MBA career was similar, if not as niche.
Her curiosity regarding my career drove many (40%) of the questions and how, depending on my background, I will fit into the LBS environment. Almost 40% of the questions involved the interviewer sharing her own experience at LBS and with her post-MBA career, and then asking me questions about what I would do in those situations.
There were no straightforward “why LBS?” or “why MBA?” questions but the extent to which I answered other indirect questions would have answered those anyway. I would recommend knowing what you wish to do at LBS (including GBE, Exchange, courses, clubs, etc.) at least one layer deep with solid reasons for why/why not?
The interview also had a presentation/case, something I was concerned about because of no prior consulting experience and the general notion that you can’t prepare for it. The question in my view was straightforward. It was only a test of common business sense and verbal communication skills. I tried familiarizing myself with cases from LBS’s casebook and it was a nice warm-up.
Overall, the interview was not meant to be a “trick” setup and was pretty chatty. My interviewer had a straight, almost disinterested face with occasional nods so I don’t know whether she was impressed or I am doomed as unworthy for the mighty LBS. Hoping for a good outcome.
If anyone had any specific questions/concerns, feel free to comment.