The MBA interview is arguably one of the most pivotal moments in your journey toward business school. It’s not just about showcasing your achievements—it’s about demonstrating your potential, your fit with the program, and your vision for the future. Many applicants find themselves overwhelmed by the pressure and the high stakes involved.
The competition is fierce, and the process can be daunting. At Ellin Lolis Consulting, we have a decade of experience guiding applicants just like you to excel in their MBA interviews and get into their top-choice schools. We’ve seen what works and what definitely doesn’t.
That’s why, in this guide, we’re sharing all of our best practical tips, insightful strategies, and real-life examples that will empower you to walk into your interview with confidence and make a lasting, positive impression. Let’s jump in!
What Are the MBA Interviewers Looking For?
As you might’ve read in the Everything You Need to Know About The MBA Application Process guide, interviewers aim to learn four key aspects during the interview process:
- Your genuine interest in their program
- Whether you’re actually who you say you are in your application
- Your skill in interpersonal communication
- How well your values align with the school’s culture and your desire to attend their program (in other words, your “fit”)
The interview serves as their opportunity to gain an even more comprehensive view of you, integrating insights from your essays, recommendation letters, and other application materials.
Typically, interviews happen with alumni or members of the admissions committee. Occasionally, though, highly-trained second-year students can interview applicants. Their responsibility is to identify qualified, high-potential MBA candidates who not only fit well with the program but also have the potential to contribute to the community and become successful alumni.
What Are the Different MBA Interview Formats?
MBA interview formats vary based on the school. Knowing the interview format will help you prepare, whether it’s a group, individual, or online interview.
Group: At Wharton and more collaborative programs, you’ll find yourself sitting alongside five to ten other candidates as part of a group interview. This group setting can show how you interact in teams, navigate conversations, and adapt to unforeseen challenges. In these types of interviews, the way you act is given much more weight than answers to questions like, “Why did you apply here?” This is the least common interview type overall.
Individual: You may find yourself meeting one-on-one or with a small group of alumni or representatives from the admissions committee. At London Business School, expect a two-hour long interview complete with a case study and behavioral questions. Though specific questions asked and duration vary, this is the most common interview type.
How Do I Prepare For My MBA Interview?
Preparing well in advance is just as crucial as your actual performance during the MBA interview. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Interview Format: Understand whether the interview will be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one. Will it be via video call or in person? Will you need to travel to complete your interview?
- Possible Questions: Anticipate the types of questions you might be asked.
- Alignment with the Program: Reflect on how your values and experiences align with the program’s offerings and culture.
- Application Weaknesses: Identify any potential weaknesses or concerns in your application or essays and be prepared to speak about them.
- Interviewer Background: Research the interviewer’s background to find common ground and prepare accordingly.
- Post-Interview Questions: Think about insightful questions you can ask at the end of the interview.
By addressing these points, you’ll be well-prepared and ready to make a strong impression.
Research the program
Before stepping into your interview, ensure you have an in-depth understanding of the program. This includes knowing their values, the specific courses you’re interested in, the clubs you plan to join, and how you can contribute to the community.
Reflect on which aspects of the program will most effectively support your long-term goals. Also consider how you can make an impact both as a student and later as an alum.
If you’re not quite sure just how specific you should be, or the kinds of important connections you need to make to your own ambitions and values, refer to our MBA Resource Center for a wealth of examples and guides to get you on track.
While researching, reach out to alumni who work at your company or are located nearby. A campus visit is also highly recommended when possible, since it will give you a firsthand experience of the campus culture, providing valuable insights you can reference during your interview.
Don’t miss out on helpful admissions blogs, like Harvard’s MBA Voices or Michigan Ross’ MBA Admissions Blog. You can hear from admissions committee members and current students who offer helpful insider knowledge.
Rehearse your MBA interview answers
Practicing your responses to interview questions can significantly reduce anxiety and give you the chance to refine your answers.
Fortunately, there’s an abundance of resources online that provide insight into the questions programs are likely to ask, so you can be well-prepared.
For example, Clear Admit offers a comprehensive guide that lists interview questions by year, round, and program, giving you a solid idea of what to expect.
It’s also effective to practice with a friend or colleague. Simulate the interview environment as closely as possible. Have them ask unexpected questions, challenge your answers, or address concerns about your essay or career path. The more realistic and challenging your practice sessions are, the better prepared you’ll be for the actual interview.
Of course, one of the most valuable tools for your MBA application preparation is practicing with an MBA interview expert. This allows you to rehearse with someone who is both unfamiliar to you and highly knowledgeable about the program you’re applying to, providing a realistic and informative practice experience.
Working with an MBA interview expert is your best chance for success. They have the knowledge and the experience and know exactly which strategy you need to apply to your specific school.
The Ellin Lolis team equips MBA applicants with the exact interview know-how so, when the interview comes, they’re confident, professional, and leave a lasting impression.
That’s the expertise we brought when helping our client Laissa gain admission to London Business School.
According to her, “Ellin helped me to prepare for the interview for London Business School. I was really impressed with how hands-on and helpful she is, providing me with insider, updated, and complete information to succeed in the interview. The fact that she closely monitors her students is certainly her great advantage compared to other renowned consultants in the market. I strongly recommend Ellin Lolis Consulting to everyone who wants to be accepted into a top Business School.”
Sign up for your 1:1 prep session here. Even a single session can bring you one step closer to an admit!
Know your background
One crucial aspect of an MBA interview is checking for consistency.
For instance, if your application essays highlight your passion for a career in the healthcare industry, but during the interview, you express an interest in starting an eSports company, this inconsistency can raise red flags.
To avoid this, review your application thoroughly to refresh your memory on the topics you discussed. Practice providing a verbal run-through of your CV, focusing on specific data and statistics related to your accomplishments. This will allow you to present your achievements with solid evidence.
Make sure you understand how your experience, profile, community service, and application align with the program. Think about what unique qualities you bring to the community. Practicing your CV run-throughs is essential, as these are common MBA interview questions. Preparation will help you avoid stumbling over details you might have forgotten.
Remember, your interview is your chance to sell yourself, but also an opportunity where inconsistencies can arise. Stay aligned with your personal brand. If your essay mentions a goal of becoming a partner at BCG, don’t suggest during the interview that your true ambition is to start a new venture unrelated to your stated goals. Consistency is key!
Additionally, if you’re a non-native English speaker, practice speaking in English in the days leading up to your interview. This will help you feel more comfortable and fluent during the actual interview, reducing the likelihood that you’ll be searching for words on your big day.
How Can I Succeed in My MBA Interview?
On the day of your interview, be well-rested, well-prepared, and well-researched.
Be ready to impress.
Whether your interview is in-person or online, make sure you’re well-groomed and your clothes are clean with a good fit. If you aren’t sure what to wear, we suggest dressing as you would for a job interview or an important meeting. As The Balance Careers suggests, when in doubt, dress up.
What to expect from your MBA Interview
The interview will often begin with a walkthrough of your CV and experience or a few questions exploring your career and background. Be sure to give a chronological, clear, and consistent account of your experience, especially given the interviewer has already seen your essays and CV.
Storytelling is a helpful tool to use during an interview, and you can apply many of the strategies covered in the blog post, How to Use Storytelling to Write Standout MBA Essays, to your interview. Furthermore, instead of lofty, vague statements, remain conversational using language that is clear, concise, and compelling.
You should also consider what your nonverbal behavior is saying. Do you come across as animated and engaged—or do you seem bored and shy? Are you using the proper tone, hand gestures, and volume to present your best self?
Rely on your practice and research. Answer questions based on what you know about your own fit for the program, the program’s values, and, most of all, answer truthfully; it doesn’t take long with a Google search or a phone call to catch a lie.
Let’s face it: mistakes can happen but don’t dwell on it. Correct your statement if possible, but don’t let one slip up affect the rest of your answers.
What questions should I ask the interviewer?
The interview process doesn’t end once the interviewer has finished asking their questions. In fact, what comes next could be one of the most crucial parts of the whole process.
After you’ve responded to all the questions, the interviewer will likely ask, “Do you have any questions for me?”
This is not the time to say, “No, I’m good!” This is your chance to build a strong connection with the interviewer, show that you’re well-informed about the program, seek valuable advice, and leave a lasting impression as a thoughtful, prepared candidate.
We have a long list of suggestions for which types of questions to ask based on who is interviewing you. Check out that post here!
How To Leave a Great Impression After the MBA Interview
Nailing the interview doesn’t end once the questions conclude. How you follow up can significantly influence the interviewers’ perception of you.
Make sure to send a considerate email to your interviewers within 12 hours of your interview. Interviewers often submit their reports within 24 hours, so it’s crucial that your note reaches them in time to be taken into account.
In your email, express gratitude for their time, reiterate key positive points from the interview, and mention that you are available to answer any further questions they might have.
Furthermore, feel free to briefly cover points you may have missed or further contextualize some answers in your thank you email. The thank-you email is not designed to be an interview essay (though some schools like MIT and HBS, do require this).
You can close your message with a brief statement that expresses your enthusiasm for the program and your interest in becoming a valuable member of the program.
After sending the message, you may also choose to find the interviewers on LinkedIn. Send them a connection request to give them a better sense of who you are.
While you may have the thought of really leaving an impression by sending a gift as a thank you to your interviewers, you’ll more likely be perceived as trying to influence their decision or, bluntly, engaging in bribery. A polite thank you email and a LinkedIn request are enough—and ethical!
Turn Your Interview Into an Admit
One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA interviews is that candidates fail to tell compelling, well-constructed stories about their profiles while also nailing the basics.
Striking this balance between sharing STAR-format examples that show off your background while also presenting strong answers to questions like “Why do you want an MBA?” is a challenging task that requires significant thought and preparation.
Because of this, it’s no surprise that, on average, 50% of interviewed applicants walk away without an offer.
This is why our interview preparation process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting is known as the best in the industry. We offer customized individual support that ensures you’re able to turn your application’s strengths into compelling answers that show fit and sell your profile in any type of interview.
Not only can you take advantage of our iterative feedback process through multiple edits – you can also benefit from a single session! If your budget is tight, our interview experts can focus your session on a single aspect of the preparation process, from workshopping your answers to providing mock interviews.
Forget simulation platforms or long lists of tips – our 1:1 preparation focuses on playing to your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses to turn you into an interview expert. Hire our interview services here. VIP packages that allow you to work directly with Ellin sell out quickly, so make sure you sign up today!
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
