Acing the R3 INSEAD Interview : Insights from an alumnus Interviewer : INSEAD

Have you set your sights on becoming part of the INSEAD MBA cohort? The admissions interview is an important milestone in securing that coveted admit. Recognizing its significance, and drawing from my experience as a former INSEAD interviewer, I would like to share qualities that can significantly enhance your performance during the INSEAD admissions interviews.

1. Embracing the Right Attitude

Throughout the INSEAD admissions process, your perspective and attitude play a pivotal role in how interviewers evaluate you. While your essays provide valuable insights into your thoughts, values, and vision, they may not fully capture your attitude, especially considering that interviewers may not have read your motivational essays as they are not mandatory to share with the interviewer.

Candidates who excel in interviews are able express themselves with humility, avoiding condescending remarks or exaggerated claims. Additionally, interviewers assess your maturity by evaluating your ability to take responsibility for failures and acknowledge the contributions of others to your successes. This holds great importance for INSEAD, which places emphasis on collaboration and a global mindset. It is crucial to demonstrate openness and respect for diverse perspectives.

Experienced MBA interviewers often gauge your attitude through simple questions like "Why MBA?" and "Why now?" They may also present complex scenarios to assess your approach to working with team members.

2. Adaptability and Overcoming Adversity

Adaptability is highly valued at INSEAD, and it is important to exemplify this trait in your interview responses. When discussing your accomplishments, emphasize how you have successfully navigated challenges and setbacks. By providing specific examples of your adaptability, you demonstrate your ability to adjust strategies, leverage available resources, and collaborate effectively in the face of adversity. Whether recounting stories of failure or success, it is essential to showcase how you adapted your approach to achieve desired outcomes.

Highlighting your adaptability not only showcases your readiness to thrive in INSEAD's dynamic and diverse environment but also reflects your preparedness to succeed. For instance, you can share an experience where unexpected circumstances arose during a project, and you swiftly adjusted your plans by leveraging the skills of your team members to achieve the desired results. Such examples underscore your ability to think on your feet, make informed decisions, and effectively manage unpredictable situations.

Moreover, incorporating examples of adaptability from your formative years provides insights into the foundation of your personal development. By citing specific instances of adaptability during your childhood or adolescence, you offer a glimpse into your willingness to embrace change, learn from new experiences, and adapt to different environments. These examples serve as compelling evidence of your personal growth and demonstrate your capacity to thrive in dynamic and challenging situations.

3. Knowledge - Deep Dive into Your Industry

During your INSEAD interview, it is very likely that your interviewer will inquire about your industry, role, and function. This is a valuable opportunity for you to showcase your knowledge and experience in your field. Candidates who can demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their industry, backed up by extensive reading and practical experience, will undoubtedly stand out from their peers.

To prepare for this aspect of the interview, it is advisable to develop well-thought-out talking points that address future trends, challenges, or new approaches in your industry. These arguments should demonstrate your ability to think critically and analyze the current landscape of your field.

For example, if you are in the manufacturing or automotive industry, you could discuss strategies to achieve sustainability goals, such as incorporating renewable energy sources, optimizing supply chain logistics, or implementing circular economy practices. By demonstrating your knowledge of industry trends and challenges, you will show that you are aware of the evolving landscape and can contribute to addressing it.

If you are in the finance industry, as an example, you might discuss how AI-powered technologies are revolutionizing data analysis, risk assessment, and fraud detection in the financial sector. Highlight the potential benefits and challenges associated with AI implementation and demonstrate your understanding of the impact on the industry and its stakeholders. By presenting your industry knowledge and insights, engage the interviewer in a compelling conversation that not only highlights your expertise but also demonstrates your ability to think critically and contribute meaningful insights to discussions within the INSEAD community.

4. Effective Interview Presentation

The way you present yourself during your interview at INSEAD is of immense importance as it directly affects the impression you leave with your interviewer. Many applicants focus on preparing their talking points or outlines but often overlook the crucial step of practicing their speech. It is important to understand that public speaking skills alone do not guarantee a successful self-presentation in a face-to-face interview. The dynamics of a face-to-face conversation require a different approach.
While it can be helpful to have a script or written notes to guide you, it is critical to internalize the key points and ideas rather than relying solely on word-for-word reading. The goal is to have a genuine and dynamic conversation with the interviewer rather than a rehearsed monolog. Moments of silence during the interview can unintentionally create a negative impression, so it is important to maintain a smooth flow of conversation.

To increase your chances of success, be sure to practice and refine your presentation skills with an expert. This includes working on your body language, modulation of your voice, and overall confidence. Practice speaking about your experiences and accomplishments in a natural and engaging way so that your true personality shines through. It is equally important to be well prepared and thoroughly familiar with INSEAD's values, program structure, and culture. This will show your genuine interest in the school and help you tailor your answers accordingly.

Throughout the interview, it is important that you remain authentic and genuine. Share your experiences and perspectives with enthusiasm and passion, showing your unique qualities and how they align with INSEAD's values and goals. Remember to actively listen to your interviewer, respond thoughtfully, and engage in meaningful conversations. This is a great way to demonstrate your communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to connect with others.

Feel free to reach out should you need guidance on preparing your interview strategy

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
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