INSEAD MBA Interview Questions | INSEAD MBA Interview Tips

There is an art to creating a personal brand that highlights your strengths and sets you apart from other applicants during an INSEAD MBA interview. Remember that your interviewer will bring memories of past interactions with other strong applicants or other INSEADers to your brief meeting.

A discerning eye can sense your ability to contribute to the INSEAD classroom within just a few minutes of conversation. Your objective from an INSEAD MBA interview should be to connect with the alumni interviewer on a personal level while remaining professional.

In this article, we are going to share in detail about: 

The overview of the INSEAD MBA interview and INSEAD interview process and format. 

Some of our time-tested interview preparation tips that you can use to significantly improve your chances of getting admitted to the INSEAD MBA program.

Some common INSEAD MBA Interview Questions

Overview Of The INSEAD MBA Interview

A. Why INSEAD conducts alumni interviews

The school fit is perhaps the most important reason why INSEAD works with the alumni to gauge the fit of an applicant. The alumni interviewers are provided a link with an extensive set of questions that they must fill in after conducting the interview. 

The interview and INSEAD MBA admissions criteria can be categorized into the following groups:

1. Applicant has demonstrated ability to lead.
2. Applicant has demonstrated the ability to collaborate in cross-cultural environments and has experience with diversity.
3. Applicant has the necessary level of communication skills that are required to succeed in the INSEAD MBA program.
4. Applicant would be able to make meaningful contributions to the class basis their experience (Asking for the interviewer’s personal opinion).
5. Applicant has clarity on the objectives of the INSEAD program.

B. INSEAD MBA Interview Format

The INSEAD interview format is quite interesting. INSEAD will conduct 2 alumni interviews. Alumni in most cases, will be based in your country or geographic region. They may not always be from the same nationality as you.

The interview style is Conversational. If your interview is not remotely conducted, you may be invited to your interviewer’s office or even in a public setting such as a cafe or restaurant. 

NOTE: Navigate through the maze of INSEAD MBA interview questions armed with reliable insights, bypassing common INSEAD ADMISSIONS MYTHS, to ensure your path to success remains clear.

Tips for INSEAD Interviews | INSEAD MBA Interview Best Practices

Here are some INSEAD Interview Tips and MBA interview strategies for acing the INSEAD MBA interviews. 

TIP 1: Create A Repository Of Impactful Stories.

The most successful MBA applicants I’ve encountered have mastered the art of nailing the basics. They know that getting into a top-notch school goes beyond simply presenting factual details. 

A key task in preparing for an MBA interview is to compile a repository of formative experiences and stories. These narratives will spotlight the different facets of your character and the skills you have developed along the way in a way that resonates with the interviewer.

MBA interviews often ask behavioural questions related to past experiences, strengths, weaknesses, successes and failures, diversity, and potential contributions to the school community. Expect discussions about your career aspirations, ethical considerations, and how you perceive and interpret the ever-changing business world and your strengths in the field. 

The situational questions can be answered well if you have created a thorough repository of experiences and examples. These tips are for advanced-level students who understand the various question types we mentioned earlier and are looking for tips to elevate and drive their interview conversations.

You may check out common frameworks like STAR(Situation Task Action Result), PAR (Problem Action Result), and CARL (Context Action Result Learning) that can help you structure your stories to highlight key moments, experiences, and learnings.

TIP 2: Know What, When, and How Much You Should Say

Even in interviews with highly qualified management consulting applicants, there were instances during the INSEAD MBA admissions interviews,  where the dialogue seemed long-winded, unbalanced, and incoherent. Some applicants who want to secure one of the coveted spots in a highly competitive program unintentionally focus too much on presenting their achievements and often repeat every point on their resume. This approach, even if well-intentioned, can inadvertently give the impression of arrogance or a lack of self-confidence during the interview.

TIP 3: Create Opposite typecasts

Unfortunately, there are typecasts associated with certain over-represented profiles. Strong applicants try their best to create strong opposite typecasts to show a well-rounded profile. 

NOTE: Navigate through the maze of INSEAD MBA interview questions armed with reliable insights, bypassing common INSEAD ADMISSIONS MYTHS, to ensure your path to success remains clear.

Some Common Unfavourable Stereotypes that applicants must counter during the MBA interview:

1. Applicants from technology and finance backgrounds are often labelled with low social skills and high analytical capabilities.

2. A low GPA is interpreted as a lack of seriousness about education or an absence of skills to thrive in a competitive learning environment.

3. Finance folks face the stereotype of being one-dimensional.

4. Consulting folks have a lot to say but little hands-on experience.

5. Nonprofit candidates are seen as being idealistic and oblivious to/lacking an understanding of incentives.

6. Marketers struggle to communicate achievements beyond abstract concepts.

7. Older applicants may be perceived as lacking ambition if they didn’t consider an MBA 2-3 years ago.

8. Younger applicants might be viewed as lacking the experience to make meaningful contributions to the class.

Learning to humbly create opposite typecasts in your INSEAD interview preparation will greatly increase your effectiveness. Balance and brevity in your INSEAD interview questions and answers can help you present yourself as a well-rounded candidate with much to offer beyond your accomplishments.

TIP 4: Don’t Simply Repeat What’s Already On The Resume

Even if most interviewers have read your CV before or during the interview (which you shouldn’t assume), they see the interview primarily as an opportunity to learn something beyond the written facts. They want to gain insight into your interpersonal skills, motivation, maturity, and team dynamics.

Pay attention to subtle cues from your interviewer, such as signs of waning interest or a desire for more specific answers. Recognizing these signals and adapting your communication style is a skill that is honed through experience and a strong sense of self-awareness.

Moreover, make sure you’ve addressed all the topics that spotlight the strongest aspects of your profile. In our sessions with applicants, we encourage them to recollect the most impactful narratives they must cover, even if it means taking the lead and guiding the conversation toward the desired topics. Keep these impactful narratives at your fingertips so you don’t forget to highlight them.

TIP 5: Research Your Interviewers

The INSEAD admissions committee will provide details of your interviewers in advance. Strong applicants take the initiative and research their interviewers extensively on professional platforms or the school’s website. Find additional topics of conversation that can leave a positive impression on the interviewer. SHOW that you have taken the initiative to research their background. Have good things to say about some of their work that may be in the public domain. This would pleasantly surprise them.

In the business world, it is common to research potential partners or clients to build rapport and convince them of your proposals. An MBA interview requires a similar level of preparation and research. We recommend jotting down key points on various topics that can create a deeper connection with your interviewer or provide valuable ideas to break things up.

Common INSEAD MBA Interview Questions 

If you find yourself grappling with common queries such as “Why MBA?”, “Why our School?”, or “Why is the present moment opportune for your MBA journey?”, it could signify the need for a more deliberate approach to preparing your INSEAD goals essay. Merely regurgitating the content outlined in your initial goals essay won’t suffice.

Here are some common INSEAD interview questions that applicants frequently overlook in their preparations and subsequently find themselves ill-prepared to address

1. (To applicants in jobs) How would you say you have progressed in your career over the years?
(The interviewer may specifically point to a lack of promotions, lack of team leadership experience, or similar type of work across all your jobs questioning your real career progression and learning curve)

2. (To entrepreneurs) In a highly competitive market, how do you differentiate your business or product from competitors? Why were you unsuccessful in raising capital?

3. What measures do you take to foster innovation and creativity within your entrepreneurial endeavours?

4. Reflecting on your entrepreneurial journey so far, what is one lesson or insight that has had the most profound impact on you as a business leader?

Don’t be fooled by the friendly and conversational tone of INSEAD interviews. The interviewers will look for gaps in your profile and specifically challenge you in that direction.

Make an effort to provide multi-layered answers during the interview. Your answers should be tailored to give the interviewer a comprehensive understanding of your motivation, a thorough research of the school’s offerings, and a strategic outlook on your goals. Be prepared to go into great detail if the interviewer asks for further clarification. 

Give examples of when you reached out to INSEAD alumni, industry recruiters, and experts. Insufficient preparation for these basic questions in an MBA interview could indicate a lack of due diligence on the part of the applicant, considering that an MBA program carries significant financial costs and opportunities.

5. Must Do- Ask questions during the interview.

Most interviewers take time for your questions at the end of the conversation. This isn’t a mere formality, but an opportunity to demonstrate genuine interest in the program and your ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. By taking advantage of this opportunity, you can make a positive impression and build a connection that will strengthen your candidacy.

As INSEAD interviewers are former students, strike up a conversation about their personal B-School journey. Tap into the wisdom of someone who has travelled the path you aspire to

Here are a few examples of questions you could ask:

1. When you think about your MBA experience, what do you wish you had done differently?
2. Could you share your perspective on your time at INSEAD and the most valuable lessons you learned from your MBA studies there?
3. What advice would you give to a prospective INSEAD student?

Could you elaborate on the “XYZ (specific) diversity and inclusion initiatives” within the program? How could I contribute to advancing these initiatives?
(Show a sincere interest in helping to improve the program)

I’m very interested in using my experience in the “XYZ” industry to enrich the case collection or repository. Are there opportunities for students to participate in the design of case studies as part of the curriculum?
(expresses willingness to contribute expertise to the program)

I recently heard about the improvement in the ABC Business School’s national ranking, which I find impressive. Could you provide some insight into the specific initiatives or programs that have contributed to this improvement? I’m very interested in better understanding recent developments.
(Showing genuine interest in the school’s progress)

Conclusion On: INSEAD MBA Interview Questions And INSEAD MBA Interview Tips

The INSEAD MBA interview provides applicants with a valuable opportunity to present their readiness, aspirations, and unique qualities to the admissions committee. Use this chance to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the program and demonstrate how your application aligns with INSEAD’s values and ethos.

Approach the interview with confidence, authenticity, and a willingness to engage in insightful dialogue. We wish you every success on your journey to becoming an integral part of the vibrant INSEAD community. Reach out and speak with our founder Aanchal Sahni, an INSEAD MBA graduate and former MBA admissions interviewer to get personalised feedback on your chances.