Editorial
interviews
The MBA interview
process, part 1
By Ross Geraghty
T
he most common question asked of topmba.com and the TopMBA Career Guide revolve
around the MBA admissions process: “How do I write the perfect application form to get
me into the top business school of my choice?” After all, creating a successful MBA
application requires the candidate to provide reams of paperwork, more so than most other
academic pursuits; schools need this to know that a candidate is right for them, just as much as
the candidate needs to find the right school.
MBA applicants need a GMAT score and will have to provide personal and professional
statements and essays on titles provided to them by the business school of their choice, often a
harrowing experience in its own right. Non-native English speakers also require a TOEFL test.
The aspect of MBA admissions which fills candidates with trepidation is the business school
interview. No amount of research will be enough to satisfy every school because of the
range of different criteria, different interview processes, and different methods
of progressing candidates from the shortlist to the lecture room. Of course
it’s reassuring to know that all business schools are unique but
sometimes, it appears, the rules are that there are no rules.
Let’s take a look at the basics of what is expected
at an MBA interview.
Presentation: You’ve heard it all before but it’s worth repeating.
Being well presented means a number of things. Wear a suit.
Don’t go out late the night before, even if it it’s your 30th
birthday. Get an early night. If you need glasses, wear them.
There are true stories of vain MBA candidates shaking the
interviewer’s hand and turning to leave only to walk straight
into a broom closet.
Body language: There are some cultural differences here.
In many Asian countries, such as Japan, eye contact can
be considered a little aggressive so it is not uncommon
to look slightly downward of the interviewer’s eyes. In
Western business schools though, eye contact is not
obligatory, it is mandatory. Not doing so will make
you appear evasive and lacking in confidence. And
don’t forget to smile. Appearing relaxed and
confident without being arrogant is important
and, with practise, it’s not that hard to do.
Research: Stake every penny in your
bank account that you are going to be asked
the following question. “Why are you
applying here?” The answer is not: “Well I
heard it was a good school and I want a
better job.” The question means ‘Why
here specifically?’ Do as much research
as possible on the school itself, learning
what makes it unique, what the culture
of the school is, the achievements of the
professors and the dean, the companies
which recruit from the school, what
percentage of students are international

TopMBA CAreer Guide www.topmba.com 85
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