How To Answer The Most Common MBA Interview Questions

The MBA interview is a prime opportunity for applicants to make their case for why a business school should accept them. Knowing what to expect and how to respond is key.

Simplilearn recently rounded up some of the most frequently asked MBA interview questions and offered insight into how applicants should respond to each.

“TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF”

This intro question is much like an elevator pitch of yourself.

“Answer this question by talking about your background, experience, and accomplishments concisely and straightforwardly,” according to Simplilearn. “Limit your response to two to three minutes and establish essential talking points about the school or program.”

Talking points can include your undergraduate experience, your work experience, and your career objectives. Experts say it’s important to develop a clear pitch prior to your interview.

“Know why you want an MBA,” John Crossman, CEO of Crossman Career Builders, tells US News. “The answer needs to show specifically what skill set you want to add and the benefit you seek from it. Know what you bring to the MBA program. Your undergrad and work experience should bring something to the table.”

“WHY SHOULD WE TAKE YOU IN?”

Interviewers use this question as an opportunity to see what you can bring to the table. In addition to demonstrating your abilities, be sure to have the proof and experience ready to back each accomplishment.

“Mention your achievements, emphasize the abilities you’ve developed so far in your career, and explain how your academic and professional experience will benefit others in the program,” according to Simplilearn. “Prepare ample examples of times when you have shown leadership in professional, volunteer, or community positions. Discuss the projects you spearheaded and the outcomes you obtained. What role do your talents play in the circumstance, and what lessons you learned along the road helped you better as a leader.”

“WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES?”

Adcom isn’t necessarily looking for a right answer to this question. Rather, it’s more about how you answer the question that matters.

“In any case, the interviewer looks for evidence of your humility and self-awareness,” according to Simplilearn. “Begin with describing your flaws, such as giving a story about how you overcame a personal weakness.”

Once you’ve described some of your weaknesses, it’s relatively easy to transition to highlighting your strengths.

“Choose one or two [strengths] that you believe distinguish you from the competition and back them up with specific instances,” according to Simlilearn. “Start with observing a personal characteristic and how it contributes to measurable beneficial outcomes.”

Click on the Simplilearn link below for additional questions and analysis.

Sources: Simplilearn, US News