MBA Abroad Amissions

Source: FortunaAdmissions

After the euphoria of having an interview invitation comes the anxiety and nervousness of performing and cracking the same. Interview is a very prominent part of MBA admission process and must be taken seriously.

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Of the thousands of applications that business faculties like Chicago Booth, Harvard grad school or Columbia might receive annually, only a small amount of people make it to the interview. But an even smaller number of people will then be offered a confirmed admit in the MBA program, suggesting that the admissions committee is at this stage looking for reasons to select you rather than reject you. At the very least the committee believes you are a serious candidate, and would like to know further about you – that is therefore discovered consequently.

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About the MBA Interview Process

To prepare for an MBA interview or any interview one must keep the following in focus.

• Sincerity for your goals
• Facts about your personality
• Communication skills
• Executive presence

Talking about preparing answers to your interview questions – it is obvious that you can’t prepare your response for everything. Your interviewer may end up asking some very random or out of the field questions such as “If you were a bird, which kind would you be?” Spontaneity and good communication skill are the keys to give an engaging response.

Sources: topcount

Important MBA Interview questions and tips to answer them

You must prepare an answer for all the basic and expected questions. 

Here is the list of five most common MBA interview questions.

1.Tell me about yourself

While answering this question remember that the interviewer is asking this question to talk about your professional self and not you in general. Add the following in your answer to this question.

-Who are you?
-What motivates you?
-Education and work accomplishment.
-Passion, strength, and weakness.
-Why do you want to pursue MBA?

2.Tell me about an ethical dilemma you faced

 Try to choose a situation that is grey. Remember to mention the lessons you learned from the situation and also mention your reaction on the same in a positive way.

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 3.‎Describe poor management

Remember when you describe what poor management is you must not blame anyone in case you are giving an example of any of your poor manager. Just give your opinion on what you will consider as poor management and if possible tell ways on how you can turn poor management into good management.

4.Tell me about your biggest failure

When you discuss your failure you must discuss your reaction and response to the incident. Don’t blame anyone for your failure. Instead, discuss the lessons you learned from the same and make sure your tone while responding is a positive one.

5.‎What is your biggest weakness? 

Although some experts suggest in quoting your strength in the form of a weakness that should not be the case because the interviewer is obviously smarter than you. Instead, tell your weakness in a way that it reflects a dedication to improvement in you. Also, choose a weakness that would preferably not affect your work and study in the field.

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Pro Tip: Your every answer should reflect that you’re aware of the company’s needs and values. Meanwhile, your tone should register as articulate, confident, and prepared.

Try using STAR approach for your answers. The STAR approach is an interview technique that helps you keep your answers on the right track. 
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Situation – You start by explaining a situation which required you to solve a problem, use a skill, or come up with a new idea. 

Task – Next, you explain the action that your organization requires in such a situation. 

Action – After, you describe the action that you took. If it’s different than the required task, you should also explain why you chose a different path. 

Result – What happened in the end? How did the situation play out once you acted? It’s best here to illustrate successes with numbers and details if you can. Numbers help reinforce the impact that your action had.

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MBA Abroad Interview Preparations

The way you appears in an interview matters. Take special notice of how you are dressing up for your interview day. Although eventually your performance is what matters the most but maintain your personality for that day.

Here are few things that men/women can take into consideration while dressing up for an MBA interview.
Men

1. Crisp shirt – choose soft colors like navy blue, grey-black
2. Two piece Suit, preferably
3. Tie (you can drop this if you want)
4. Well-polished shoes
5. Be well groomed
   

Women

1. Shirt/Top – Choose colors like navy blue, grey, black
2. Two pieced match suit
3. Skirt/Trouser – Whatever you’re comfortable in.
4. Keep jewelry less flashy – go for simple choices
5. Be well groomed

Make sure that you take what you are wearing into consideration before going for an interview. There are a couple situations where obsessing over what you wear is acceptable: high school prom, your wedding day, and your MBA interview. Don’t feel bad, get it right.

Most people get nervous before interviews and nervousness can cause you to stumble through even the most fundamental interactions. Therefore the final step of preparation is to relax and enjoy your interview. 

Do your interview homework seriously and boost your chances. Also, remember to have a glass of water before you enter the interview room. Going for an interview with full preparation does not guarantee you an admit, but it will surely help you in performing better.

What are your best tips for interview preparation? Do share in the comments section below. Also, please do mention your feedback and suggestions.

Good luck!