Interview duration was roughly 2 hours, of which I was being interviewed for between 60-70 minutes.
Questions included:
-Tell me about yourself
-Why LBS
-Career goals
-Define leadership
-Example of your leadership
-Strengths/Weaknesses from perspective of a friend
-Alternative short-term career goals
Was also presented with a series of case-type questions, including questions related to my response to difficult group members (multiple follow-ups here), and what leadership traits I’d target for a start-up firm and for a more mature organization.
Presentation: I was given 5 min to prepare and 5 min to present. I was given a list of 5 topics and asked to choose. Key is to present a structured format (intro, reason 1, reason 2, reason 3, conclusion) and to work in an example or two. I was nervous about this portion, but it went well.
My interviewer asked for my resume! I couldn’t tell whether he had reviewed my application prior to my arrival, which surprised me.
My interviewer discussed both the challenges and benefits of LBS. As an American, he seemed intent on presenting the challenges (lack of US network/brand recognition, cost relative to local schools) and gauging my reaction.
Overall, the interview was fairly conversational but rigorous. The format prevents many “rehearsed” answers and will require you to think on your feet.
My advice would echo that of many others: 1) Know your story frontwards and backwards 2) Know “why LBS” in great detail, and 3) Be prepared to discuss teamwork and leadership AT LENGTH
