An MBA’s Guide to a Better Job Interview

Among the many essential things you’ll learn as an MBA is how to put your best foot forward in a job interview. You’ll get expert advice and mentoring, as well as access to a ton of resources.

I recently attended a two-day workshop focusing on the first interview. It was full of great info. Here were the takeaways I found most useful.

Have a bank of stories for all different skills

It’s hard to know what specifically an interviewer is going to ask you. But it’s a safe bet that in a behavioral interview, they’ll stick with a certain type of question. They’re going to be looking for proof that you’ve got the skills they need – leadership, communication, adaptability, and so on. Think about those skills and prepare anecdotes that demonstrate how well you use them. That way, when you’re asked a question, you can discern the particular skill they’re asking about, select the right story, and deliver it effectively. Do this, and you’ll never be blindsided. And don’t forget to organize your stories into the SAR format: Situation, Action and Result.

Tailor your questions to your audience

Arrive at your interview with questions, as well as answers. Not having any questions for your interviewer reflects poorly on you. Remember, you’re interviewing the company, even as the company interviews you. You are trying to figure out if the company and position are the right fit for you, so ask questions that will help you make an informed decision. As you do so, keep in mind who you’re talking to at every stage of the process and tailor your questions appropriately. For example, when you’re speaking to recruiters, remember they might not know the details of the day-to-day workings of the position you’re considering. However, they may know a lot about the culture, so ask questions about that. Or, if you’re speaking to someone who previously held the role you’re considering, perhaps ask that person about the challenges of the job and the keys to succeeding in it.

Don’t forget to close

You prepared your stories ahead of time, effectively answered all the questions they threw at you, asked some insightful questions of your own, but now it’s coming up on that 30-minute end mark. The interviewer says, “Thank you for coming in today. It was a pleasure to meet you.” How do you respond? A general “thank you” back is sufficient, right? Wrong! Don’t. Forget. To. Close. Of course you should thank them for their time and for the opportunity to interview, but circle back to why you’re a great fit for the organization and the position. Touch on some of the items that you mentioned when answering their questions and then make sure they know that you want the position. Offer a final thank you, handshake, and then say goodbye. You’ve left them with a great final impression, make sure you send that thank you note, and then just wait for that offer call.

–By Samprithi (Sammy) Santosh. Santosh is a Class of 2021 MBA candidate at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business.