MBA Interview Guide

The MBA Interview is important for two reasons. First, the interview is your chance to show admissions committee that you can effectively present yourself to others. Secondly, the MBA interview is a chance for you to learn about your business school of choice from someone who has an extensive knowledge of that particular MBA program. The MBA interview is required or encouraged at most business schools. That's why it would be wise to arrange for an interview, especially if you are a good speaker with strong leadship skills. More information about the MBA interview including general MBA interview tips, tips on preparing for the MBA interview and MBA interview questions, is provided below.

MBA interviewers will be judging you on your leadership, communication and analytic skills as well as your proficiency with the English language. You’ll be asked about your career, your goals and how a particular MBA program will help you achieve your goals. There are no right or wrong answers. The interview will begin with broad questions then goes into specifics of what you can bring into that particular MBA program and your community involvement. Lastly, you'll be asked if you want to share any additional information to help the admissions committee make their decision.

• Reflect on why you want to apply to a particular school.

• Reflect on what makes you unique and what you can bring to that program.

• Be ready to tell the interviewer what you see yourself doing 5 to 10 years from now.

• Look at your weak points of your MBA application and come up with ways to address them during the interview.

• Prepare at least one positive story that isn't already on your application. It doesn't have to be a story from your job -- you could also talk about a social setting, hobby or something you did while pursuing your undergraduate degree. Make sure it demonstrates of how you've exhibited leadership in that situation.

• Talk to current students or alumni of the school where you’re interviewing to see if they can provide you with additional information about the admissions committee or a list of questions common to that school. Admissions and the alumni office can usually help you find people to speak to in your chosen field. 

• Research the school and the people interviewing you. Read the marketing materials as well as the website.

• Answer the schools application essay question before attending the interview, since this will help you focus on what your goals are.

• Arrange for a practice interview with someone who has a strong history of interviewing other people. Below are a few common interview questions you can use as a starting point.