Skills for MBA Interview

2. Be particularly clear on what you know and what you want to achieve.

If your interview is resume-based, have the facts of your stated objective, education, etc. thoroughly memorized and mentally supported. As to your objective, be clear on what you want, as well as what you don't want.

3. Make sure your responses match your claims.

If, for example, you've taken extra coursework to qualify for a particular position, license, or certification, tie it into your narrative, e.g., "When I took my coursework for my CPA, I learned that ..." Build on your resume, but don't refer directly to it, but do it subtly.

4. Be clear about your strengths.

You're almost certain to be hit with questions pertaining to your strengths and weaknesses. Know your strengths and emphasize those that relate specifically to the position for which you're being considered.

5. Describe your weaknesses as strengths.

This is tricky, so let's think about why the question is asked. The interviewer probably wants to learn several things about you with this question, such as: whether or not you are arrogant, whether you know yourself, and finally, what you are doing to eliminate your weaknesses. Answer this question so that you leave a positive impression in the mind of the interviewer.

6. If you've been fired, be forthright about it.

So many people have been laid off through no fault of their own in the past ten years that it's no longer a stigma to have been fired--unless it was for justifiable cause. Answer directly, but without a "charge" in your voice.

7. Be clear where you want to go.

A standard question which has all manner of variations is: "Where do you want to be five years from today?" Only today, the answers are different. Unless you plan to inherit Dad's company, your answer is apt to be a lot more general than it might have been a decade ago. Why? Since, the economy and nearly every industry are changing so fast that specificity with respect to the distant future is extremely difficult. So, instead of responding to the question with, "I plan to be in a position of senior leadership in this company," you might want to say: "I plan to become qualified in every phase of this industry."

8. Have clear personal standards.

Today, however, many organizations are looking for people who DO have standards regarding their personal and professional lives, who can articulate them clearly and concisely, and who live by them. In this case, the briefer, the better. "I am committed to life-long learning and growth."

9. Interview the interviewer.

The applicant who will take anything offered is unlikely to win any but the most temporary of positions. A competent interviewer (there are some) will respect your efforts to assess the organization and the position in terms of whether or not it meets YOUR requirements. And you owe it to yourself to have defined before hand, what you ideally want and what you are willing to settle for, under certain conditions. For example, you might really want a salary of $75,000 to begin with, but you'd be willing to take less if the opportunities for growth are clearly in the picture.

10. Don't allow yourself to be badgered.

WHAT YOU ARE WORTH. And, your worth is a function of qualification your capability and willingness to perform it. In most cases, unless you are very good, you will have to work within limits. Within the limits, what you are worth is a matter of mutual agreement based on your own knowledge of your worth and your ability to convince those interviewing you. So, to sum it up: Know the range of compensation, make your own realistic determination of what you're worth, and then be prepared to stand your ground.

You've got the skills, right?

Read the following answers carefully and adapt them to your particular situation.

Question: Tell me about yourself.
Better Answer: Last year in school, I played on the basketball and soccer team. It kept me busy, but I learned to manage my time. I’m also involved in volunteering with my sister’s Girl Scout troop. That’s been a great experience in learning how to work as a team with other leaders plus plan activities.

Question: How would your teachers describe you?
Better answer: My teachers would tell you I work hard to get my assignments in on time and I’m not afraid to ask for help if I need it. They’d also tell you I try to be friendly to shy kids in my class.

Question: Why should I hire you?
Better answer: I’m a reliable person. I’ll arrive to work on time and do the best I can on the job. I’ve done volunteer work, but now I’d like to gain actual work experience. If you hire me, you’ll get someone who isn’t afraid to learn.

Question: Tell me about a time you had a problem and how you solved it.
Better answer: There was a boy at school that really bothered me. He bumped into me and would slam my locker shut when he walked by. He’d also say sarcastic things to me. I talked to a teacher about it and she offered to be a mediator. She brought both of us into her class and basically let me tell the boy I wanted him to stop being a bully. I confronted him in a strong way. The situation is much better now.

Question: What do you like best about school?
Better answer: I especially like working on projects together with my friends. I just got done being in charge of decorating for our school dance. I organized my friends and we worked together to set up the gym with a Hawaiian theme. I also like participating in school events like sports teams and student government.