3 Great MBA Interview Skills

November 2, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Great MBA interview skills are a must.  After you complete your essays, the interview is the next major hurdle to cross over.  If you are fortunate enough to be invited to interview, be sure to put your best foot forward.  Unfortunately, many applicants approach the interview tep incorrectly.  Many applicants spend too much time talking about what the school can do for them.  Instead they should balance their message and talk more about what they can do for the school.  In the interview below I give you three simple tips to not only impress an interviewer, but impress them in the first 5 minutes of the conversation.

This video provides a very simple framework for success.  Use it to improve your MBA interview skills.  Though the framework is simple and easy to understand, you must prepare by practicing your response.  The first answer you give sets the tone for the entire interview.  You want to be polished, comfortable, and confident as you express yourself.   Take the time to practice so you can express yourself well.

Feel free to post any comments or questions below.  The application season is in full swing and it is time to sharpen your MBA interview skills.  For most applicants, the interview is the only time you will be able to tell your entire story and have the admission officer’s complete attention.  You should do your best to make the most of the opportunity.

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba applicant 

MBA Interview …by Webcam?

July 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The interview is an important part of the MBA application process. For many MBA applicants, this is the first time someone from the admissions committee is going to hear your voice and see your face. This is an opportunity for the interviewer to experience your passion for an MBA in person.

For MBA applicants who are unable to visit in person, a phone interview was the next best thing. Now some MBA programs are encouraging students to interview via webcam. It may not be an in-person interview, but it does give you the opportunity to exhibit your passion in a more personal manner. If you find yourself looking ahead to a webcam interview, here are three things to remember.

  • Everything communicates. The webcam is going to show your face and everything in the background. Choose your location wisely. The simplest background would be a white wall. If you have an office or study you may choose to be interviewed that setting. Still, be careful of any wall paintings, house decorations, or other scenery that could be a distraction.
  • Look into the camera. Remember that the camera serves as the interviewer’s “eyes”. Your “eye contact” will be determined by how you engage the camera. Be careful not to focus too much on your computer screen. When you talk and look at your screen you will appear to be looking down. Keep your head up, back straight, and look into the camera.
  • Practice. It is a different experience trying to interact with someone through a camera and computer screen. You may not get the body language signals you are accustomed to, especially if the feed has a delay. Your best preparation tactic is to treat this interview just like an in-person interview. Wear your suit, take notes in your portfolio, and practice your responses.

Knock ‘em dead!

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba applicant 

The Toughest Interview Question…Ever!

July 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

So…tell me about yourself…

So many applicants have hurt their chances by responding to the “question” incorrectly. It isn’t really a “question”, but it is a request from the interviewer. He/she is asking you to impress them with your story. Don’t waste this opportunity. Give the person your best pitch.

You have done a lot of good things, but you won’t have time to articulate them all. You have a great personality, but you won’t have time to “warm up”. You need purposeful words, succinct thoughts, and a powerful message. How do you do that?

Here is the framework you need to tell your unique story.

  • I am Qualified - Your audience needs to know that you have the ability to perform the essential duties of the position. Whether it is classwork or job work, show the recruiter that you can do what needs to be done.
  • I am Different - What makes you different than other applicants? Go beyond the typical description of the “intelligent, problem-solving business person”. Be unique. Are you quirky, athletic, compassionate, bi-lingual, artistic…what defines you? Whatever it is, be proud of it.
  • I am Relevant - How do you plan to bring that “something special” to your new environment? How does your difference add value to the company? Think about it and be creative.

Get Started - Being smart is not enough. You have to be different. Seperate yourself.

  • Analyze your promotion - Have you been promoted? Were you asked to lead a big project? Why? What did you do that seperated you? Did you work better in your alone time? Did you work better in a team? Did you use a personal talent and apply it to your work? What made you shine? Find your difference. Be proud of it. Learn to say it quickly and confidently.

Go be special!

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba applicant 

How to Earn MBA Jobs

May 13, 2008 | 1 Comment

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What if an interviewer told you exactly how to earn MBA jobs? What if you found out the answer was a lot simpler than you thought?

This video is part of a recorded phone conversation I had with Maurice Cooper, a 2005 Darden alum, and a Brand Manager within the Coca-Cola Company. Maurice is a real example that the EBC framework, Be Qualified, Be Different, Be Relevant really works. Maurice impressed the Coca-Cola Company with his unique message and now part of his responsibility is to evaluate current MBA students for employment potential.

In this video he explains the mindset of an interviewer and some of the mistakes a job applicant makes.

I am thrilled to bring this content to you. You can take this content and immediately apply it to your unique situation, whether you are an MBA applicant, student, or graduate. Your goal is to do great things in business and to do that you have to be IMPRESSIVE. Don’t be BORING. Know your story. Share it with passion. Express it with clarity.

How will you use this information? Post a comment below.

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba student