MBA Interview Prep 101: Common Questions, Preparation Techniques, School Specific Insights and More

Congratulations on submitting your Round 1 MBA applications. You should feel relieved after the hard work required for those essays. We know the hard work and late nights that go into crafting those essays and filling in seemingly endless application questions. However, once you have taken a moment to breathe, you must turn your attention to the next step: interview prep. We’ve got you covered. This article will give you the lay of the MBA interview land, so to speak. Here’s what to expect from the MBA interview and how to prepare.

Essential MBA Interview Preparation Formats

In general, MBA interviews are not formulaic. The focus can range from specific questions about your job responsibilities to broad discussions of life, or random questions about philosophies or current events. The uncertainty of this can be intimidating! At the end of the day, know that schools are just trying to size you up as a person and future professional on all your dimensions. Try to be your witty, charming, natural self.

In most cases, students, admissions personnel, and alumni conduct MBA interviews. Crucially, do not dismiss students as lightweights; they follow a defined protocol and report back to the committee on specific criteria. Furthermore, the admissions committee highly values their insights and opinions. Notably, many programs conduct a “blind” interview, which means that your interviewer has not seen your application and has only reviewed your resume.

During those interviews, your story must align with your written application. Otherwise, the admissions committee will identify inconsistencies when reviewing your feedback.

A few programs, like HBS, however, do not have a blind interview and your interviewer will have studied your file and prepared questions accordingly. In those interviews, it’s important to corroborate your written application but also bring new stories into the mix so that you don’t repeat content they already learned about in your essays and short answers.

Other programs, like Wharton, venture away from a one-on-one interview format altogether and offer a Team-Based Discussion, and others throw in curve ball questions like LBS’ case study. We recommend reading about each school’s interview format on their respective websites.

MBA Interview Preparation Techniques

Specifically, you should schedule your interview as soon as the option becomes available. Since slots fill up quickly, often within the first day, prompt action is necessary. Nevertheless, your timing within the interview window does not impact your admission chances. Therefore, you should simply select the date and time that best suits your current schedule. Ideally, you should allow for at least one week of intensive preparation. Ultimately, preparation remains the primary key to feeling comfortable and confident. To begin, follow these steps:

1. Prepare answers to the common questions shown below, particularly the first four on the list (you are virtually certain to be asked these). Practice OUT LOUD, with a partner or in front of a mirror.
2. Notably, one valuable technique to practice is the STAR method. Essentially, this framework helps you answer behavioral questions using four pillars: Situation, Task, Action, and Results. By following this structure, you will stay on track while providing a thorough answer. Consequently, you can clearly highlight your specific actions and the resulting critical impact. To practice this technique, start by creating a spreadsheet with 8-10 stories. Categorize each story, so that it serves as an example of at least one situation, i.e., your leadership story, your failure story… Now you have a list of examples on your “mental shelf”. Practice telling your stories, using the STAR technique, OUT LOUD. When it comes time to interview, you will be able to pull stories off your shelf. You will be prepared with enough stories so that you do not need to repeat.
3. Read interview reports on clearadmit.com. These are self-reported, so take them with a grain of salt, but they will give you a good sense of the interview questions applicants have been asked in the past.
4. Schedule a mock interview with someone in your network that is familiar with the MBA interview process. Live practice with a little bit of pressure to perform is SO important to ensure you do your best on the big day.

Common MBA Interview Questions

Some frequently asked interview questions are listed below. You should have answers to most of these when you go into the interview.

• Walk me through your resume OR tell me about yourself.
• What are your short and long-term goals?
• Why business school?
• Why school x?
• Why now?
• Describe your leadership style.
• 3 strengths.
• 3 weaknesses.
• How would your friends or colleagues describe you?
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• Describe a failure.
• Tell me about a time you convinced your boss or client of your idea / plan.
• What do you think you will contribute to the school?
• How would you like to get involved on campus?
• What makes you different from other applicants?
• Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle.
• On the analytical – creative spectrum, where do you lie?
• How would you describe yourself?
• Who do you most admire?
• Do you have any questions for me?

We wish you the best of luck in your MBA interviews! If you need personalized coaching to prepare, feel free to reach out. 

For further reading on interview preparation, here are a few articles you may find interesting:

Vantage Point MBA Wharton Team Based Discussion: How to Stand Out

A Real INSEAD Interview Experience

Exit Polls: Interview Reports