Admission season is around the corner and there is no better time to get cracking on MBA admission interview tips! A Master’s in Business Administration is an important step in journeying further in your business career. Acing the interview is the first step in this process. Here are 10 MBA interview tips to help you.
MBA Interview: Tips and Tricks
1. Research About the Programme:
Be familiar with the MBA programme. This will give you the confidence to answer questions about it and how you fit best. Before the interview, research the program you are applying to and understand the curriculum, faculty and specializations, along with any unique opportunities. Understanding the program’s ethos and values will allow you to tailor your responses effectively. Suppose you’re applying to an online MBA programme focusing more on entrepreneurship. Researching the program reveals that it offers a dedicated entrepreneurship track with access to industry mentors and startup incubators. During the interview, you can highlight your interest in entrepreneurship and discuss how the program’s resources align with your career goals.
2. Know Your Resume:
Your resume highlights your strengths and the experiences you gained because of it. Prepare for your interview in a way that allows you to explain your resume. Highlight your academic achievements, professional experience, extracurricular activities, and any relevant certifications or accomplishments. Anticipate questions about gaps in your resume or transitions between roles and be ready to provide clear explanations. For example, if you have a slight gap in your resume because you had a personal commitment to take care of, or a career switch from engineering to finance, be prepared to explain them all. Your background in other careers might actually be a fresh perspective.
3. Look Up Common Interview Questions:
One of the most obvious MBA admission interview tips is knowing the answers to certain questions that are common across the board. Practice answering common MBA interview questions like “Why do you want to pursue an MBA?” “What are your short-term and long-term career goals?” “How do you plan to contribute to the program?” Develop concise, compelling responses showing your enthusiasm, ambition, and suitability for the program. Map out a goal for your career and provide a step-by-step visual of how you want to achieve these goals.
4. Show How You Fit in the Programme:
Showcase your understanding of the programme’s culture, values, and learning environment. Emphasise how your background, interests, and aspirations align with the programme. Discuss specific courses, projects, or initiatives that excite you and explain how they relate to your academic and professional objectives. For example, if your programme places importance on collaborative work, share experiences where you have used collaboration effectively to achieve personal and professional goals.
5. Prepare Questions of Your Own:
Prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the program, faculty, alumni network, career services, or any other aspects that interest you. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your genuine interest in the program and your proactive approach to learning. Think about what you want to know most about the programme and frame questions before the interview.
6. Highlight Key Skills:
Skills like leadership and problem-solving should be highlighted during an interview. An important MBA interview tip is to use example scenarios to illustrate your ability to deal with pressure and take the right calls. If you’ve led a project that resulted in cost savings or revenue growth for your organisation, discuss the strategies you implemented, the obstacles you encountered, and the outcomes you achieved, highlighting your leadership and analytical abilities.
7. Be Uniquely Yourself:
Let your personality show during your interview. Answering every question like you have already prepared the answers will come across as stiff and rehearsed, without showing the interviewer what kind of a person you are. Be relaxed and comfortable in your skin when answering questions so that your uniqueness shows. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that have shaped your journey and influenced your decision to pursue an MBA, allowing the interviewer to connect with you on a deeper level.
8. Practice Good Etiquette:
Whether the interview is online or offline, ensure proper etiquette. This shows your commitment and personality way before the interview starts. For example, if the interview is conducted online, make sure to be familiar with the interview call link. Dress professionally and speak clearly. Keep your internet stable. Find a quiet, well-lit space for the interview and test your audio and video settings beforehand to avoid technical issues during the interview.
9. Make Your Interest Known:
Continuing from one of the previous MBA admission interview tips, let your personality show by communicating your enthusiasm for continuous learning and development. Express your willingness to try new and challenging tasks and embrace change. Ensure your willingness to grow and transform through the programme is evident. For example, discuss areas of business you want to explore like sustainability and how you think the programme will be the right fit to help you learn.
10. Follow-up Etiquette:
After the interview, send a personalized thank-you note to the interviewer expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to discuss your candidacy. Use this as an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the program and briefly reinforce why you’re a strong fit. Thank them and point out specific parts of the interview where their insights were valuable. Reaffirm your excitement about the possibility of joining the MBA program and contributing to its vibrant community.
If you are looking for an online MBA programme where you think you might be a good fit, the Online MBA Degree Programme in Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Pune runs an incredible programme for aspirants who wish to learn the nuances of business. Their faculty is some of the best in the industry and their online learning modules are designed to impart learning and skill training to every student.
By following these MBA interview tips and adequately preparing for your online interview, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the admissions committee and secure your spot in the program of your choice.