Harvard interview

Question

Hi,

I had my HBS interview this week and fear that I've blown my chances.

Why? I think I was far too wordy and verbose in my answers, instead of being concise, punchy and clear like I know I am usually. There were three or four questions that I have been re-playing over and over in my head that I simply know I didn't answer in the way I could have.

The interviewer only had time for ~10 questions, which I think is indicative of the fact I gave answers that were far too long.

On the plus side, I think I built up a good rapport with my interviewer and came across as fairly confident. I am a UK applicant who is currently working in media (i.e. not a traditional demographic). My essays and recommendations are strong.

It's a painful wait until 30th March and it is already driving me mad!

Do you think I have blown it?

Thoughts appreciated! Thanks.

happyfeet69 · Answer

The interviewers target 10-15 questions so you're really fretting about nothing.

Posted from my mobile device

mfprado1073 · Answer

No one better than you and the interviewer can tell if you did well in your interview. People here will be very little effective in reassuring you.

I love this sentence. It kind of says:"Don't worry, my essays and recommendations are strong. Please focus on my question because I nailed the rest of my application."

We have no idea what makes one essay or recommendation strong, but still a lot of people write this as if there were no doubt their application is great based on (?). Being rejected by HBS and accepted everywhere else doesn't mean a poor essay. The other way around is also true.

To answer your question, don't worry about having bombwed the interview, we're sure you did great. And wait for your interview result before jumping into conclusions. Best of luck!

thecheftony · Answer

I had a similar feeling after my R1 interview. I was sure I had blown it and messed up some softball questions. But I was admitted.

It's going to be stressful but you really just have to sit back and wait to hear from the AdCom.

Good Luck

AlwaysABridesmaid · Answer

Hey national01- your experience sounds EXACTLY the same as mine from R1 this year. I had just about the same number of questions, felt like I was long-winded and even felt like my post-interview reflection was long-winded (which I thought about after the fact and could have made extra concise to make a point). I felt like I had for sure blown the interview and messed up some really easy questions. I don't know anyone that came out of the interview feeling perfectly confident- I think it's part of the HBS approach. You're going to get pushed to take stance in the case method and people are going to challenge you -- it shouldn't feel comfortable (ultimately, a good simulation for the world of business leadership).

I was ultimately admitted. I don't know if that was because of my interview, despite my interview or regardless of my interview (one thing to keep in mind is I was a re-applicant so slightly different pool). But- I hope my story helps you relax at least a bit as it sounds like you had a very similar experience. So, fingers crossed, whatever forces helped tip the scale in my favor, I really really hope they also work out for you. I'm sure they will.

Let me know if you have more questions.

119maple · Answer

Yes, based on the fact that you said you were rambling and wordy I think you did blow your interview.

aaaty · Answer

If you know you were rambling and wordy, I think it is safe to say that your interview might count as a negative for your application. However, I think it is hard for us to know for sure how much that will affect your chances.

SirJamesRufusEsquire · Answer

Hi National, while 10 questions does appear to be on the lower end (I had about 18-21), I think if your answers had substance you should be in the clear.

I also am under the impression I underperformed at my interview. I thought I blew 2-3 softballs and even froze up for ~6 seconds on a pretty easy one. On the flip side, I was quite charismatic throughout the whole process, even getting a few laughs out of my interviewers and from Dee herself!

Honestly, I have no way of knowing until March 30th, but I'm not sweating at all because I will be very happy with attending Kellogg, to which I have already been accepted, as well.

happyfeet69 · Answer

Guys, guys, guys! It's not the number of questions that's the issue. It's the substance! HBS interviewers are experts at their job, and one thing they have really perfected is the art of sticking to a fair and balanced timeline for everyone / for most people. They know beforehand what they'd like to get out of you - if they get that in exactly 30 minutes, perfect! If it takes them 15, they'll find additional questions. If they can't do it within 30 minutes, they might cut the interview short, or extend it only so slightly so that they can get what they wanted.

Good luck to everyone!

I got in earlier but going to GSB.

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device

Good luck to everyone!

I got in earlier but going to GSB.

Posted from my mobile device

national01 · Answer

Thanks for comments all. Found at yesterday that I've been accepted. Still hasn't quite sunk in yet...

eastcoastchamps · Answer

Congrats - how long did it take you to prepare for an interview? Did you start preparing when you got the invite or right after you submitted your apps?

bb · Answer

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