ISB Interview

ISB Interview, at Taj Bengal, Kolkata – 4th November, 2008

I’ve been to an ISB interview before, and to ISB’s credit I would say that at both times they’ve done a great job at the way they conduct their interviews. Considering the number of people they’re interviewing all across the country, its a pleasure to see the way they’re managing the whole application process.

My interview experience today was undoubtedly my best interview performance till date. I didn’t fumble, falter, ramble, drew blanks, gave stupid answers, etc. – the usual rogues that have troubled me before at one interview or the other. Lets get to the questions first –

Panel of 3. 1, 2, 3.
3 – So tell us about the challenges of leading a team.
3 – Tell us about the core qualities of a high performing team.
1 – How have you grown personally since the last application.
3 – A question about a line in my hobby which she found interesting.
1 – Your immediate post MBA position that you are looking for.
3 – How would your company be affected by the recession.
1 – Why burden urself financially with an MBA at this time.
2 – What feedback did you get reg. your last application.

I think this was it, no more questions. It lasted only 20 min,as they were running late and told me upon entering itself that my interview would be very short, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t interested in me! Extremely conversational, no grilling at all, no pressure. A very comfortable interview and a very positive one. Will this translate into an admit ? I’ll get to know by 20th November. ISB is now my only hope of pursuing an MBA of my choice if the other B schools decide to admit me without doling out a non-cosignor loan option or something more innovative. And a school that gets me first gets me for good!

The one word essay, the unique ISB interview feature, was on ‘Taunt’. I think I wrote a great piece in about 100 words, but not sure if they read it. Looking back, I think I should have mentioned a couple of strong points today which did not get a mention in the application. But I hope they do a real good job of evaluating a person and become the lucky one by 20th November!! Fingers Crossed.