How to Interview Like a Top MBA

Companies conduct interviews to find out if the candidates who look good on paper are actually good matches for the company and the position. By speaking face-to-face, the interviewer can see how you handle stressful situations firsthand and how you answer questions about yourself and your background. Follow the steps to learn how to interview like a top MBA.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Give the interviewer a great first impression. Dress in business attire, carry a briefcase or folder with extra resumes, business cards and a notebook to take notes. Smile and keep jewelry limited, makeup light and facial hair groomed.

2. Be prepared. Have extra copies of your resume package with you and anticipate being asked to explain the resume to the interviewer. Sell your qualifications by pointing out specific pieces of your resume and expounding on the information.

3. Focus on 3 to 5 accomplishments or qualities before the interview that you can discuss intelligently. During the interview try to bring up these qualities when you need help selling yourself. Use explanations dealing with communication, confidence, knowledge, teamwork and honesty.

4. Ask questions during the interview to turn the process into a conversation rather than an interrogation. Ask about the typical work day, the atmosphere of the office and the goals of the company.

5. Rehearse possible questions beforehand so you are ready to answer immediately when asked during the interview. Focus on possible questions about yourself, your background, where you see yourself in 5 years, your successful situations, achievements, why you are interested in this organization and how you could fit into it.

6. Know the company in which you are interviewing for a position. Research the company beforehand to understand the way the business is portrayed by the media, how much the stock goes for and anything else that may be helpful in your interview or that interests you.

7. Follow up with the interviewer. Send a letter to thank the interviewer for his or her time, give any information you may have left out of the conversation and remind him or her of your interest in the position. Call the interviewer if he or she hasn't contacted you by the time he or she stated in the interview.

Tips & Warnings

• Show up to the interview 10 to 15 minutes early if possible. Always be on time if you cannot be early.
• Be enthusiastic about the company and the position.
• Listen carefully to what the interviewer tells you and asks you. Take a minute to gather your thoughts if necessary to answer the questions properly.
• Ask for the interviewer's personal business card so that you can follow up with him if he does not contact you by the date he said he would. .
• Use eye contact throughout the interview to show you're interested and understanding what the interviewer is speaking about.
• Avoid chewing gum. Never eat while interviewing unless the interview takes place at a restaurant.
• Avoid lying or making up answers.
• Avoid speaking negatively about your previous companies, managers and coworkers.
• Avoid nervous habits such as fidgeting, mumbling, rambling or saying "umm" often. Take deep breaths and relax, allowing yourself to be comfortable during the interview.

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