A Business School invites a qualified candidate for an interview to gauge academic excellence vis-a-vis one’s managerial ability and leadership skills. In the half an hour session, the interviewee should be able to create a lasting positive impression that should guarantee a seat in the premier MBA college.
A candidate who has passed the exam stage and has been called for the interview round, should be well versed in the basics. One should have accurate answers to questions about education, work experience and family background. The interviewee should grasp open ended questions as an opportunity to present skills and abilities. There are certain questions that form an important part of an MBA interview. To the question as to why one requires an MBA degree, one must be confident about future goals and how the degree will help in achieving them. Other integral questions are about one’s strengths, general awareness, hobbies and why should one be chosen above the rest. The interviewer seeks to judge the candidates professional clarity through these. With tact, the latter can steer the interview to highlight achievements and experience.
It is essential for a candidate to be natural, confident but humble, to the point and grounded. And not be nervous or clumsy. One should not make tall claims and should not be vague. If an answer is not known, saying so to the interviewer is better than sounding fake. One should take care of the tone and the words chosen. It is essential to listen carefully, to understand and then respond. Answers should be short but informative. Practicing mock interviews and preparing answers to frequently asked questions makes the actual interview comfortable.
One should dress formally for the interview, avoid being flashy, and take special care to be courteous and to not look stressed. Making eye contact, not fidgeting and a confident body language creates a good impression. So does knowing about the institute and the interviewers’ profile.
Keeping these points in mind, cracking any MBA interview can be easier for the candidate.
