Tackling INSEAD MBA Admission Interviews

INSEAD admission interviews for MBA programs are different from other business school interviews as these are conducted by the alumni,  in a seemingly informal, conversational style. We take a look at how best to prepare and ace the interview.

A lot of MBA aspirants get tensed up about the admission interviews, as  apart from testing your knowledge in various sectors, it offers no second chance to improve the performance. Add to this the fact that candidates may have to undergo at least one or two interviews by the alumni if you had applied at INSEAD.

However, a well prepared candidate need not become apprehensive about the outcome. The first step in any type of interview is to try and understand the format.

INSEAD’s interview format aims at finding out more about the candidate’s “ability to contribute to the INSEAD experience during and after the program.”

In other words, it also emphasises the role of the alumni in assessing the candidate’s suitability for the program. So be prepared to face some questions on this aspect.

Unlike the short and focussed interviews preferred by some of the top business schools, INSEAD interviews may be a bit more detailed, about the candidate’s background, academics and specific queries about the decision to go in for an MBA and choosing INSEAD for the purpose.

Unlike the typical interview format where the candidate keeps answering questions, INSEAD offers an opportunity to the aspirant to find more about the program by asking the right questions.

It provides an excellent opportunity for the candidate to show interest in various aspects of student life that could impress the alumni.

ALSO READ: How To Reduce ‘Techno-Stress’ At Workplace? INSEAD Study Seeks Answers

Another aspect to be considered is the global mindset that is sought to be promoted by the business school.  The class profile itself speaks volumes with students from as many as 93 nations. The geographic diversity spans Asia-Pacific, Western and Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

Thus multicultural understanding is an essential aspect. So it would be worthwhile for the candidates to be prepared to recount their experiences, on engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. It is also to be noted that most of INSEAD students have exposure to working or studying in a country other than their own.

Candidates should also be prepared for questions about several aspects of their resume that may include the purpose for pursuing the MBA, reasons for choosing INSEAD and the like.

They must take care to come up with concrete examples while describing experiences, strengths and weaknesses.  Yet another feature at INSEAD is that the interviewers are also chosen based on the candidate’s area of expertise or interest. (Image Courtesy : pixabay.com)