Interview – Sample Questions & Suggested Answers
Interview – Sample Questions & Suggested Answers: Admission into a business school does depend on your MBA exam scores but considerable emphasis also lies on the second stage of the admission process, i.e., Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI). The aim of a Personal interview is to asses the thought process of an aspiring candidate. The interviewer will evaluate your interpersonal skills, communication skills, confidence level, even self-esteem from the manner in which you answer the questions asked in a personal interview. Your chance to get admitted depends a lot on how well you perform in your interview.
The best way to prep yourself for an interview is to practice a wide range of questions that are most likely to be asked in a business school admission interview. Now some of the questions are fundamental and you are going to be able to answer them with ease. Some questions, however, are specific and need prior preparation to be answered. The aim of this article is to compile some of those questions for you along with suggested answers.
Question 1.
Tell me about yourself.
This is the most common opening question asked in an MBA interview. Since this question only asks information about you, this should be easy to answer. Talk briefly about your family, education, experience and goals in life or what you’re passionate about. Remember the interviewer already has your resume so don’t replicate verbally what’s in there. Highlight your positive points, accomplishments where you think you’re ahead of others, instead.
Question 2.
Why do you want to pursue an MBA?
This too is a quite commonly asked question and you must remember that there’s no set answer that you can prepare beforehand. Each one has a different reason. Be true as much as possible, yet it is advised that you refrain from explicitly saying you’re doing it for monetary benefits. Instead, approach the question from an angle that says pursuing an MBA will help you become better as a professional, as a human asset, and therefore you increase your contribution in the success of your institution.
Question 3
What made you choose this University/program?
This question aims to test the source of your motivation or your knowledge about the institute. To answer this question, you should highlight the positive aspects of the institute and how they are benefiting for you, as an MBA aspirant. The positive aspects may range from suitable location to faculty, to connections the institution has with your favourable industries and companies.
Question 4
Why should we admit/select you?
Now, this is a common yet tricky question and generates considerable pressure on the candidate. Interviewers want to see how you handle this pressure which reflects how you’ll handle it while working. You can say you’re keen on learning about business and having good knowledge about it. Highlight how seriously you wish to enter the curriculum.
Question 5
What are the qualities of a successful manager? Do you know someone like that?
These are textbook answers and when they ask if you know someone like that, they mostly want to know how you see your boss, so be positive while answering. And be sure to highlight leadership, communication skills, transparency etc.
