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ISB admission process is a holistic approach and the candidates will be judged at every step including the ISB interview. ISB interview is not the only deciding factor, but it can definitely leave a great impact on your overall admission. This blog discusses how to leave a lasting impression in your ISB interview and how to prepare for it. For those who have received an interview call from the Indian School of Business (ISB) will now have to start the ISB interview preparation. While it’s normal to feel a bit nervous, we are here to help you prepare. With over 15 years of experience as an MBA Consultant and having assisted more than 200 applicants with their interview calls, we would like to share some valuable insights.

In this blog, we will cover the following key aspects of the ISB interview process:

  1. Objective of the ISB interview
  2. What does an ISB interview day look like
  3. How to prepare effectively for ISB Interview
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. ISB Interview Preparation Questions Compilation of my clients

Objective of an Interview

The primary question is, “Why conduct an interview at all?” What does ISB aim to assess through this ISB interview process? Based on our knowledge and experience, they are looking to evaluate the following:

  1. Authenticity:-Are you the same person portrayed in your application and endorsed by your recommenders?
  2. Clarity of Vision:- Have you thoughtfully and thoroughly considered your goals? Are they logical?
  3. Self-Awareness: -Are you cognizant of your strengths and weaknesses?
  4. Research and Fit:-Have you researched ISB sufficiently to understand how it will support your goals?
  5. Behavioral Traits:-Do you possess strong communication, teamwork, leadership potential, and the ability to work under pressure and resolve conflicts?
  6. Quant and Analytical Skills:- If your career goals demand it (e.g., consulting), do you have the necessary quantitative and analytical skills?

How would the Interview Day look?

Typically, you will receive 5-6 days’ notice before your ISB interview. The interview is heavily focused on your ISB Application and is known for utilizing its alumni network to conduct admissions interviews. You will likely be paired with a panel of two to three ISB alumni who may have similar profiles to your own. A typical ISB interview process is expected to take about two hours. Importantly, candidates must bring their own laptop or tablet for the essay portion.

  1. Arrive 45 minutes before the interview start time
  2. Complete a 20-minute test consisting of two short essays
  3. Attend the regular interview (typically 25-30 minutes)

How to Effectively Prepare for the ISB Interview

Let’s delve into how you can effectively prepare for an ISB interview:

  1. Unveiling Your Journey: Crafting Your Story

    When asked “Tell me about yourself,” present a strategic narrative that goes beyond a mere chronological account. Align your journey seamlessly with your MBA aspirations.

  2. Spotlight on Achievements: Narrating Success

    Effectively narrating your achievements is crucial. Frame them in a way that highlights your skills and the impact you’ve made.

  3. Articulating Aspirations: Future Goals Mapped Out

    Clearly articulate your aspirations, painting a vivid picture of where you see yourself in the future.

  4. Setting Yourself Apart: Unique Qualities Defined

    Showcase what makes you unique. Develop narratives that demonstrate how your experiences have shaped your perspective.

  5. Clearly align your goals with the school’s deliverables. Make a strong case for how ISB can specifically address the gaps in your profile and help you achieve your aspirations. Provide concrete details and evidence to support your argument.

  6. Develop a compelling narrative that illustrates how you will contribute to the ISB brand.

  7. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of both your current and desired industries. Support your arguments with relevant data and facts.

  8. Stay informed about the latest government policies impacting your industry and the broader geopolitical situation affecting the markets.

  9. Participate in mock interviews to refine your thought process and learn how to answer questions concisely and objectively.

  10. Finally, present yourself professionally during your ISB interview. Do a dress rehearsal to look your best on the day of the interview.

ISB interview questions compilation

ISB interview preparation includes:

  • Customised Interview Questions – These questions can be specifically related to your MBA admission and questions related to technology, finance, latest trends in various industries etc.
  • Behavioral and Situational Preparation
  • Personalized Feedback and Guidance

Before attending the ISB interview one must have a clear understanding as to what kinds of questions can be asked. Below, there are a few set of questions which the interview panel can ask from you:

  1. What does your work day look like? What are the meanings of some of the jargons used in the application? Which aspect of the project do you specifically handle?
  2. What is the value that you will bring to the ISB Classroom?
  3. Why do you want to do an MBA now? Why ISB ?
  4. What leadership skills are important in your opinion?
  5. You seem to be a lone wolf, not a team player. How will you survive at ISB?
  6. Is there anything that you want to change in your current job and how your targeted organizations would help in achieving this.
  7. Please elaborate on your short term goals. What is your Plan B?
  8. What is your biggest achievement so far?
  9. You mentioned in your application that you want to switch to consulting. How did you come to this realization?”
  10. Talk about the major challenges you faced in the company and how you addressed them.
  11. Why can’t I get into my desired role without MBA
  12. What if you don’t get an ISB Admit ?
  13. Tell me about your hobbies.
  14. You are in the 50% of the applicants with an engineering degree and IT background, what are you going to do to differentiate yourself from the rest applicants, from an admission perspective?
  15. You mentioned working in diverse team, was there a situation where you could use this diversity to your advantage in the workplace
  16. What do you look for in people, and how do you make judgements on them
  17. Have you worked with women before – share your experiences
  18. Talk about extracurricular – you mentioned football – how do you use your learnings from there
  19. How many smartphones are sold annually in India?
  20. We can see you have applied to all these other universities – What would influence your decision making then?
  21. Any questions for the panel?

Please remember that receiving an interview call from a B-school signifies their interest in you. It’s a step ahead in the selection process, not a rejection. By preparing passionately and rehearsing, you are increasing your chances of securing admission to ISB.

Build your Roadmap to ISB Now!

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FAQs

The Written Ability Test (WAT) is a crucial part of the ISB admissions process. It evaluates your ability to analyse, articulate, and present arguments clearly and concisely. There are typically two WAT questions, and you will have 20 minutes to complete them. There is no word limit for your responses. To excel in this test, focus on both content and presentation. The questions are usually behavioural in nature.

Candidates only need to bring a valid ID to the interview location. ISB does not require verification of any certificates related to your degree, work experience, or achievements during the interview.

While rescheduling is rare, the ISB Admissions Team is flexible in assisting candidates who are unable to attend their interview due to an emergency. However, rescheduling is only recommended if there is a genuine reason to do so.

Typically, the Indian School of Business (ISB) takes approximately four weeks to declare the results after an interview. Candidates will be informed of their admission decision within that time frame.