MBA Interviews - Content vs Delivery

Question

Alright, so I have an oddball question.

I have 115/120 on TOEFL (R30 W30 L27 S28)

I believe I have above average writing skills to sail through the essays, but interviews are a different game altogether.
I believe my English speaking skills aren't as good as my reading/writing, mostly because I haven’t had much practice as my work language is not English.

Overall I struggle with :
1. Talking speed - slow
2. Lack of appropriate Intonation - speech does not feel engaging enough.
3. Struggle with fumbles and pauses

The thing is, I believe the content of my interviews is solid - well thought, not scripted, deep.

So how much can deficiency of communication skill work against me?

Are European schools more forgiving on this than US schools? (Since English is 2nd language for majority of cohort)

Would business schools assume that my verbal comm skills will improve within just a few months into the program?

Posted from my mobile device

Admissionado · Answer

FALSEnine9 : Of course, it's very tough to say without hearing you speak. You might be harder on yourself or your skills could be a real issue. Regarding two of your questions: Q: So how much can deficiency of communication skill work against me? A: It could be an issue in your acceptance or it could be a non-factor if your speaking is better than you are letting on. If it's clear that you won't be able to keep pace with classes and the general environment, the interviewer (and the AdCom by extension) but believe the program wouldn't make sense for you. Q: Would business schools assume that my verbal comm skills will improve within just a few months into the program? A: I do not believe they will assume this. In fact, they will assume your skills will remain the same. If they improve, great, but they can't count on it. They have to accept you on the basis that you can handle the pace of communication on day one. I strongly recommend you get in touch with my team for a free consultation and, potentially, an interview prep package. That would be the best way for us to determine the level of your verbal communication skills and the best way to prepare for your upcoming interviews. https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/

MyMBAPath · Answer

It's nearly impossible to answer this question in a theoretical sense. Communication skills are critical, both at US and European schools. Having subpar communication skills can hurt your chances.

However, the part you are not asking about - but should! - is how to best prepare for your interview so you minimize the issue. Here are some free interview prep materials you can use: https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/cate ... Interviews

Practice is your friend. I have seen tremendous improvement in candidates with just several hours of practice.

Best of luck!

ARINGO · Answer

It's hard to answer without hearing you speak but I'd say content is very important! remember - Practice makes perfect! We have yet to meet the MBA candidate who was born with flawless interview skills. Even those who have a relatively easy time striking a rapport with new people need to bone up on storytelling skills to have a successful interview. Since most MBA interviews do not “reinvent the wheel,” it’s possible to beat your interview nerves by getting prepared with commonly asked MBA interview questions. Think of your interview skills as a muscle that is bound to grow the more you flex it!

For more interview tips read this article and watch this video:

For more interview tips  read this article  and watch this video:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N84MS4eItY

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Hi  FALSEnine9 ,
In my long experience mentoring candidates, I have met glib talkers, who spoke a lot, and were still able to say something really insignificant, and therefore appeared "non-genuine", while there have also been people who could barely speak, including candidates from countries like Nepal, who were barely able to speak in English. And to be very honest, the latter type, with better packed content, who spoke slowly got more points.

Happy to help you find the right approach for you. Please ping on my LinkedIn for a free session, to discuss in detail and answer your questions.

FALSEnine9 · Answer

Thank you so much. This is really reassuring!
Although I am actively working on it, with my partner helping me out with feedback. It's taking time but things are improving!

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