The HBS Interview – What to Expect, How to Prepare & Sample Questions
Congratulations! If you’ve received an invitation for a Harvard Business School (HBS) interview, you’re one step closer to your MBA dream. While only about 20% of applicants make it to this stage, around 50% of those will be admitted. So, while you’re almost there, you still have one crucial step ahead: the HBS interview.
What stands between you and that coveted HBS acceptance is the interview itself—and don’t forget the required reflection essay that follows. In this guide, we’ll cover what to expect in your interview and share practical tips to help you prepare effectively.
What to Expect in the HBS Interview
The format of the HBS interview sets it apart from other MBA programs. Unlike many schools, the HBS interview is conducted by admissions board members rather than students or alumni. The interview lasts 30 minutes and, in recent rounds, has been offered both virtually and in-person—with no preference for either format.
What’s unique about HBS is that your interviewer will have reviewed your entire application and prepared a list of targeted, specific questions. Don’t expect the standard MBA interview questions like “Why MBA?” or “Walk me through your resume.” Instead, the focus will be on your individual experiences and insights.
The goal of the interview is to assess how well you think on your feet and how clearly you can communicate under pressure. These are essential skills for success in the HBS case method classroom and in your future career. Rest assured, the interview is not meant to stump you but rather to evaluate your ability to respond thoughtfully and confidently.
How to Prepare for the HBS Interview
Although it’s impossible to predict the exact questions, you can still prepare strategically by focusing on several key categories. Based on our experience, HBS interview questions typically fall into three areas:
1. Motivational Questions
HBS isn’t just interested in what you’ve done—they want to know why you made certain decisions. Why did you choose your university and major? What motivated you to pursue your career path? Why did you leave one job for another?
To prepare, think through the major choices in your life and career. Reflect on any pivotal experiences that led you to your current position. For example, was there a class or project that inspired you to pursue a particular industry? Authentic, story-driven answers that highlight key “aha” moments will resonate with your interviewer.
While the “why” is critical, make sure you’re equally prepared with the “what.” Review your resume, application, and essays in detail so you can confidently discuss the facts of your experiences.
2. Company / Industry Questions
Another category of questions focuses on your current or target industry. The HBS admissions committee wants to see that you have a broad understanding of your company and industry. Who are your company’s main competitors? What are the key trends and challenges in your industry?
Even if your current job doesn’t require big-picture thinking, it’s essential to do your research. Read industry reports, articles, and financial statements to understand market dynamics. Know your company’s business segments, growth opportunities, and the broader challenges it faces.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to share your perspective during the interview. HBS values students who contribute actively in the classroom, so be prepared to discuss your viewpoints on strategic and competitive issues. For example, if you’re asked about your industry’s growth challenges, think about what you would propose as a solution.
3. Self-Assessment Questions
HBS interviewers often ask questions that prompt you to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses—but not in the traditional sense. Rather than asking, “What’s your greatest strength?” they may ask, “What do you think made you successful on a particular project?” or “Why do you think you were promoted ahead of your peers?”
These questions still require self-awareness, but the focus is on specific examples rather than rehearsed answers. Reflect on your career achievements and the skills or attributes that contributed to your success.
Sample HBS Interview Questions
Although the HSB interview is highly tailored to each applicant, you may still find this list of questions to be helpful in your preparation. These are the exact questions that a prior Vantage Point client was asked in their interview:
- How do you feel about [2 companies in your industry] merging?
- Can you explain to me exactly what you do in your role at [company]? The interviewer had several specific follow-up questions based on the applicant’s response to this question.
- What is your superpower?
- What companies in [your industry] have adapted well to technology disruptions [mentioned in previous answer]?
- Why MBA and why now?
- Outside of your industry, who is leading innovation in [specific technology disruption]?
- After business school, what type of company would you like to join?
- What do you know about HBS and what are you most excited about?
- What is the biggest challenge you will face at HBS?
- What are you looking for in the classmate sitting next to you in [specific class mentioned in previous answer]?
- What industry experience can you learn the most from [given your goals]?
- What would you like to share that I haven’t asked you about?
Final Tips for Your HBS Interview
The most important advice for your HBS interview is to get comfortable with the unexpected. Over-rehearsed answers to typical MBA questions won’t work here. In fact, they may come across as robotic and unengaging—two things you definitely want to avoid.
Instead, practice responding to questions spontaneously. Ask trusted friends or colleagues to conduct mock interviews using questions you haven’t prepared for in advance. After each practice session, ask for feedback: Did you communicate your key points clearly? Were you able to stay composed and confident under pressure?
As you practice, you’ll improve your ability to think on your feet, which is exactly what HBS is looking for in its candidates.
Reaching the HBS interview stage is a significant accomplishment, and it’s clear the admissions committee sees potential in your application. Now it’s time to show them your skills, your story, and your authentic self during the interview. If you’d like additional support, our team of HBS interview experts is here to help you prepare with personalized coaching. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Recommended Reading:
HBS Interview – Two Real Life Experiences | Vantage Point MBA
MBA Interview Prep 101 | Vantage Point MBA
Questions to Ask MBA Admissions Officers | Vantage Point MB
Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.