Sunday, December 13, 2009

Ace MBA Interview Questions With These Simple Tips

By Kyle MacKenzie

You have heard all the interview tips - dress properly in business attire, do your research on the school and its MBA program, review your application papers, practice answering the common MBA interview questions with your friends and in front of the mirror, and be yourself, to name a few. Probably the most important of all these pieces of advice is to prepare your answers to common interview questions, no matter the school you are applying in. After all, everything else is common sense, be it dressing properly, looking the interviewers in the eyes, appearing self-confident, and being yourself.

You will do well to keep it as brief as possible, with most interviewers preferring it at just 5 minutes. Keep out the details of your backpacking trip and other adventures and focus instead on your professional and personal achievements that have significant bearing on your success in the school and in the business community. It also pays to refine and refine and practice and practice your short speech. Keep in mind that this is your second chance to make a first impression, after your application papers, so you must make it a good one.

As much as you possibly can, always focus on your strengths. You want to give the impression that you are able to meet the demands and rigors of an MBA education, be it in the physical and psychological, social and intellectual aspects. However, be sure that you tread the fine line between utmost self-confidence and off-putting cockiness in answering the MBA interview questions. You must acknowledge the assistance and support of your mentors and teammates, family and friends.

MBA interview questions will focus both on strengths and weaknesses in your personal and professional life and, as such, you must be prepared to discuss both of them. Your interviewers know that you have weaknesses since you are only human, as much as they are. However, the difference between those who failed and those who passed the interview process is that the latter turned their weaknesses into strengths and so should you. Also, do not dwell on your insecurities about business school. As much as possible, always strive to project an aura of confidence in meeting the rigors of business school and meeting its challenges, be it in terms of the psychological, intellectual, physical and social aspects.

Among the common but crucial MBA interview questions is your reason for wanting an MBA in their school. You must be well-prepared to answer this question as it is demonstrative of your research and homework. Just to emphasize the point, majority of the rejected for admission MBA applicants stumble on this question precisely because it shows a lack of focus, a lacks of research and a lack of motivation in their MBA plans.

You have to learn as much as you possibly can about the business school and its MBA program. Your research should focus on the excellent faculty, the reputation of the school in the business and finance community, the areas of expertise that you desire to be part of, the companies that employ graduates and the excellent finance options. The logic is simple: The more you know about the program, the better you will anticipate the MBA interview questions, and the better for you to ask intelligent questions of your own.

Again, it is very important to practice and practice your answers. However, be as relaxed as possible when you are in the interview itself.

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