{"id":44227,"date":"2019-01-04T22:28:00","date_gmt":"2019-01-04T22:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/?p=44227"},"modified":"2021-09-21T18:43:40","modified_gmt":"2021-09-21T18:43:40","slug":"what-are-questions-to-ask-in-an-mba-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/what-are-questions-to-ask-in-an-mba-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Questions to Ask in an MBA Interview?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When applying for entry to a Master of Business Administration program, many candidates get nervous about the interview. You may have considered how to answer the questions the interviewer will ask. But what are the best graduate program interview questions to ask when the script is flipped? Knowing the questions to ask in this interview can help you get the information that equips you to make the best decision for your education and career plans.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What to Expect During the Interview<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve gotten to the interview portion of the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/admission\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MBA admission process<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ve reached the final step of the process. The university has determined you\u2019re a prime candidate for the program based on your transcripts, essays, and test scores. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, they want to know a little more about you. This is also your chance to get to know more about them and show that you\u2019re an inquisitive and motivated student.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-44228 alignright\" src=\"http:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/01\/What-Are-Questions-to-Ask-in-an-MBA-Interview-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/01\/What-Are-Questions-to-Ask-in-an-MBA-Interview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/01\/What-Are-Questions-to-Ask-in-an-MBA-Interview.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The interview may be 20 to 60 minutes long. Make sure you\u2019re punctual and allow yourself extra time at the end of the meeting. You want to be completely present, mentally and physically. If you appear rushed, you might give the impression that the interview isn\u2019t important to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be required to visit the school for the interview. If you don\u2019t live nearby, a faculty member, alum, or program director may interview you over the phone or online video conference.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"augsb-mid-content\" id=\"augsb-2621098807\"><div id=\"augsb-4162861980\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;clear: both;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/\" aria-label=\"Are you ready to advance your career with an MBA? Explore our MBA program.\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/12\/970x90-Artboard-2-Alt.png\" alt=\"Are you ready to advance your career with an MBA? Explore our MBA program.\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/12\/970x90-Artboard-2-Alt.png 970w, https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/12\/970x90-Artboard-2-Alt-300x28.png 300w, https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/12\/970x90-Artboard-2-Alt-768x71.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" width=\"970\" height=\"90\"  style=\"display: inline-block;\" \/><\/a><\/div><br style=\"clear: both; display: block; float: none;\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, there is more than one step required to complete the interview process. Some schools ask standard questions you can answer in a video recording before conducting an in-person dialogue. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may even have to prepare a project or presentation for the day of the interview. Make sure you read all the requirements so you follow the interview process seamlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Questions Will They Ask You?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll likely be asked questions similar to those you answered in the essays you already submitted for the application. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/prepadviser.com\/hot-questions-mba-interview-questions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical MBA interview questions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why are you interested in continuing your education?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do you want to pursue an MBA?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/what-are-the-different-types-of-mba-programs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">types of MBA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are you interested in?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why are you interested in this <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MBA program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or university?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What skills do you hope to obtain?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What qualifications or experiences do you have that will contribute to the program?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How will this program help you reach your goals?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell us about a challenging situation, how you resolved it, and what you learned.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might be asked some offbeat questions that force you to think critically. These questions\u2014which differentiate the people who are willing to identify crucial issues and look at multiple factors to determine a solution\u2014may catch you off guard:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why are manhole covers round?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why is the bus door located next to the driver?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How many airplanes are flying over the United States right now?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you consider yourself an ethical person?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are your New Year\u2019s resolutions?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you don\u2019t know the answer to these questions, indicate that you understand how to find out the solution by asking strategic questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re applying for an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/difference-between-executive-mba-vs-traditional-mba\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EMBA program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you will be evaluated differently than someone who is coming straight from college graduation. You\u2019ll be asked questions about your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and career. Tell a brief story about yourself that summarizes your career trajectory, emphasizing recent positions. Include one or two points that demonstrate your strategic thinking or problem-solving abilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interviewers also want to know how you\u2019ll balance school with your job and personal life. Acknowledge that this can be a challenge, and give examples that demonstrate you can handle pressure and take on the additional demands.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Questions to Ask During an MBA Interview<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The final question MBA interviewers usually ask is, \u201cDo you have any questions for us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MBA interview questions to ask your interviewer are just as important as your responses to their queries. Graduate schools want to know that you\u2019re committed to this path. It helps when they see you\u2019ve researched their school or program. They will also assess your level of curiosity and analytical skills based on the questions you ask during the interview.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best MBA questions to ask can set you apart from other candidates who have skills and qualifications similar to yours. Your questions should:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlight your strengths<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Demonstrate your career goals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show that you\u2019ve looked into what the university has to offer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establish that you consider an <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/is-an-mba-worth-it\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MBA worth your time and effort<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exhibit your passion for this program<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the best graduate school questions to ask include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What were some of your favorite classes?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you tell me more about the specific program and concentrations available at this institution?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the program\u2019s biggest limitation?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What groups or organizations can students in this program access or join?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/academics\/international\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study abroad program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does your program use business simulations and experiential learning?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the best advice you would give to an incoming student?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When applying for an EMBA, you\u2019ve already been in the workforce for a while; you need to demonstrate the strengths and interpersonal skills you\u2019ve gained. Don\u2019t neglect to prepare EMBA interview questions to ask just because you have confidence and experience in an established job.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Worst Questions to Ask in a Graduate School Interview<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some graduate school interview questions you should never ask. Don\u2019t waste the interviewer\u2019s time by asking logistical questions already addressed on the school\u2019s website.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These questions should be considered well before you start applying to business schools:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can an MBA help my career? <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What can you do with an MBA?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gmac.com\/market-intelligence-and-research\/research-library\/employment-outlook\/2018-corporate-recruiters-survey-report\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What kind of salary can I earn with an MBA?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Tips for Acing the MBA Interview<\/b><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation is key. Go to the school\u2019s website to find out if they tell you what to expect or what MBA-specific questions they will ask you. You might also search online for articles or forum posts written by previous candidates, which can give you an idea of what the process will be like.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be authentic and honest. The school has already deemed that you look good on paper. Now, they want to see what sets you apart from everyone else. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t lie or pretend to be perfect. Show you have an open mind and a willingness to learn.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare personal examples to reference during the interview. Schools want to see you can apply in practical ways the knowledge you gain. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A strong first impression is crucial to succeeding during the interview process. Show you are unique, you will contribute, and you can adapt to a changing environment. Interviewers want to know about your strengths, weaknesses, and personal and professional accomplishments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this knowledge and confidence, you are prepared to make your mark in an MBA interview and advance your career.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still unsure about your upcoming MBA program interview? Contact <\/span><\/i><a href=\"&#x6d;&#97;&#x69;&#x6c;&#116;&#x6f;&#58;m&#x62;&#97;i&#x6e;&#102;o&#x40;&#97;u&#x67;&#115;&#x62;&#x75;&#114;&#x67;&#x2e;&#101;&#x64;&#117;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x6d;&#x62;&#97;&#105;n&#x66;&#x6f;&#x40;&#97;&#117;g&#x73;&#x62;&#x75;&#114;&#103;&#46;&#x65;&#x64;&#x75;<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to talk with <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Augsburg University\u2019s MBA professionals<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who can offer advice from years of experience.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<div class=\"augsb-after-content\" id=\"augsb-1074169515\"><div id=\"augsb-2349323244\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;clear: both;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/\" aria-label=\"Are you ready to advance your career with an MBA? Explore our MBA program.\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/12\/Artboard-4.png\" alt=\"Are you ready to advance your career with an MBA? Explore our MBA program.\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/12\/Artboard-4.png 970w, https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/12\/Artboard-4-300x78.png 300w, https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2019\/12\/Artboard-4-768x199.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" width=\"970\" height=\"251\"  style=\"display: inline-block;\" \/><\/a><\/div><br style=\"clear: both; display: block; float: none;\"\/><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When applying for entry to a Master of Business Administration program, many candidates get nervous about the interview. You may &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":375,"featured_media":44228,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mba"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44227","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/375"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44227"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44227\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44712,"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44227\/revisions\/44712"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44228"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44227"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44227"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44227"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}