Interview Tips for MBA Students: Simple Tips and Tricks

For a management aspirant, an MBA Interview is the last hurdle to cross for admission into their desired B-school. So, candidates are in a dire need of some MBA interview Tips which could help them ace the MBA PI. During the interview, the interviewers tend to check your personality traits and suitability for the MBA program at their institute. Hence, not only, you must have a clear understanding of the questions that could be asked, but you must be aware of the correct body language and personality traits that would add brownie points to your application.

MBA Interview Tips

Before we go any further, it is crucial for us to comprehend what goes on the interview panel’s mind while assessing a candidate:

Will this candidate contribute valuable input to my class?

Since a lot of learning happens in the MBA institutes via classroom lectures and peers, interview panelists do think about the value that the candidate would add to the class. So, during the MBA interview, the interview panelists do judge whether you, as a student would sit quietly in the class or raise intelligent and thought-provoking questions.

Can this candidate be placed easily in the corporate sector?

The faculty members of various MBA institutes are involved with the MBA placements. Thus, during the MBA interview, they try to judge the candidate on the level of coherence and clarity he has. Both these aspects are quite important during the placements. The MBA interview panelists do not want to take in candidates who get rejected by recruiters on campus, thus denting the placement records.

Considering these assumptions, here is a list of MBA Interview Tips or DOs and DON’Ts for an MBA interview that could help you ace the interview: 

What Should You Do in an MBA Interview?

Do proper research before applying for a program

It is a must for all MBA aspirants to have a thorough knowledge of the program and college they are applying for. Make sure you know about the various job roles and responsibilities offered after the completion of the program. Knowing about the program/college will show the interview panelists that you are serious and can even sum up to be answers to various questions asked by the panelists.  

Bridge the gap between your career goals and the facilities offered by the B-school

One of the many questions asked by the MBA interview panelists is: Why this specific B-school? The best way to tackle this question is to utilize the research you’ve done on the college, faculty, and placements programs offered by the college to explain to the panelists, why attending this B-school is the next best step for your career.

Dress to Impress

Every MBA aspirant must make sure that their personal appearance is prim and proper and that they have dressed appropriately. Remember, a candidate formally dressed up for the MBA interview shows the commitment to task and adherence to situational demands.

Present yourself as a Multi-Rounded Personality

It is quite crucial for a candidate to present himself as a multi-rounder as that is what the MBA interview panelists are looking for. You must be able to present yourself in a way that shows that you have the ability to learn from both the academic and extra-curricular activities. This will put you on a strong pedestal for selection in the program.  

What should you NOT do in an MBA Interview?

Don’t try too hard to impress the interviewer

Humility is an important trait that everyone must embrace, especially if you are in an interview. It is good to showcase your achievements, but you should be able to maintain a balance so that it doesn't turn into boasting or arrogance. Both demonstrate a negative attitude that would turn against you.

Don’t Be Dishonest

Lying about your achievements and past experiences is frowned upon during the MBA interview. The interview panelists include faculty with years of experience. Hence, they can make out when a candidate is dishonest. They might even ask you more questions regarding the topic you have lied about, which could put you in an awkward situation. Be true to yourself and to the panelists.

Avoid giving generic reasons for your answer

Among MBA interview tips is to give out answers to panelists’ questions, which are likely to be the same as answers by other candidates would not set you apart. It would make you fall into the list of candidates who have nothing special for the MBA interview panelists to consider. Make sure your answers are well thought out, well researched, and have that oomph factor that makes you unique in front of the panelists.

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