University of Washington – Foster School of Business
Full-time MBA program – Interview Questions
In Singapore, Foster offers Skype interviews with a member of the admissions staff. Foster interviews typically last 45mts-1hr.
Dress smartly – the rule of thumb is to dress one step more formally than the interviewer. In Singapore, that means – wear a tie.
Understand that Foster asks the interviewers to fill up an assessment form about you. Many interviewers do this during the interview. So don’t panic or take it as a negative if the interviewer starts writing notes as you are speaking. It’s normal. That said, most adcom members don’t do that, so if the interviewer doesn’t take notes, that’s ok too.
Think of specific questions you can ask at the end of the interview. Think of at least 3 questions the answers to which are not easily available on Foster website etc.
Since this is a Skype interview, therefore:
- Check your equipment: Make sure your camera, mic, speaker, Internet, and Skype work. Make sure Windows is not getting ready for updates and restart. Make sure that you are either connected to power, or your laptop has enough battery left.
- Dress: Dress neatly. Light formals are ok. Wear a tie.
- Clarity: Ensure there is no background noise: visual or aural. Try to find a quiet, well-lit place, with a flat, light-colored background.
- Height: Ensure the aperture of the camera is at eye-height for you. If it’s not, then adjust the height. Also zoom in enough so that there aren’t lots of distracting objects in the background.
- Lighting: Ensure your face is properly lit. If you have to, then use a table lamp in addition to the room lighting.
- Relax: Relax – you will come across better if you are relaxed.
- IC: Foster Skype interviewers ask candidates to identify themselves. Have your passport at hand.
- Distractions: Turn off your phone or anything that might ring or buzz.
- Smile: Don’t need to have a plastic smile pasted on throughout. But do smile appropriately from time to time.
The interviewer is the person who did the first read of your application – so (s)he already likes you, since you were shortlisted.
The Foster interview is primarily based on your experience – know your CV inside and out. There are also the usual MBA motivation questions. So please familiarize yourself with the essays and ensure you make a compelling case with regards to why MBA, why now and why Foster. So far, I haven’t heard of any trick or gotcha questions.
Think about your response before you begin speaking aloud. It is perfectly acceptable for you to sit in silence for a few moments while you gather your thoughts. In fact, your responses will be much crisper and clearer if you take the time to do so.
Maintain good eye contact, and watch the interviewer’s facial expressions and body language to help determine if you are on track.
Some commonly asked questions are:
- Walk me through your resume/ Tell me about yourself.
- Why MBA? Why now? Why Foster?
- What are you most excited about at Foster?
- How will you contribute to the Foster MBA class?
- What do you think will be your greatest challenge will be while pursuing an MBA?
- Why did you choose your undergraduate school/major?
- Why did you choose your first/second/next/current job?
- Why did you choose your specific career path?
- What’s your contribution to your company?
- Tell me about the x project that you have noted on your resume.
- Describe your typical day at work.
- Describe a time when you received constructive criticism. How did you respond? What change resulted from it?
- What is the best compliment you’ve received from a superior?
- What do you do for fun?
- Tell me about a time you disagreed with your supervisor.
- What’s the riskiest thing you have done?
- What’s the thing you have done surprises you the most ?
- I’m sure you are looking at other schools. What criteria would you use to make a decision?
- Do you have any questions for me?
We can help with your interview prep. Contact us:
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