Auburn Harbert MBA Interview: Format and Expectations
Auburn Harbert invites selected applicants to interview as part of the admissions process. Not all applicants receive interview invitations. Being invited is a positive signal, meaning your application has passed the initial screen.
Interviews are typically 30 minutes, behavioral-style, conducted by trained alumni volunteers or admissions staff. The interview is an opportunity for the school to assess your communication skills, career clarity, and cultural fit. It's also your chance to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the program.
What to Expect
Most MBA interviews follow a behavioral format. Common questions include:
- "Walk me through your resume." Your answer should be a 2-3 minute narrative that connects your career arc to your MBA goals. Practice this until it's smooth but not robotic.
- "Why an MBA? Why now?" Have a clear, concise answer that links your past experience to your future goals and explains why the MBA is the necessary bridge.
- "Why Auburn Harbert?" Reference specific programs, classes, conversations, or campus visits. The more specific, the better.
- "Tell me about a time you led a team / overcame a challenge / failed." Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Have 3-4 stories prepared.
- "What questions do you have for me?" Always have 2-3 thoughtful questions that demonstrate research and genuine curiosity about the program.
How to Prepare
- Practice your personal narrative aloud. Not in your head, out loud. Record yourself and listen for filler words, pacing, and clarity.
- Prepare 4-5 stories covering leadership, teamwork, failure, and impact. Each story should be 2-3 minutes and follow the STAR format.
- Research your interviewer. If the school provides the interviewer's name, look them up on LinkedIn. Find common ground or relevant conversation topics.
- Do 2-3 mock interviews. Practice with friends, classmates, or alumni. Realistic practice is the best preparation.
- Review your application. The interviewer may reference your essays or resume. Be ready to expand on anything you wrote.
After the Interview
Send a thank-you note within 24 hours. Keep it brief, genuine, and specific. Reference something you discussed in the interview. A thoughtful thank-you note reinforces your interest and professionalism.
Decisions typically arrive 4-8 weeks after the interview, depending on the round. If you're waitlisted, the interview performance is often a factor in your eventual decision. A strong interview can tip a borderline candidate into the admitted pool.