I wrote this post with MBA’s in mind, but the truth is that while it focuses on MBA interviews, the advice is true for any admissions interview. I also originally wrote this as one long post, but I have a lot to say on this topic. Like Pinocchio’s nose, this post grew and grew. I decided to turn in into a week-long series. Today will present part 1, and the rest of the week will present the other posts.
Just as shorter days, colder nights, and crunchy leaves underfoot tell us fall is here, MBA interview reports arriving daily in the MBA Interview Feedback Database tell me interview season is upon us. Here are four subjects you need to know to ace your MBA interview and a bonus: one nice-to-know.
Interview Must Know #1: Your Interview Goal
Your Interview Goal. It’s two-fold:
Show fit. In the words of the Wharton Adcom Blog, "The interviewer is assessing your fit for the Wharton MBA program." Think of your professional and educational background and needs and the school’s methodology, strengths, and career opportunities. Realize, however, that the interview is not just about you as a professional: it is also about you as an individual and human being. You need to connect the topics presented on Days 2 & 3.
Demonstrate your communications and interpersonal skills. The latter is important for all, but critical if English is your second language and/or your transcript and test scores lead one to question your communications skills.
