Aceing the Interview at an MBA Job Fair

I recently delivered a resume writing workshop for the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) to prepare members for the upcoming national conference October 9-11 in Atlanta where hundreds of companies will be recruiting for their open positions. My colleague and fellow Career Hub blogger, Chandlee Bryan, was there as well, speaking on networking and personal branding. Following our presentations, we sat in on a panel of professionals from JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte & Touche, and L'Oreal to here more about what these employers look for when recruiting MBA candidates at job fairs and conferences. Here are a few of my takeaways.

1. Research the company. Understand how market conditions have impacted the company you are speaking to and the industry as a whole. Know why you want to work for a particular company and be ready to discuss your reasons.
2. Have a value statement. Be ready to express how your MBA will enhance your career and how the degree differentiates you from others competing for similar positions.
3. Showcase multiple accomplishments. If you meet with several hiring authorities, they may ask you similar questions. Don't use the same examples/stories for each interview...the interview team will regroup and discuss your responses. Avoid looking like a one-hit wonder.
4. Be ready to address your weaknesses. If you haven't worked during your MBA program or snagged a plum internship, be ready to discuss why and articulate what you have done while working towards your degree that will have value to the hiring manager.
5. Know what you want. Candidates who know what type of position they are looking for and can prove the relevance of their qualifications to the employer's open position tend to have greater credibility in the hiring manager's eyes.
6. Be flexible. If you are willing to relocate for the right position, say so. 
7. Ask meaningful questions. Don't ask about the company's training programs or benefits. Big companies have great training and great benefits packages. Instead ask questions that demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the company and the industry.

Cross posted on the iHispano Blog

Posted by Barbara Safani

Comments

[Resume Service]

Hi Barbara:

I'm glad you included "research the company" at the top of your list. It's surprising how many interviewees neglect to take the necessary time out to research the company they may very well end up working for especially when "why do you want to work for this company" is almost always one of the questions a candidate will be asked during the interview. I absolutely agree that researching the company is also a way to protect you from becoming involved with a company that may be in trouble or a company that may not be a good fit. But it is also important to protect yourself from looking less than intelligent when the interviewer is (in so many words) asking you what you know about the company you're applying to.

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