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INSEAD is one of the top schools to recruit graduates to conduct MBA admission interviews. Based in France, Fontainebleau strives to pair a graduate with a similar profile to yours with another graduate from a very different background for diversity.
This shows how much the school appreciates the perspective alumni can bring to both the interview process itself and you as a candidate. This is a valuable opportunity for you to decide if is the right fit for you.
By design, INSEAD’s alumni-driven format fosters a conversational experience. Expect to be matched with her two interviewers in your current city of residence (interviews are not conducted on campus). The interviewer will suggest that you meet at a coffee shop or, in most cases, the interview in the office.
Given that INSEAD utilizes thousands of alumni interviewers, there is a lot of variation in terms of format. This is where the dynamic comes from because INSEAD gives interviewers a certain degree of freedom. The tone, style, context, and even length often depend on the interviewer’s personality and profession. For example, the average length is about 1 hour. However, some of his interviews are as short as 30 minutes, while others are as long as 2 hours. One of her recent Fortuna Admissions clients was interviewed for over four hours. This is unlikely, but not out of the realm of possibility.
Given the high volatility, what to expect and how to prepare? Below is a list of successful INSEAD interviews based on my experience as a Fortuna Expert Coach and former Assistant Director of the INSEAD MBA program. Here are 8 tips to get you there.
8 Preparation Tips for a Successful In-Seed Interview
- Prepare your MBA Elevator PitchIt’s common for alumni interviewers to start with, “Tell us about your resume” or “Tell us about yourself.” Your approximately one-minute MBA elevator pitch should be a compelling, concise conversation starter that tells you who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what motivates you to pursue a business school degree. Your goal is to make a positive first impression and open doors to more.
- research the interviewerGiven the versatility of this format, learn about your interviewer before the interview and exercise caution and hedge your bets. At the very least, do a Google search and verify your profile on LinkedIn. Taking the time to find common ground can be a useful icebreaker.
- connect those dotsBe prepared to answer 1) Why an MBA? 2) Why an INSEAD? Graduates are messengers and champions of the school. You will want to show your love through a thoughtful and sincere understanding of their unique culture and values. Among other qualities, interviewers will combine dots on your leadership potential, school fit, and your professional experience to make the INSEAD MBA ideal for advancing your highest aspirations. I am looking for the reason why it is the next step.
- SHOW OFF YOUR INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCEThis background is not only an advantage, it is also a clear criterion by which interviewers evaluate. You need to do more than list your international travels and adventures. INSEAD seeks evidence that you have learned from these experiences, gained interesting insights, cultural sensitivity, and a curiosity for cultures beyond yourself. If you haven’t had the opportunity to work or study abroad for a long time, know that many short trips abroad are less than long stays. Plan to discuss your experiences working with diverse teams and, most importantly, the insights you gained about cross-cultural collaboration.
- Keep your arguments concise and persuasiveInterviewers may or may not take notes, so practice your key selling points to make sure what you’re saying is memorable and compelling (i.e. interviewer so that students can easily remember it when writing reports to the admissions team).
- be prepared to address any concernsIf there are red flags in your profile, such as a low GMAT score or gaps in your work history, be prepared to respond. Remember you are here because the school sees something in you. However, there may be issues that the school wants to clarify. Some interviewers want to see if you can think on your feet or how you react when challenged directly.
- Identify appropriate clothing by context. Take cues from your interviewer’s favorite locations when deciding what to wear. You’ll want to dress appropriately for that business environment — Wall Street brokerages tend to lean more formally, Silicon Valley startups more relaxed — but keep it smart and not too casual. Do not err on the side of being too formal. Remember that first impressions matter. How you present is perceived as part of your professional presence.
- ask great questionsThis is a rare opportunity to ask core questions that are best answered by those who have experienced the program. Asking questions also reinforces your story, your goals, and why you chose INSEAD, so use this opportunity wisely. Don’t make the mistake of asking easy-to-answer questions online. Remember that most people like to talk about themselves, so asking an interviewer about her INSEAD experience is always a good topic for discussion.
For more on this topic, watch my short video strategy session with Caroline Diarte Edwards, Co-Founder of Fortuna and former head of INSEAD Admissions. Everything you need to know about the INSEAD MBA interview.
Being well-informed and prepared is the best way to feel confident and get the most out of your interview. Participating in interview preparation with Fortuna’s expert coaches is a very effective way to build confidence and pays off. Of the clients invited for interviews at European schools in Round 1, 89% were accepted. That’s well over her 40% to her 50% of interviewed applicants, which the school says allows.can sign up directly online for interview preparationor explore any of our MBA Coaching Package.
When the interview comes, don’t forget to smile and have fun. What you gain from this experience—and potential relationships—can extend well beyond admission to your next class.
Melissa Jones I am an expert coach at an MBA admissions coaching company. Entering Fortuna Former Assistant Director of the INSEAD MBA program. Fortuna is a team of former admissions officers and business school officials from 18 of the top 20 business schools.
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