A question of answers

Updated on: Monday, January 03, 2011

The latest mergers, acquisitions, product launches, whitepaper reports, business strategies must all be on your fingertips if you are preparing for admission to a B-school. So must be the number game and language skills.

Facing the interview board
Interviews are tricky at the best of times. Ask yourself why you are choosing a particular management specialisation or institute? How do you resolve disputes and what are your leadership qualities? And most importantly why you want to do an MBA? These are only a few questions which will be thrown at you when you ace the written test and face the interview board at your dream Business School. The good news is that your chances have increased ever since you received your interview letter. So you need not be a bundle of nerves!

The interview plays a crucial role for the admission committee as well — to understand your background, knowledge and most importantly your aspirations. The faculty will look at your skills like communication, leadership, resolving bottlenecks etc.

Make a good impression
You will probably not get more than half an hour in which to not only leave a good impression but also a lasting one. To begin with, figure out why you want to do an MBA and what your future goals are. Often one question leads to another. Speaking about yourself is very different from writing, so make your friends listen to you so that you do not stammer or skip words. Take part in mock interview drills with whoever is accessible and can quiz you and you will discover your shortcomings yourself. The more you practice, the better you become. Maintain your composure and be yourself.
Your conversation should be in a flow with no hiccoughs. Speak your thoughts loud and clear so that the interviewer understands you better. Remember that the discussion is also a matter of building rapport with the panel who may well be teaching you for the next two years.

The panel will probably have details of your answer sheet and resume. So go by the information that you shared. Consistency in your responses will gain you some points. It’s good to be honest but don’t blurt out some frivolous drawbacks if you’re asked about your weak points. As a potential management professional, you should end by saying how you’ve learnt from your mistakes and corrected your weaknesses.

Do your homework
Learn as much as possible about the management institute before the interview. Doing your homework well will at least make you feel more confident. You may have thought of every possible question but any surprises should not make you freeze.

Dress professionally, be on time, show warmth and respect, make eye contact, keep your answers brief and focused, speak with enthusiasm and energy, be humble and don’t hesitate to ask if you do not understand any question. Be your normal self and don’t forget the basics.

All the best!

A question of answers

More Education news