Top 10 MBA interview tips: Crack the online interview for the MBA program

Introduction
Top 10 tips to help you crack the online MBA interview
Concluding Advice for MBA aspirants

Introduction

The online interview is one of the most crucial parts of the MBA application process. Business schools shortlist applicants for the virtual interview only if they are serious about their candidature. Despite having impressive test scores and a kickass letter of recommendation, a bad interview can hamper your chances of getting selected for your online MBA program. Hence, it is equally essential to be well prepared for the interview lying ahead.

An online interview might sound new to a lot of people. There is nothing to worry or panic about. With proper planning and adequate practice, an online interview can be a walk in the park for you.

An online MBA interview can be tricky. We have curated a set of pointers to help you crack and ace the interview with ease.

Top 10 tips to crack the online MBA Interview

1. Proper research on the B-school offering MBA program

Research is the first step towards preparing for your virtual interview. Every B-School has a unique interview process. Some B-schools are open about their process, while others are mysterious. Some B-schools conduct online interviews as a group instead of individual interviews, while others rely on conducting case interviews as opposed to the stereotypical behavioral interviews.

The more one is familiar with the interview process, the more confident he/she feels during the online interview process. Hence, you must understand what format of the interview your interviewing B-School follows.

2. Know what type of qualities the B-school is looking for

A significant factor that B-schools consider before admitting a candidate is to check if he/ she will be the right fit for the program. Some of the aspects that the majority of the schools will be focussing on are:

a) Always mention genuine details in your essay

Don’t worry, as this is not going to be a background check of your identity. Business schools frame a specific set of questions to analyze if the qualities and accomplishments stated in the essays are authentic and are a reflection of who you are.

The interviewer checks the attributes of the candidates since most of the MBA applicants work with consultants to frame their essays, which sometimes deviates from the actual behavior and accomplishments.

b) Does the B-School want to be associated with you?

B-schools take their status and name very seriously. They would like themselves to be associated with individuals who have a zest to succeed in the future and would be an asset to the school.

As an individual, you would be representing the school wherever you go in the present and the future. Ensure that you convince the interviewing panel that you would be a valuable asset to the school.

c) How good is your English language proficiency?

B-Schools often check the individual’s fluency in the English language during the online interviews. This activity is done becauseBefore English is widely followed as the communication medium around the world. If the candidate is affluent in the English language, he/ she will be given additional training during the course.

3. Practice your answers for the online MBA interview questions

The main task of the interviewer is to understand you and your qualities inside out. There may be various questions that he/she might ask you that might put you in a shock or surprise.

The only way to effectively answer such questions is to reply with genuine answers confidently. While the interviewer might try to catch you off-guard during the online interview process, here are some frequently asked questions for the MBA interview that you can prepare yourself for.

Frequently asked personal questions during an online interview for MBA program

Introduce yourself or tell me about yourself —(name, an important quality, position)

This is one of the most commonly asked questions in any interview, whether it’s a job interview, MBA interview, or any other circumstances. It’s very important to know about the candidate to the interview panel members. Remember that with this question, you have the chance to set the tone of your interview, connect with the highlights of your application, and introduce the key talking points you want to communicate in the interview. The answer to this question provides a kind of road map to the panel members, and the next questions should build upon the narrative you establish with this answer.

Why did you decide to pursue a master’s degree?

Upskill the current knowledge
Develop a good networking with people and that network will help in the future
Earn good revenue with a Masters of business administration
MBA programmes or master degree enhances the personal traits.
Change from the current role with higher degree or develop careers with a Masters or career progression
Increase your career growth with a Master’s degree
For career shift
For self-growth

What made you choose to apply to our school?

I applied to this school because it is one of the very few schools that offer an MBA program with a full variety of specializations. I plan to set up and start a new company upon receiving my degree, theory knowledge of Accounts, Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship, and Tax subjects will prepare me to venture out into the competitive world. Also, because I currently live near the school, this school is the most practical choice for me.

What are three words other people may use to describe you?

Three words are

· Creative

· Attentive

· Analytical

Talk about your most rewarding academic experience so far.

While there were probably a lot of noticeable experiences that took place during the studies, not every one of them is valuable to speak about in an interview. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the experience has to be an accomplishment related to your major, but it should display qualities that are helpful for the role. For example, describing the most rewarding experience of your time in college as participating in Greek life because it awarded the opportunity to interact with many different kinds of people could be relevant to a position that requires a lot of teamwork.

Are grades an indication of your academic achievement?

If you have good grades and are near the top of your class, this question is easy to answer. The answer is absolutely yes and give an example of one of your best classes and how it translated into your ability to successfully deliver in your work life. However, for most, this question is being asked because there is a gap between a lower than ideal Grade Point Average and the expectations for the role. In this case, you need to pivot from your grades to your ability to perform in the role. If there is a specific reason why your grades were lower than indicated by your abilities, explain it, but do not dwell upon it. Move on to the positive.

What are your short-term and long-term goals?

My long-term / ultimate career goal is to head an environmental-friendly manufacturing company, preferably near Bangalore. I see this goal as a way to give back to youngsters and pass on my experiences to future generations. As the head of the company, I would be in a position to create a sound company policy and conditions that ensure our products are environmentally friendly.Reaching this position will require a great understanding of the in and out of the manufacturing industry, as well as knowledge of the manufacturing process. Therefore, the short-term goal includes getting an MBA in marketing and in operations. Later working in the operations or in the sales department of any manufacturing company to learn the basics of consumer taste, preferences, and purchasing habits. Within a few years, I would like to head the manufacturing department. This will give me a more holistic view of trends and inform my understanding of implementing strategies focused on environmental awareness and career goals.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths:

Willingness to learn – which is critical for any learning program.
Strong application orientation- which measures your ability to apply theory into practice and becomes imperative for a management program.
High levels of initiative- which mark your ability to take first steps in the right direction.
Temperament suitable for team work- which benchmarks your ability to collaborate with team members.
Capacity for hard work- which is a basic requirement for contributing to a cause.

Weakness:

Coming up with strengths is fairly easy—you know what you’re good at. Pick two or three that would set you apart and back yourself up with a few examples. It will be quiet tricky question if you will not be prepared. The interviewer asks this question to reveal your shortcomings, but if you use the right way to way then it can be a golden opportunity to show that you are right for the job. You just need to show yourself in the best possible way. Think about it in advance and you’ll be able to answer this question smartly that helps you to come across in a positive light. And Try to turn a negative into a positive

What are you most proud of on your resume?

To learn a few important things about you. First, this question helps them to understand your definition of success. Based on your response, they can tell how ambitious and goal-driven you are. Second, they want to know what skills helped you reach this achievement

How will taking up an MBA support your career?

Studying for an MBA will give you the chance to enhance your skills and knowledge about your industry, and can offer additional benefits that will span the duration of your career. During the course, you will develop leadership proficiency and study in-depth management strategy and analysis. These are vital skills that can be used in all areas of business and are very impressive to prospective employers.

The programme will give you the opportunity to work on a series of team projects. Through these, you will develop skills in people management, teamwork and negotiation. You may also be required to complete modules that require public speaking; all good leaders develop their communication skills to ensure they are perceived as confident, knowledgeable and calm.

You will have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of business; not just the areas in which you work. You will develop an understanding of other people’s roles, which is paramount when leading in business.

Commonly asked professional and academic questions during an online interview for MBA

Why did you choose the MBA career path?
How will this MBA program help you achieve your career/ professional goals?
How did you come to know about the MBA program?
Did you have conflicts with any senior or reporting manager? How did you handle it?
How will you contribute to the business world?

School-specific questions asked during the online MBA interview

Why did you choose our B-School to pursue your MBA program?
How do you think our B-school will help you in your career?
Any other B-Schools you have applied to?
What do you think about our B-school and its principles?

Now that you have a clear insight into how the online interview for the MBA program works and what to expect during the interview, let me walk you through how to enjoy a hassle-free online interview. Below are a few pointers to check before your walk into the online interview process:

4. Be punctual and before time for your online MBA interview

The first and foremost factor is to be punctual for the interview. Candidates are advised to log in to the interview link to avoid last-minute hassles and getting tensed during the online interview process.

Log in beforehand and set up the environment, and calm yourself down to attend the interview. You must arrive in the online interview space before the interviewer as it will give you some time to rehearse and practice. The free time will also help you set up your body language and helps you get confident before the interview commences.

5. Test the technology on your end for the online interview

As a candidate, you must ensure that the technological aspects at your end are sound. Check your internet connection, and ensure that it is stable and has the bandwidth to handle an online video conferencing interview.

Test your webcam and microphone and ensure that they function properly and do not provide a grainy texture or an echo. You can place a mock video call to test your webcam and microphone. Do not give the interviewer a chance to get distracted during the interview process due to a technical issue. It might shift the interviewer’s interest from the online interview in progress.

6. Set a calm and serene interview background

Prior to the online interview, find a room with optimal lighting and ambient noise cancellation. Ensure you have a neat background, and the space is free of any visual or verbal distractions.

7. Don’t look nervous, be genuine

A calm and genuine person during an online MBA interview

Don’t act artificial during the interview. Be yourself, and it is advisable to be genuine and answer with utmost confidence without flickering. Keep things simple and to the point. Interviewers can quickly figure out if you act fake and lack confidence during the online process.

8. Body Language is the key for any interview

The first impression is the best impression. Your body language speaks a lot about your character. Monitor your body language throughout the online interview process.

Focus on the camera and not the interviewer’s face during the process. Sit up straight, smile, and keep your energy and vibe high. This would do the job for you.

9. Dress formally and look neat

You can’t walk in for the online interview like you have just got out of your bed or returned from the gym. Dress as you would be when you walk in for a personal interview. Interviewers prefer candidates who put in an extra effort to look well-groomed and professional. Moreover, while wearing professional business attire, one might feel more authoritative, trustworthy, and competent.

But nowadays due to the fact that the interviewer will be able to see only the upper body of the candidate, one can easily relate to the half-formal, half-casual trend of giving interviews.

10. Show eagerness

The interviewer might have interviewed at least a handful of candidates the day you had interviewed. A note of gratitude will strike chords in the interviewer’s mind even during a busy shortlisting process. Who might know, your shortlisting might be entirely dependent on the fact that you have entered the good books of the interviewer in terms of character and qualities, and he/ she appreciates your enthusiasm and eagerness.

Concluding Advice for MBA aspirants

An online interview is not as tough as it sounds but nevertheless must not be taken for granted. It is the final hurdle towards your MBA program and must be taken seriously. Ace your interview with complete confidence and enthusiasm, and the business world awaits you.

Celebrating after getting selected in the online MBA interview

Great Lakes University offers an online MBA for working professionals and students. The online interview process is considered for the online MBA program admissions. In case you’re interested in the online MBA program provided by Great Lakes University, the above pointers will assist you in the online interview process for your dream MBA program.