Tips for an MBA Entrance Interview

  • FG Bureau
  • India
  • Apr 11, 2014

 

 

 

The Personal Interview (PI) is an important part of the B-School selection process. It may be the first interview for most of the candidates applying for a B-School admission. While some candidates prepare so well that they glide smoothly through, it remains most challenging. In spite of rigorous preparation, it is not really possible to predict the questions that the interviewer might ask. At times the interviewers may even pose unexpected questions that can make you feel uncomfortable. In such situations you must try to stay calm and focused while answering the questions, as they are meant to test your ability to act under stress. Candidates are not expected to come up with a correct answer for every question - but they are expected to give answers that make sense. So, try to give thoughtful answers in an honest manner. 

 

Here are some common mistakes that candidates must avoid during an interview – avoiding them will leave a good impression on the interviewer. 


Reporting late for the Interview

Try to make every effort to be present well before the scheduled time. This would allow you to feel relaxed and be at ease. But, in case of an emergency, do make it a point to inform the college authorities in time. If you have informed the college with a valid reason for your delay, it would demonstrate your professionalism. On the contrary, arriving late for the interview without informing the college/interviewer would leave a negative impact.


Dressing up inappropriately

The Interview at the B-school could be the first formal interview for most of the candidates. Take good care of what you wear. Wear a business suit–­neat and nicely ironed–with polished formal shoes. Girls should avoid bright coloured business suits, heavy make-up, ‘gaudy’ jewellery and ‘bold’ perfumes. Boys should avoid wearing informal/semi-formal clothes.


Going off the track

Avoid deviating or giving irrelevant answers just for the sake of impressing - showing your knowledge – to the interviewer. Further, you should not be evasive about questions on your weak areas - such as poor grades. Do not try to hide anything. Instead, try to give honest answers. This will make a positive impact on the interviewer. It is better not to give excuses for your past failures or any lack of determination and hard work to achieve goals.


Avoiding eye contact

A confident candidate, who has prepared well for the Interview, is expected to give answers while maintaining a good eye contact with the interviewer. This shows that the candidate is confident and cares about what the interviewer is saying. Making eye contact also demonstrates that the candidate is actively engaged in
the discussion.


Exaggerating and overstating

It is better not to exaggerate or lie about something just to impress the Interview panelists. They are experienced and smart. If they feel you are trying to hide certain facts, they will be annoyed, and this will hurt your chances. So, be yourself and structure your answers around authentic facts and figures.


Not talking of your achievements    

Candidates who tell their success stories will have more chances to crack the Interview as opposed to those who avoid talking about their past accomplishments. Try to talk about the circumstances and challenges that surrounded your achievements. This would demonstrate your perseverance and hard work in accomplishing your goals. For example, if a candidate has succeeded in getting good grades in the High School examination, despite participating in a District level Cricket tournament that was coinciding with the Examination, it can provide a good rationale of your ability to multi-task well.


Not maintaining decorum

It displays a lack of manners when you call the Interviewer by his or her first name - unless the Interviewer ‘allows’ you. Similarly, candidates are not expected to ask personal questions without the permission of an Interviewer, as it may suggest that the candidate is unprofessional.        

 

Not asking questions        

When it is your chance to ask some questions, do not mute your expressions. Utilise this opportunity to express your thoughts and future prospects in the B-School. Candidates who do not ask questions when they get the chance generally portray their lack of preparation and unwillingness to know more about the B-School. Try to prepare 3-4 relevant questions, at least on the B-School.


Reacting negatively

You should not make inappropriate statements in response to the opinions of other candidates, current students or even the alumni of the B-School. It would be immature and unprofessional on your part. Maintain a neutral view to the statements made by others. 


Remember, your first impression is going to make an everlasting impact. Try to make it a positive one. Do what it takes to prepare appropriately for the Interview, and impress the panelists. Give your answers honestly and, most importantly, be yourself. All the Best!

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