Interview Time!

We all had a nice break since Round 2 deadlines, didn’t we? Yes, I know the waiting is the hardest part. Hopefully soon you will get a clue as to how strong your application is through an interview request. (That is for the schools that invite to interview).

So your friend got an interview and you didn’t. Or Harvard announced that they are sending out 750 interview invites now, but there will be another 50-100 extended through early April. What’s up with that? Can’t they just tell you, rather than leave you hanging?

There are typically two methods for interview invites. First is a quick scan of your application by Admissions in the first few weeks. That usually constitutes the bulk of the invites. Then, your application goes through the first read and maybe the reader notes something missed, something worthy of an interview. That constitutes the late interview invites. Typically, applications are read in complete random order, which is why you could suddenly get an invite towards the end of the review period. Someone has to be the last application read.

What to do if you get an invite? First, prepare, but don’t over-prepare. Re-read your application and go online and do a search on “X MBA Interview.” Learn what to anticipate from people before you. Don’t over-prepare, sounding rehearsed, and don’t “lead the interview” with your own agenda. (Admissions hates this). Listen to each question and answer it concisely. Prepare intelligent questions to ask the interviewer. Finally, wear a professional suit, even if it is a Saturday interview. Good luck!