How to Avoid Mistakes That Are Frequently Committed During the MBA Interview
In interviews, telling a story makes a significant impact. Stories demonstrate your personality and character, which makes you memorable. However, many MBA candidates avoid telling their story for fear of making a mistake. However, if you avoid these top five mistakes, you will be able to share your story with confidence.
Do not Overshare
Your interviewer will almost likely ask you to reflect on a weakness or failure. A story may be useful here, but select a failure that demonstrates your lack of experience rather than character. Find the appropriate amount of vulnerability when telling your story. Share your personal stories, but not your private ones.
2. Do not ramble
Keep your story between two and three minutes long. Within the initial few seconds, pique the interviewer's curiosity. Then, after the hook, make a clear statement about what your story is about.
Interesting start (30 seconds)
Thrilling Middle (1.5 minutes)
Ending on a high note (3 seconds)
3. Restrict yourself to the "hero" role
You don't have to be the hero in every story to prove your significance to getting admitted to an MBA program. You have alternative choices. Interesting stories might emerge from your role as a witness to a discovery or a stunning change - or just as a community member.
4. Don’t overlook the takeaway
What would you like the admissions committee or interviewer to remember about you? What is the one thing you hope they remember while forgetting everything else? Expand on this to create an unforgettable conclusion to the interview.
5. Don’t Relive the interview after you leave
You know how it is with interviews. You repeat the interview experience to yourself afterwards, reading into every awkward pause, cough, or grin. However, one of the most typical interview mistakes is replaying the story. Body language is notoriously difficult for humans to read. So we shouldn't go over the minor cues we thought we saw during the interview again. Instead, tell yourself that you did your best and that you now need to keep moving forward.
Sending a meaningful, handwritten thank you note should be part of that. Thank the interviewer for their time, noting a specific aspect of the interview experience that you enjoyed. Do something constructive while you wait after drafting thank you cards. Concentrate on a hobby, take on a new endeavor, or call your mother.
Finally, keep in mind that interviewers are also human. Sure, they have some influence over your future, but they, like you, desire genuine connections, which means they need to know who you are as a prospective future MBA candidate. Avoiding these five interview blunders can make your interview more effective and pleasurable for both of you.