MBA面试与找工作时面试两者之间的区别
B-School Interviews vs. Job Interviews
Interviewing with b-school officials can be
challenging after working professionally for a few years. Your last interview
may have been for a job, and M.B.A. admissions interviews are distinctly
different. In a job interview, you must stress the '"how" of what
you've done. B-schools are looking at the "why" as well.
"An M.B.A. school [interview] is
harder because you actually have to get across your ability," says
Rossmiller. "You have to articulate your motivations and goals."
Just like you don't want your first job interview
to be with your first-choice employer, your first b-school interview shouldn't
be with your preferred program. "I wouldn't recommend making your top
choice your first interview," says Bloomberg. "You need to get back
into the swing of things."
Camie Costa earned an M.B.A. in 2000 from
Kellogg, where she was one of 25 student interviewers. She's now a marketing
manager at General Mills in Minneapolis.
To succeed with interviewers, applicants should be able to avoid
"why" pitfalls, Costa says.
"Some [interviewees] seem unprepared
to answer basic questions such as: 'Why am I a good fit at this school?' 'Why
do I believe I'll continue to succeed upon graduation?' and 'Why would the
school want me to be an alumna?' " says Costa. "It goes back to,
'What have you accomplished so far?' "
To be able to answer these questions,
b-school candidates should ask themselves the following:
Have I completed my self-analysis? To interview competently, do
some self-searching and know why you want to earn an M.B.A. "You aren't
going to get into a top M.B.A. school if you say: 'I need that rubber stamp on
my resume,' " says Rossmiller. "That's not good enough."
Jonathan Dabora, a first-year student at Anderson, advises
candidates to examine their motivations and interests. They should be able to
answer the question, "What am I passionate about?" he says.
Don't expect interviewers to help you out.
Rossmiller asked one candidate why he wanted to go to Fuqua. After a lackluster
response, he then asked her, "So what should I have answered to that
question?"
Have I done my homework? Research the school by
attending forums and receptions it sponsors and talking with students and
alumni, Martinelli recommends. If possible, visit the school. "The M.B.A.
process is very collaborative. We're looking for people who have something to
add to the educational process," says Martinelli.
Hillary Beard, a second-year student at Columbia, interviewed
with officials and spent time visiting the campus to "see what the tone of
the school was and understand its culture," she says. She recommends
talking to current students because they "have the best pulse of the
school right now."
Dabora has a Ph.D. in molecular biology,
but he wanted a graduate business degree so he could become a venture
capitalist or start a business. He, too, was rejected from Anderson because he didn't demonstrate enough
knowledge about his desired fields. Before reapplying, he cold-called venture
capitalists and was able to interview about 10% of them. His efforts taught him
about the field and allowed him to discuss his career goals more concretely.
Am I flexible? Be prepared to be interviewed by phone or
in person. Regardless of how the meeting is held, your preparation should be
thorough. Also be flexible when scheduling your interview. Most schools will
adjust to your schedule. "We interview where they live and we'll
accommodate them. We may have to do a phone interview," says Linda Meehan,
Columbia's
director of admissions. "If they're unable to satisfy this, it sends a
message."
Have I rehearsed? Practice answering typical
b-school interview questions until you appear focused, yet relaxed. Try to
rehearse with someone who's been through the process, not just with friends and
family. "Don't underestimate the competitiveness of the situation. You
need to communicate," says Costa.
Have I prepared questions for the
interviewer?
After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy and spending five years on
active duty, Jack Benecke applied to Olin. He had leadership experience but
needed strong core business courses. He asked about this aspect of the program
and how the school's career center would help him prepare a resume and
interview with employers as he neared graduation.
How am I presenting myself? Marketing yourself includes
your attire, resume, follow-up tactics and attitude. You must be able to state
what you stand for and your benefits to a potential employer, says Costa.
Dabora says one Anderson
official says the school seeks applicants who are "confident but not
arrogant."
Am I positive? Candidates can project negativity without
realizing it. Subtle ways include commenting about other schools or appearing
overly self-involved.
Be sure to ask the interviewer questions
about him or herself, such as their educational background and connection to
the school. If the interviewer is a current or former student, ask about any
challenges he or she experienced in completing the program.
Showing ignorance about the process -- for
instance, taking it too seriously or not seriously enough -- also may transmit
poorly. "You have to know yourself well enough to relax," says
Martinelli. "You have to know why you're at the table."
Do I fit in? You and the school must answer this
question together. The school seeks candidates who will add an extra dimension
to the mix of students, contribute to the program and succeed following
graduation.
Your answer may be more complex. By taking
a break in your career, you're making an investment of both money and time.
Will you earn an adequate return on your investment? Are you ready to make
needed sacrifices and can you handle the change in lifestyle?
Consider whether you'll be happy in the
location, be able to work on teams with classmates, be comfortable in the
environment and if the students and faculty will enhance your learning and
enjoyment.
Am I ready? Ask yourself if you're psychologically,
academically and emotionally ready for the rigors of an M.B.A. program. If so,
the interview will likely be a smooth component of the process.
-- Ms. O'Donnell is principal of
SinaraSpeaks, a professional speaking firm specializing in career issues in Springfield, Mo.
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