MBA Interview Preparation

MBA Interview preparation tips & top interview questions for admission to Harvard, Stanford, MIT, ISB, IIM, Rotman, NUS, Cambridge, Oxford, LBS, INSEAD and other top MBA programs in the world accepting GMAT / GRE scores.
Sameer Kamat, founder of MBA Crystal Ball, covers the following topics related to MBA interviews:
Why are MBA interviews so important?
Common MBA Interview Questions
- General interview questions (samples)
- Behavioral or situational questions (examples)
- Skills-based questions
Types of MBA interviews
How to prepare for MBA interviews for free
- 4-step process to conduct mock-interviews for practice
Read these articles:
How to answer Tell me about yourself
• Tell me about yourself...
On-the-spot MBA admit from ISB after 3 minute interview:
www.mbacrystal...
MBA interview experiences at the top bschools:
www.mbacrystal...
Ignored interview prep and got rejected from all top MBA programs:
www.mbacrystal...
My horrifying and stressful MBA interview experience:
www.mbacrystal...
More on situational interviews:
www.mbacrystal...
Here's how we can help with preparatory mock-interviews:
www.mbacrystalb...
For professional help to get into the ivy league and other top MBA programs, send us an email: info[at]mbacrystalball[dot]com

[@sameer-kamat]

Please 'like' the video if you found it useful. As always, we'd be happy to share some insights on your international MBA related queries if you can post them in the comments below.

[@krishtetali5923]

What about actuarial sciences in india ....what is the position of an actuary in a company....

[@sameer-kamat]

@@krishtetali5923 See if this article helps: www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2018/05/25/actuarial-science-degree/

[@AC-ov8rw]

Hi Sameer, I secured 77.6% in my Graduation (Civil Engineering, B.Tech), I have worked in an IT firm for 3 Years and 4 months and later took a break (I am still on it) to help my family business facing financial crunches. I have worked in Theatre for past 7 years as an actor and have performed at immensely popular stages like Rangashankara (Bangalore), Ravindra Bharti (Hyderabad), Iskon Stage (Zuhu, Mumbai) to name a few and I have also worked in short films like Mithiya (Royal Stag Large Short films), Knock Knock (International Queer Film Festival). I am finally getting things sorted at my home to move ahead and get into a job, can you please suggest me how can I secure a good scholarship. Also please suggest if moving into a sales job for an year would be helpful. I'm looking forward to pursue an MBA from a good college in Canada. Kindly suggest me the best strategy to secure a good scholarship in a good college in Canada. I graduated in 2015 from Gitam University, I am aged 26.

[@sameer-kamat]

@@AC-ov8rw The scholarship process is more or less the same across the top bschools. We've covered it in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYLCeKCpndpqfZo

[@kshitizgupta4405]

Exceptional content and incredible delivery !! Hats off to you Sameer Sir.

[@prashantpokhriyal2239]

The toughest task is to find that 'friend' who'll help you to prepare for the interviews

[@tinayuanofficial1560]

Very helpful thank you so much.

[@qaisersayyed9138]

Yes right

[@iqranasser7437]

Sir, I'm absolutely amazed with your speaking skills. I'm fascinated with the words and phrases you use, to educate on the topics you present as well as how confidently you speak. Can you please give your piece of advice on how you built on your vocabulary and speaking skills? What can I do every day to ameliorate my Communication skills as well as my vocabulary? And how to have a command over the language?

[@MBACrystalBall]

Thank you! Your written English is pretty good. So you already have a strong base. Beyond that it's mostly a matter of practice.

[@jasleenkalyan2188]

I’m a last year medical student , studying in Indian . After five years of pursing medicine , I have come to the conclusion that I won’t be continuing my career in the same field because of lack of interest . But I’m not sure about all the other career opportunities I can step into , after graduating med school as I don’t have any specific plan for the near future . I came across your website n your you tube channel and I found it very helpful for the MBA aspirants . I would be really grateful to you if you’ll be able to guide me with this change in career path and will it be any good if I start prepping for MBA (as to what options I do or can have ) .

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Jasleen, it would be a bad idea to prepare for MBA admissions when you aren't clear about your career goals. You are likely to end up with two degrees that you don't like. Check out our video on the popular jobs after MBA, do more research on the ones that you find interesting. Talk to professionals working in that career. That'll give you a better idea of whether this field is for you.

[@himanshukapadia25]

I am a F.Y.B.COMstudent .And I want to pursue MBA . I want to know all the procedures,expenses,programmes etc to study MBA in US .I don't have a clear picture of MBA programme in US . Like what exam is to be given for applying in US for MBA , which forms is to be filled etc. I will be thankful of u give me a clear explanation right from Beginning to End.

[@MBACrystalBall]

This playlist would be a good place to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n57ZnYCEn5dopKM

[@navadurga5753]

Thank u sir

[@MBACrystalBall]

Glad you liked it. MBA interview coming up soon?

[@bkdash4102]

This is to get a view regarding 1 year full time MBA at mid 30. I have been working with a power plant in O&M team for past 10 years.With a decline in the growth of thermal power plants my career has seized to grow further. My foremost aim to do a MBA will be to change my job profile from an maintenance engineer. Being at mid 30 age some of the questions are restricting me to prepare for 1 year full time MBA. I would like to put my queries as below: Shall I be able to get a job opportunity during On campus placements considering I need to resign from my present job? Do the companies coming for on campus placements consider to give a role to a candidate with an age of 35 years and over 10 years of work ex? How difficult it would be for me to seek a job on campus considering I am coming from an Power plant maintenance background not from IT? Seeking an urgent help on above queries. Thanking you

[@MBACrystalBall]

International MBA programs don't have the concept of campus placements as you're expecting. Read up more on how recruitment works in GMAT programs. That makes it tougher to get jobs, specially for experienced students. Also, read this for more insights: www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2012/11/13/mba-age-over-30-too-old-for-bschool/

[@allamprashant2970]

Hello sir Can u suggest me for MBA abroad. There is a lot of confusion in opting for Germany or Singapore or Canada. The main aspects which i am looking for is 1. job placements in colleges 2. work permit 3. Great diversity 4. Less expenses 5. Good part time jobs opportunities So, According to your experience, can you make it easy to choose for which country is has to opt for and also I have work experience of 1.4 years.

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Prashant, for starters the experience is too low. Better to wait for a couple of years before applying. Secondly, there are no job placements as you might expect. Work permits are the easiest in Canada. Cost is lowest in Singapore. Diversity is the highest in Europe.

[@crazyworld4951]

Hlo sir I am vamshi nd iam from india. I recently completed my UG with the background of BSC(maths,physics,computer science).I wanna pursue MBA in canada. Is it possible to do MBA without work experience.During my college days I done network marketing for 6 months nd worked as cashier in my uncle super market more than 2 yrs is that enough to do MBA program

[@MBACrystalBall]

All the good programs will ask for full-time experience after graduation. Spend a few years working in a role that you like, build your profile and then apply.

[@crazyworld4951]

@@MBACrystalBall tnq sir

[@muskanjain2732]

I am pursuing B.E. and currently in 3rd year of study. I want to study further in Business School and pursue MBA from US. Please help me on, how to approach GMAT and how to build an excellent profile for the same.

[@MBACrystalBall]

Here are a couple of videos to check out. GMAT Prep: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6HSqImEf8aLfMU Profile Building: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6HSqImEf8aLfMU

[@dontwatchmydoomvideos]

4:30 was not expecting that joke lool

[@swapnakanti5819]

Thank you sir is it necessary to take interview and personality development training to prepare for Interview in reputed companies

[@MBACrystalBall]

Personality development can take several years. So a short training won't help with it, beyond making you aware of different aspects to focus on. Interview practice can surely help.

[@swapnakanti5819]

Thank you very much sir

[@manavkabra9659]

I, Manav Kabra, of TY BCOM studying in Ahmedabad University wants to know that if I take my GMAT exam in the coming june, would I be able to use the score for my MBA application after 2 year work experience? Moreover, as I am a BCOM student, is this the correct way to go? Is there a job market for BCOM graduates? Moreover, is it necessary for me to work in a big MNC or a MSME company would also be helpful? hoping for a positive response.

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Manav, GMAT scores are valid for 5 years. So yes, you can take it now and use it before it expires. It can be tough to get a good job on the basis of a BCom degree. But you'll find stories on our blog of commerce graduates who've cracked into the top bschools. You'll need to be patient and work on your profile before that.

[@swapnakanti5819]

Hello sir I am MBA graduate I am preparing for interview I as a fresher I am not selecting in interview please suggest me how to prepare for Interview my specialisation is finance and hr

[@MBACrystalBall]

Our focus is on GMAT/GRE MBA admissions that expect several years of work experience. You can get in touch with experts who focus on the recruitment of traditional / CAT-based 2-year MBA grads.

[@librastarrr]

Currently I am 3rd year student of English honor's at Delhi University and I am aiming to pursue MBA program internationally. I have certain doubts regarding the criteria for the admission. Apart my GMAT and gre scores , i am aware that my grades in graduation are going to be considered. As my grade in few subjects are low and I am kind of getting tense about it. So is it going to intervene in my admission process at all? I would also like to ask that work experience required is necessary to be in the field today n which I want to gain my masters degree at. Looking really forward to hearing from you.

[@MBACrystalBall]

Yes, work experience is necessary. Low scores can become a hurdle but you can try to manage it in your applications. More on that here: www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2015/04/13/managing-low-academic-grades-gpa-mba-applications/

[@elinaabraham3301]

I have been thinking about pursuing an MBA after my graduation for some time now, but the uncertainty of a BSc graduate with little work experience being accepted into a premier B-school abroad has been bothering me. Please do share your insights regarding the issue.

[@MBACrystalBall]

The thought that's bothering you is perfectly legit. It won't be a good idea to go for an MBA after BSc with very little experience. Getting into a good bschool isn't the main concern here, but the basic premise of what you'll do in a class where the average experience is 5 years. If there's no way you can delay your plans, you can consider an MiM degree, as that doesn't ask for experience.

[@swahasatyarupamohapatra3922]

Sir i am undergoing my graduation degree and with it continuing to prepare for cat and Gmat. Sir how will i bulid my profile its seems very smiple and ordinary

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Swaha, we've shared several tips and ideas in this video on how to build the profile. Hope you find it helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6HSqImEf8aLfMU

[@arkachakraborty3820]

Which University in Canada will offer an MBA program in minimum budget for international students ??

[@MBACrystalBall]

You'll find the fees for Canada's top business schools in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGfXhmqldr2Ld8U

[@aswinnayak8147]

I got 75% in 10th icse, 74% in 12th cbse Graduated with 7 cgpa in bsc.agriculture. I was hoping you could guide me through the necessary processes in college selection process.

[@MBACrystalBall]

Here's how to select the right MBA program: www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2016/02/03/how-to-select-business-schools/

[@sriletchoumy]

Sir, what's the difference between a normal MBA and an Executive MBA ?

[@MBACrystalBall]

This should clear the confusion: www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2012/10/04/executive-mba-in-india/

[@rishabhlakhmani5460]

How is the TRU in British Columbia, canada. It’s offering students a freshers mba..which is pretty rare in universities abroad..that’s why i wanted a review of it from you guys..

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Rishabh, there's a reason why it is rare for universities to accept freshers for MBA programs. Don't jump into an international MBA without experience. It might end up as another theoretical degree. If there are strong reasons why you can't wait, you can consider an MiM degree instead. We have a video on that on our channel.

[@rishabhlakhmani5460]

MBA Crystal Ball can you please tell me the video title?

[@yashkhandelwal2108]

Sir is it better do to mba after bba or bcom

[@MBACrystalBall]

Doesn't matter as long as you have several years of work experience to appreciate what an MBA can do for you.

[@yashkhandelwal2108]

I am in 12 class i want to pursue mba and i started preparing for cat but i cant have an work experience will just cat score can make me enter in top colleges of india pls help me in this era sir..........

[@MBACrystalBall]

@@yashkhandelwal2108 We don't focus on CAT programs. You can check with others who do.

[@harshjani4645]

Hello, Sameer Sir. I would like your guidance on IIM Indore's EPGP: Is the admission committee taking into account a candidate's 10th, 12th and bachelor's degree academic performance as admission criteria? What are cutoffs in those criteria if they do? Also, I am having six years of work experience in BSNL(PSU) in technical role and not in managerial/supervisory/ executive capacity; therefore, would I stand eligible for EPGP of IIM I?

[@MBACrystalBall]

10th and 12th grades don't matter. However you need to have over 50% in your graduation degree. It surely helps to have managerial experience since they have a minimum threshold of 5+ years for applicants, but not having it may not be a deal-breaker if you focus on putting in a strong application. Make sure your essays clearly articulate your career goals, and find ways to overcome the lack of leadership exposure.

[@jannatkhurana]

. I’m a 12th passed out and aspire to be an mba from a reputed college. I had a confusion in mind regarding work experience required for top mba schools. Is that work experience required after under grad. I’m 18 right now. Does that mean I’ll be able to get into an mba school around 26 yrs of age? Also do i need professional consultancy or Councelling if I want to start building a strong profile?

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Jannat, you're right. The work experience after graduation will be counted. Most MBA students in the top international MBA programs are around 26-30 years age-wise. Here are some tips to build your profile: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6HSqImEf8aLfMU

[@atharvashirke4652]

I am in my bachelors degree and next year will be my last year and I works for under a agent of LIC and I want to apply right away to mba program in US as some college accepts it But how can I send them my official transcripts while I am studying ?

[@MBACrystalBall]

All the good MBA programs will ask for several years of experience. So this problem of transcripts doesn't arise. Don't be in a rush to apply for MBA programs abroad when you aren't ready. Take your time to build your profile and skills first.

[@akhilkumar8545]

Sir, Does the OPT(Optional Practical Training ) period of only one year act as a deterrent to MBA in US?

[@MBACrystalBall]

Depends on what you're comparing it to. MS programs and some STEM MBA programs offer a 3-year OPT. But when you compare it to other countries that don't have an OPT equivalent, even 1 extra year is a huge advantage.

[@akhilkumar8545]

MBA Crystal Ball Precisely, my comparison is with other STEM programs in US. So I feel that fear of not picking H1B within that one year of OPT acts as a huge deterrent. So I just wanted to know if the institute that we pursue MBA in could influence the H1B process(H1B getting picked on a merit basis ) and how impactful are those other MBA programs under STEM Courses.

[@MBACrystalBall]

Masters and MBA students have a separate quota in H1B numbers. The institute will not influence the H1B chances. The number of good MBA programs offering STEM certification is steadily going up. Their reputations can vary.

[@newglitters7222]

Do you charge for providing the guidance and mock interview preparation ??

[@MBACrystalBall]

Yes, we offer an interview prep service for applicants who receive an interview call from international bschools.

[@newglitters7222]

@@MBACrystalBall what about iim and FMS do you charge fees for the same ??

[@MBACrystalBall]

We don't provide any support for the traditional 2-year Indian programs.

[@akhilatatavarthi7821]

I have a personal interview round with IPE can anyone help me out please.. That would be a get help.. Thank You

[@083sadarsh3]

Sir I need a information about MBA in Aviation but now am studying BBA in Aviation scope , salaries etc etc

[@MBACrystalBall]

Not sure if any of the FT ranked international MBA programs focus on this. You'll find several options in India.

[@not_now1820]

Hii sir.. I'm currently in first year of engineering and wish to study abroad. Can you guide me on where and how to start and what criteria is needed for scholarships

[@MBACrystalBall]

You can start by watching this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZnYmIaKrd-YZs0 More on scholarships here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYLCeKCpndpqfZo

[@tarik-goyal]

Is Canada a good destination for MiM? Which are the best colleges there?

[@MBACrystalBall]

MiM is more popular in Europe. It doesn't have as much of a presence in other regions.

[@ravishankarambati1691]

hi sir , please give some detailed information about MIM and is there any certifications in economics to boost our resume

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Ravi, we've covered the MiM degree in detail in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2TKYmZre8p-hs0

[@tarik-goyal]

Whether GRE or GMAT for MiM?

[@MBACrystalBall]

Watch this video. It covers all you need to know about MiM application requirements: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2TKYmZre8p-hs0

[@akshayjoshi4252]

Wanna get counseling for MBA how can I contact you??

[@MBACrystalBall]

You can send us an email. The ID is shared on the About page.

[@suyashgupta3848]

I am 29 yrs old mbbs graduate .My graduation percentage is 52%. I have 2 years of job experience in medical oncology(as a doctor). I want to pursue my carrier in healthcare management. Though, i have done the basic search about gmat and ilets, i am not sure about validity of my profile for a good college kindly give me an advice about pursuing mba in canada.

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Suyash, the current level of experience would be low and put you at a disadvantage compared to other applicants who'd have 4-5 years at the time of application. Make sure your goals are rock solid, since not many doctors go for an MBA. Read this: www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2017/05/31/why-doctors-join-mba/

[@suyashgupta3848]

@@MBACrystalBall is there any way i can contact directly and get detailed counseling officially. I have tried emailing but i was told to ask my queries here.

[@MBACrystalBall]

We get too many general queries that becomes tough to track over email. So we use this channel as a discussion forum. If you're looking for formal counselling, check this out and let us know (in response to your earlier email) the specific service you're interested in. www.mbacrystalball.com/services

[@jinkazuya5995]

sir Im pursung B.sc....but i really want to do MBA in abroad I dont know how, where to start. also i didnt apply for CAT,GMAT etc is it possible to apply foreign universities without doing any entrance exams?

[@MBACrystalBall]

We have covered the basics of applying to international MBA programs in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZnYmIaKrd-YZs0

[@manasipawar902]

Hi sir ..I am doing ACCA (uk based chartered accountancy) . I want to do MBA in finance immediately after bachelor's ..Any good universities accept freshers ? (UK , Australia, canada) . Please suggest some good uni.. Deakin uni (australia) , do they accept freshers?

[@MBACrystalBall]

It is not a good idea to go for an international MBA without experience. All the good bschools will expect many years of experience at the time of application. Be patient and build your profile first before planning to invest so much money in the next degree.

[@manasipawar902]

One year of work exp is ok?? I also do trading of saffron n my company is registered..will it be considered??

[@MBACrystalBall]

It'll be too less. The class average at the start of the program is 5 years. Get at least 2-3 years at the time of application. The trading experience should count if you can show that you have a significant role in it.

[@manasipawar902]

@@MBACrystalBall ok thankyouu :)

[@anilkumarvlogs6304]

Sir right now I am pursuing my b.com after my graduation I want to go in finance field . Whether I should do mim in finance or MBA in finance sir from abroad?

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Anil, if you want to go for a masters degree immediately after BCom, then the MFin degree would be good to move into finance. Alternately, if you have the patience to work for a few years, then a mainstream MBA would be a better choice.

[@anilkumarvlogs6304]

How many years of work experience required for MBA in finance ?

[@MBACrystalBall]

@@anilkumarvlogs6304 5 years is the average for most of the good programs.

[@anilkumarvlogs6304]

Is mim in Europe is good to do .. did mim have scope in future

[@MBACrystalBall]

An MiM from a good university can be helpful, but in terms of global recognition and opportunities, it can't match a regular MBA.

[@anilyadavbayya3763]

Sir i want to do MBA in UK 🇬🇧 after my Degree is this ok? With out experience?

[@MBACrystalBall]

Not a good idea to jump in without work experience.

[@anilyadavbayya3763]

@@MBACrystalBall Then I have to do job?

[@anilyadavbayya3763]

But i have cleared my CA(CPT)

[@MBACrystalBall]

Yes, you have to get a full-time job.

[@Christianteacherfit]

Is experience required before doing mba? I wanna do my mba abroad and I'm and engineering student.what is the tution fee for mba in Australia?and what is the high paid mba course or job?

[@MBACrystalBall]

Yes, you'll need several years of experience before applying to any good business school. You can find the exact tuition fee on the official websites of your target programs. Your last query isn't very clear. Can you please elaborate?

[@anadibadkul6950]

Hello sir. I am 21 years old. I graduated this year in April and got my degree in May. Instead of a job I decided to go for my family business for few years followed by a MBA. It's been five months since I joined my family business. However, I decided to quit it since I feel doing a job for few years and then doing a MBA will be more beneficial for me.I started preparing for GMAT during last one month . Now, I have quitted my family business at least for next few years till MBA is done and I want to do into digital marketing field. Hence, to pursue digital marketing I am planning to go for a three months course in Chennai which I feel is good. Here is my question I can join this course of 3 months either from 15 Jan 2020 to 15 April 2020 OR I can complete my GMAT and join the second batch of the course that is from 15 May 2020 to. 15 August 2020. Please suggest what should I do. Keeping in my that I will be taking drop for some time if I join second batch. However, I feel it is necessary because I am new to both digital marketing and GMAT. Hence I will have to give good no. Of hours to do justice to both. And I will have to manage 2 courses( gmat- online course and digital marketing-offiline course at same time)

[@MBACrystalBall]

Hi Anadi, quitting what you had in hand without having a concrete plan beyond that doesn't seem like a very efficient or optimal way to create a career strategy. From our perspective, getting some good quality of work experience is more important than chasing GMAT. If you like studying digital marketing, that's fine. But you could've done that along with being involved in your family business too. Career gaps are tricky to justify.

[@anadibadkul6950]

@@MBACrystalBall Hello sir, I understand your perspective of not quitting what you have in hand until one has a concrete plan. However, in 5 months of my experience in the business I realized that it was mere waste of time as i was not learning enough and slowing down the process of gmat because of which i was not even able to start another online course to learn digital marketing. Hence, I decided i shall finish what i started (gmat) fast and start doing what i really want to do.

[@MBACrystalBall]

Make sure you also decide what you want to do after getting a GMAT score. Applications start one year in advance, which means you'll still need to something to show in the professional arena before you apply and definitely before you join.

[@anadibadkul6950]

@@MBACrystalBall sir I don't plan to go for MBA immediately. I will do it only after few years of work experience. Say minimum 3 years.

[@MBACrystalBall]

That's a good idea.

[@dearanonymous6628]

Will uh please help m in cracking iim interview

[@MBACrystalBall]

We don't focus on CAT programs, if that's what you're referring to.

[@jintukalita9457]

I want to end up in a tip elite B school and my dream is to end up in Wharton but i am a Mcom student from Assam.

[@MBACrystalBall]

What's your query for us, Jintu?

[@jintukalita9457]

@@MBACrystalBall sir i want your help regarding application to this B-school

[@MBACrystalBall]

Can you share more about yourself? Work experience details, GMAT score, career goal.

[@jintukalita9457]

I am a student of 1st sem in Mcom and just having a plan to do MBA in finance in top universities just don't have a proper plan to do

[@jintukalita9457]

I am fresher and haven't appear for GMAT yes

[@akshayjoshi4252]

M planning for MBA in Canada so which universities will b offering the course during 2021 Jan and may intake?

[@abhijeetrajpurohit5965]

4:31 ..... What? -_-

[@MBACrystalBall]

:-P

[@lodalehsun6294]

I hope it was pawn collection

[@MBACrystalBall]

You sure have an eye for detail and a nice imagination!