Tips for Interview Season: An AO’s Response

Second, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ken 18 months ago when he was applying to Tuck. So, you get my guarantee that he knows what he’s talking about.

Lastly, AO’s (admissions officers) generally love to interview MBA candidates. I’ve been interviewing prospective MBA’s for…oh dear, almost 11 years and it is still one of my favorite parts of the job. Each year’s applicants have their own “character” and we get to hear people’s “Best Of” stories…it never gets old. But I digress, back to Ken’s advice.

1. Dress Smartly. I had a candidate a few years ago who was smart, fun and looked like she could have been a rock star. Unfortunately, she was also dressed like she really was a rock star. Now, I’m all for individuality and self-expression, but you can’t change the rules of the game until you are on top of the game. When you sit down across from an AO, we’re not really judging how we think you’ll dress day-to-day in B school, we’re looking at two things. A) Do you have good judgement? and B) Can we put you in front of a corporate recruiter.
2.  Read Dale Carnegie. I just happen to like Dale Carnegie so I agree. The bottom line though is to check your attitude, seriously, check in with yourself and make sure you’re projecting the image, energy and confidence that will make you comfortable, engaging and authentic. This isn’t about being someone you’re not, but if you can put yourself at ease, feel confident in your preparation and your path, you’ll come across a lot more affable and interesting.
3.  Know your story. We AO’s have heard thousands of B school dreams. You want to distinguish yourself? Tell me your story, the real one. Not the one you think we want to hear. We love the stories, the things that shape you and your experience. Help us understand why you’re right for Tuck and why Tuck is right for you.
4. Do research beforehand. I am always caught off guard when a candidate sits before me and it is clear that s/he hasn’t done the research. Asking “How many students are in each class?” is a rookie mistake that will highlight that you’re not ready or worse, you aren’t interested because you couldn’t be bothered to check out our basic profile. And our feelings get hurt easy because we spend so much time and money on brochures, view books, postcards, websites, receptions and coffee chats around the world. If this was a date (and it kind of is isn’t it?) you would’ve Googled us, Facebook’ed us and tracked down a high school photo. We give you more access to Tuck as a prospective than almost any other B school on the block (my opinion!), so show us a little love and leave more time for your more individual and complex questions.
5. Make connections. This is critical in understanding the culture of our program, institution and community. If you know these things, you’ll be more likely to know what is expected, what is accepted and what is valued in the interview process and beyond. We want you to have a high level of access to us here at Tuck so that you can be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. We’re small, we’re tight-knit and we’re geographically distinct and we’re not the right fit for everyone, but if we’re the right fit for you, then it can be a match made in heaven. And isn’t that what you’re looking for? A place that will let you be yourself (you can dress like yourself after you’re admitted), people that care about all of you, not just the professional you, the opportunity to transition into the career of your choice, and a chance to make a difference? Sounds like heaven to me.