Stanford GSB MBA Interviews
Stanford GSB MBA interviews, while so hard to get, are not necessarily that hard in anyway. This interview about fit is determined by an alumni “gatekeeper.” Chances are good that this gatekeeper might be in your industry or in some manner have a complementary background for assessing you. For example, if you are perceived as lacking a particularly important attribute (professional experience in the field related to your goals or English skills for example), don’t be surprised if the alumni is someone who is in a good position to judge this. In some places with few alumni, a high level of complementary assessment (e.g., McKinsey applicant interviewed by Boston Consulting Group alum) would be less likely. Stanford GSB interviews are well known for going long. Do not stress out! If the interview is going longer than expected(of course in a pleasant way), that means you have managed to impress the interviewer.
Stanford asks a lot of situational questions. So brace yourself accordingly. Stanford GSB appreciates “We” rather than “I”. Though you want to portray yourself as an achiever, you cannot afford to sound arrogant.
Stanford GSB MBA Frequently Asked Interview Questions
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Professional experience-related questions
- Tell me something about yourself, or Walk me through your resume.
- What are your short-term and long-term goals?
- Why MBA? or Why now? or Why an MBA at this stage of your career?
- Why ISB?
- What is your Plan B? in case your primary goal does not happen?
Personal qualities-related questions
- What are your key strengths? Can you give some examples, please?
- What are your key weaknesses? Can you give some examples, please?
- How can you add value to the Class? or Why should we take you?
- Any reasons why we should not select you?
- Interests and Hobbies related questions – why do you do it, what have you achieved/learned?
Frequently Asked Situational & Behavioral Questions
- What is your leadership style? Can you give an example of a project you led?
- What would you describe are your greatest achievement to date?
- Give me an example of a time you failed.
- Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict. How did you handle that?
- Give me an example of a time when you did not meet a client’s expectations. What happened, and how did you attempt to rectify the situation?
The last one – Do you have any questions for us?
- Can you please tell me how international exchange students and schools are assigned?
- How club leadership is selected?
- Any other questions you may have in regards to the program.
Stanford GSB Interview Questions -1
1 Alumnus. Met at his office. Interview started 10 minutes late but lasted for exactly 60 minutes (which can be broken down into: 5 of minutes breaking the ice, 45 minutes of interview and 10 minutes of me asking a question and wrapping up). Friendly environment.
Here are the questions, in order asked, to the best of my memory:
- A) Introduction
- Let me introduce myself
- B) Future
- Why MBA?
- Why GSB?
- Post MBA plans?
- Why post MBA industry?
- C) Behavior
- What is your biggest accomplishment at work?
- Tell me about a leadership experience?
- Tell me about your most meaningful achievement?
- Tell me about a good leader
- Why? What makes him a good leader?
- Have you ever demonstrated these qualities?
- Tell me about a bad leader?
- Why? What would you have done if you were in his shoes?
- Tell me about a time you were faced with two attractive situations (you made a difficult decision)
- Why was it difficult?
- D) Closing
- Any questions for me?
My advice would be: prepare in advance. know your stories (esp. behavioral ones). be confident sharing them. No need for superhuman stories. Just be genuine and reasonable. And, do not forget to keep that smile on your face throughout ?