Courtesy of hazyblur
I had a telephonic interview on Nov 29 last year, and it might not be too late to write a short note about it. Before my interview, I saw a pattern of questions being asked to other applicants over the phone. I was pretty sure (you might know by know that my gut feelings are never on target) that my first question would be “Please run me through your resume” and I prepared for it relentlessly.
My question set.
- Why did you choose engineering as your undergraduate degree? (I was caught by surprise by this question)
- Why MBA? Why Kellogg?
- What would your team mates say is your biggest weakness and strength?
- Which clubs do you see yourself joining in Kellogg? ( named two clubs).
- What unique qualities do you bring to Kellogg? (strongest part of the interview)
- In your job interview post MBA how will you substantiate a career switch?
I began to wonder if the interviewer asked me this question because she felt my goals weren’t strong enough. I felt this was the weakest part of my interview. I was trapped because I said that my MBA would prepare me for such a switch in the future. She probably wanted to know what prompted me to think along the lines of such a career, who I spoke with in the recent past, or what kind of experiences I had at work that pushed me in such a direction. My answer was more about how I would bridge gaps to qualify for such a position and how an MBA would get me there. Can’t really say I misfired, but just an after thought.
My interviewer finished and asked if I had any questions. I asked her “Why she chose Kellogg”? (in a sincere attempt to understand more about the school and student body). But she was not a current student and apologized for not having introduced herself completely. She wrapped up the interview. It lasted for half hour.
