Following the initial
screening of applicants, most leading business schools invite
candidates to the "second stage" of the admissions process - the
admission interview. Approximately 30%-50% of applicants are usually invited to
interviews. However, some schools, such as the Chicago Booth
Graduate School of Business and Kellogg, interview all
applicants prior to submitting applications, as an integral part
of the admissions process.
Usually, candidates can choose between on-campus or off-campus
interviews. If the interview is conducted on campus, the
interviewer may be a member of the admissions committee (for
example at Cornell) or a student (for example at Wharton).
Off-campus interviews are usually conducted by alumni.
Dress Code
For on-campus interviews, business attire is
recommended and often required. Business attire includes a suit,
tie and black dress shoes (thin-soled, with black socks).
Business casual dress usually includes
khaki pants, a button-down shirt and black shoes. In the winter,
a sweater may be worn over the shirt. Some candidates prefer
adding a tie and/or jacket.
Preparation
Good preparation is the key to success at admissions interviews.
Discussion groups, students, alumni, books and admissions
counselors can all be helpful in learning as much as possible
about the school's methods and approach towards interviews.
Aringo offers a professional interview preparation service,
based on systematic collection of questions used in prior
interviews, and on interview simulation practice. To start the
process, please fill out the
information request form.
The admissions committee allows interviewers significant leeway
with regard to the style of interview and questions asked.
Therefore, learning as much as possible about your interviewer
in advance is recommended: what is his/her style? What is
his/her background? Which questions has s/he asked in the past?
Students, alumni, forums and admissions counselors can provide
this information.
We strongly recommend preparing extensively for your interview.
In our experience, those candidates who devote tens of hours
to preparation are those who do the best on interviews.
Preparation should focus on selecting and phrasing your key
messages and expressing them orally, under pressure. Conduct as
many mock (simulation) interviews as possible: with alumni who
have experience interviewing, with friends and family, with
professional advisors and with other candidates. Mock interviews
will not only provide quality feedback and ideas for
improvement, they will also help you feel comfortable and
confident in an interview setting and practice your English in
case it's not your native language.
The interview - 8 Basic Tips
1. Obvious but important - be on time! If
you are late, apologize.
2. Turn off your cell phone and any other mobile device before
the interview.
3. A common mistake is giving long-winded answers to questions.
Speak briefly and to the point.
4. Be positive. Try to avoid words such as "no", "impossible",
"isn't" etc. Almost any message can also be phrased in a
positive manner.
5. Truth wins. The more honest you are, the stronger impression
you will make - not only in what you say but in giving an
impression of confidence and calm.
6. Strengthen your answers by offering specific examples.
7. Be prepared to answer the three basic questions: Why MBA? Why
at our school? Why now?
8. On-campus interviews are sometimes preferable - it depends on
your abilities and which school you applied to. Carefully
consider the choice of on-campus vs. off-campus interview
according to your situation.
After the interview
Send a brief email to your interviewer thanking him/her for
devoting the time to your interview.
Your admissions interview will likely be just the first of a
long series of interviews that you will have in your years at
business school. Regardless of the result of your application,
it is recommended to ask your interviewer for feedback after you
receive a response from the school regarding your candidacy. Use
this feedback to improve your performance on future interviews.
Good luck!
To get your interview preparation started, please fill
out the
Information Request Form
See also:
Common Interview Questions
