It is that time of the year again when MBA aspirants get their MBA entrance exam results and they start prepping themselves up for the upcoming selection rounds - WAT, GD and PI. This is the time when most Google searches start with ‘XYZ B-school shortlist.’ There is nervousness, uncertainty and complete chaos in the minds of the candidates.
So, in an attempt to make things somewhat simpler for the candidates, here are five rules of thumb for cracking B-school Interviews:
A majority of the candidates are concerned about how they would fare in their PI. So, here are some rules of thumb for acing B-school Interviews.
Tell Me About Yourself
This is usually the first question that is asked to the candidates. The interviewers use this as an ice-breaker and you have to frame it really well because this sets the pace for the course of the interview. Make sure that you do not stretch it too long, or it might bore the panellists and they might ask you to cut it short. Also, be very, very aware of everything that you are mentioning there because you might get the next set of questions from something which you have told them and which has captured their interest.
What Do You Know About XYZ (Current Affair)?
No points for guessing that your application to any B-school means you being abreast with all the significant happenings nationally as well as internationally. Telling that you do not read a newspaper only makes matters worse for you because as future business leaders, you need to be aware of the current affairs.
The Differentiating Factor
The panel usually looks for someone who has something different from the rest - say, someone, says that he or she likes to travel, rather than the cliche 'I like listening to music, reading books,' et al - that captures their interest. But that is a dicey matter too; do not just bluff about your hobbies unless you know about everything associated with them.
Thinking On Your Feet
How would you answer a question like - "How can you use Trigonometry in real life?"
Panellists are not just looking for people who answer everything correctly - well, answering correctly is a good thing (brownie points for that), but they are also looking for people who can think on their feet. Common sense helps.
Knowledge About The Institute
Some panellists ask if you know anything about their institute, or, "Why do you want to join our B-school when you have calls from XYZ?" Make sure you research on the notable alumni of the B-school whose interview you are appearing for, along with some interesting facts about the place and some notable faculty too. This helps you in making your point stronger that you want to join their B-school.
Well, the best interviews are driven by sheer use of common sense and proper presentation of yourself. So, just shrug that tension off, listen to some music, browse through recent news, present yourself well and you have got this.
All the best!