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Welcome to the world of Harvard MBA interview questions, where your journey to securing a coveted spot at Harvard Business School begins. The Harvard MBA interview is a critical step in the admission process, designed to get to know you better and assess your fit for this prestigious institution. In this guide, we'll delve into the realm of Harvard MBA interview questions, providing insights, tips, and sample questions to help you prepare effectively. So, let's embark on this insightful journey to ensure you shine brightly during your Harvard MBA interview.
Key Aspects: Format, Duration & Interviewer Profile
The Harvard MBA interview questions are designed to delve into the applicant's mindset and their potential contributions to both the school and the industry. To successfully pass the interview and secure a place in the class, candidates need to meticulously prepare for each aspect of the interview. The questions posed during the interview can vary widely, ranging from general inquiries to those specifically tailored to your individual goals, ambitions, or experiences.
Here, we present two sets of Harvard MBA interview questions, accompanied by specialized tips for each set. If you're considering applying to this program, it's crucial to thoroughly understand each element and prepare to meet the school's expectations.
- Interviewer profile: Harvard Alumni or Adcom Members (from recent classes like 2019, 2022, etc)
- Interview Duration: Approximately 45-60 minutes
- Content: Primarily resume-based yet focused on self-growth and future plans.
The interview will be divided into two parts:
1. The first part is where the Adcom will ask you questions. This is the major part, with around 40-45 minutes
2. The second part will be you asking the interview team questions, which is around 15-20 minutes.
Columbia MBA Interview Questions Sets
No matter which B-school you apply for, interviewers will likely ask you to walk them through your resume. What's even more crucial will be handling the tricky trio of questions, which are:
- Why an MBA from Harvard Business School?
- Why Harvard Business School?
- Why pursue it now?
If you're preparing for an interview for the Harvard Business School MBA, knowing what types of questions are asked can increase your chances of passing the test. To help you with this, we have put together several sets of interview questions based on past applicants' experiences. Additionally, we've included specialized tips to help you secure your admission to this prestigious institution. Read on to learn more.
Set 1
Q: Tell me about yourself
Q: You want to work in sector A , why?
Q: You did an internship in sector B, was it related to sector A ?
Q: What was your other internship about? can you explain a technical aspect of your job.
Q: You wrote about this story in your essay, can you give us more details about this aspect?
Q: What does a typical day at your current job look like?
Q: What does the CEO of your company worry about?
Set 2
Q: Tell me about how you choose your college.
Q. What kind of people do you look forward to meeting at HBS?
Q. How did you find the Harvard MBA application process?
Q. What might your supervisor describe as a weakness?
Q. When did you decide to get an MBA?
Q. What would your 5 closest friends say about you? Why?
Q: How was your experience as the class president.
Q: Post-MBA plans.
How to Handle Harvard MBA Interview
The interview stage of the Harvard Business School (HBS) MBA application is a pivotal and distinctive element of the selection process. Renowned for its rigorous and probing nature, the interview not only evaluates a candidate's qualifications but also their fit within the HBS ethos. This guide offers comprehensive strategies to excel in this challenging interview environment.
1. Understand the Format
Firstly, recognize that the HBS interview is designed to be a fast-paced, dynamic conversation. Typically, it involves 30-40 questions over a 30-minute period. This format is intended to simulate the case study method prevalent in HBS’s curriculum, focusing on your ability to think on your feet.
2. Application Review
Interviewers at HBS are well-versed in your application details. Candidates should be prepared to delve deeply into any component of their application, including professional experiences, academic achievements, and personal choices. Expect discussions that explore the rationale and motivations behind your life and career decisions.
3. Practice Spontaneity
While it’s important to prepare, over-rehearsed answers are easily spotted. HBS values authenticity and the ability to provide impromptu responses. Practice with a variety of questions, but focus on delivering answers that are thoughtful yet spontaneous.
4. Reflect on Your Career Path
Be ready to discuss your professional journey. This includes explaining transitions between jobs, choices of roles, and your future career aspirations. Understanding and articulating your career narrative is key.
5. Showcase Self-Awareness
Questions about your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement are common. Display a high level of self-awareness by acknowledging your weaknesses while also discussing how you’re working to address them.
Conclusion
Facing Harvard MBA interview questions is a unique opportunity to present yourself as a compelling candidate for one of the world's most prestigious business schools. Preparation is the key to success in this critical step of the admission process. By understanding the interview format, reviewing your application, researching Harvard, practicing behavioral questions, crafting your story, and staying authentic, you can approach the interview with confidence.
