Top 11 MBA Job Interview Questions and Answers
In this article, we have tried to collate a list of top questions which can be asked in MBA or management job interviews along with answers which can be prepared.
Interviewing a candidate for a job is a tough task not only for the a candidate but also for the recruiter. Each one of them is at their best to prove their worth as a potential employee. Yet some cross the line and get selected to get the coveted job.
Here are the 11 questions you’re most likely to be asked in a job interview:
Question 1: Tell me about yourself and your background
Answer: The first question that a candidate is suppose to answer. The best way to tackle such a question is so quickly run the panel through your education, your achievements in academics, previous work experience (if you have worked before), exceptional feats, extra-curricular achievements etc. Such an explanation is a chronological manner gives a systematic approach to the interview
Question 2: Why have you applied for this position and job opening?
Answer: Recruiters need to see that you have a complete idea about the job decription and the skill sets required for the position you are applying for. Hence, they want to understand your knowledge about the profile and whether this job was your preference or not
Question 3: What knowledge do you have about our company?
Answer: Until and unless you are thorough about the company you are applying for, chances of selection are quite bleak. Remember, organisations are looking for skilled resources to build their company, each revenue and also select potential leaders who stay long in the organisation
Question 4: Why did you quit your last job? or Why are you still a fresher?
Answer: The reason behind you change of job is pivotal. The company wants to know whether you were an asset to you previous recruiter and that you are changing at your will for better avenues. However, if you have been forced to leave your previous job due to personal reasons or failing to meet company expectations, its gives a bad impression. Also, freshers are grilled as to why they haven't taken "efforts" to enhance their professional skill sets by taking up some job before completing higher studies.
Question 5: What job duties, responsibilities, initiatives etc have you taken?
Answer: This is a critical answer as far as the recruiter understanding your cohesion with the job profile being offered. Be short, crisp and confident in answering such a question. The best way is to break up the answer into three: (a) problem statement which you worked on; (b) your understanding, analysis, actions, execution (c) end result and how it benefited the company revenue or operations
Question 6: Tell me about your Strengths and Weaknesses
Answer: Most candidates don't understand the seriousness of this question but then this carries a lot of weightage as recruiters know that how well do candidates know themselves. Whatever strengths are described need to be backed up by some experience, else it appears to be only worthless statements. Weaknesses is a question which most people fail to tackle and end up saying 'I don't have weaknesses'. Every human being has some weak points whether they are lazy, lack certain skills, less attentive, over-emotional etc. Whatever the weaknesses are, mention that you are working to rectify them consciously.
Question 7: Give an example where you handled a team, managed a crisis etc.
Answer: Such a question tells about the responsibilities and maturity levels that a candidate is able to handle. All the above questions are a part of an everyday life of a budding manager. Hence, real-life experiences of the candidate add more spine to the education and work-experience.
Question 8: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Answer: This answer tells how ambitious and career-oriented the candidate is. A correct answer can show the career path the candidate wants to achieve by gradually growing at the companys' hierarchial pace. If you want to become an entrepreneur, then mention that but reiterate that for that you would want to gain atleast 3 to 5 years of professional work experience. This confidence shows that you are mentally prepared and respect you career choices as well.
Question 9: What salary range are you looking for?
Answer: The salary structure is the most important discussion that happens in the interview. A salary discussion is a positive sign but yet it is not affirmative. A candidate must quote a confident estimate that he or she feels must get, "as per the industry standards". However, one mustn't also under estimate and quote a lower salary, as it can backfire and can be a lost opportunity at the beginning of the career.
Question 10: Are you flexible to work in different departments?
Answer: This answer tells how flexible you can be. The candidate should be open to work in any department as the focus of the initial time in the company should be learning. But if there is a genuine constraint that you want to work on Sales only or Branding so it is better to let the interviewer know as later there can be issues in the company. Management jobs especially in the inittial years can lead to working on multiple functions of the company.
Question 11: Are you open to travel?
Answer: This answer also shows the flexibility of the candidate. You should be absolutely clear about your preference or constraint. Ideally the candidate should be open to travel for assignments. You can let the interviewer know if you are open to short term travel or long term travel. You can also quote percentage or ask the same from interviewer. Refer to the Job description before hand to know this. Management/MBA jobs tend to have travel involved so be through on this.
