Blog Updated on 31st Oct 2019
These are a few great ISB Interview Experiences by successfully admitted aspirants who requested anonymity.
ISB Interview Experience 1:
This is a great ISB Interview Experience by an ISB student who requested anonymity
Having been wait-listed after the interview and eventually dinged by ISB in the previous year, I was actually low on confidence about the interview when I got the call again with four days’ notice in Round 1.
The Writing Exercise
Nevertheless, I went to the interview at Taj Hotel @ Delhi with the hope to put my best foot forward. I entered into the silence of a hall where other candidates were waiting. The coordinator handed me a sheet of paper with a topic that I had to write a few words about.
While anxiously waiting for my turn to be called upon by the panelists, I found this writing exercising to be surprisingly relaxing as it took my mind off the butterflies in my stomach. I even had a small chat with the people sharing the table to write and wait.
The interview
I was called into my panel where I was greeted by two panelists, both of whom were alumni. Not much time wasted in the pleasantries.
The first two questions asked were those that I somehow dreaded the most. First – tell us something about yourself. I was upfront in saying that I have always been unsure about how to answer this question and also this was followed by a brief monologue from my side. Second – why was I rejected last year? I said one because my application was not written well and primarily because I was nervous in the interview. They asked how about this year. I said I am much more confident about the application and that I am still nervous sitting in front of you.
Then the grilling started. I was asked in detail about the hobbies that I had written about in the application – not to strike a conversation, but to actually test whether I knew anything about what I had written. The biggest part of my interviews was around my goals. I had written about my business plans down the line. Also, I had questions about sizing and asked to analyze numbers, etc. I did that all fine. Then about my plans at ISB, be it placements or even otherwise. Cross-questioning followed.
Toward the end, I had a chance to ask questions. And I asked a lot of questions. This time I genuinely wanted to know stuff as I already had admitted from IIM-C and wanted to take an informed decision in case this too converted.
My interview went on for over an hour, which is well above the average interview lengths ISB conducts. Till date, I have not understood whether it was a stress interview or they were really in two minds about me. I got an admission letter on the very first day the results had been released for R1, which after full two weeks of contemplation, I accepted.
ISB Interview Experience 2:
One Word: Orange – Wrote about spirituality and Lord Hanuman
The interview had scheduled at ISB campus at 12:00. Reached there at 11.00 AM. Interacted with a few applicants. One CA, 1 Businessman, 2 from Deloitte, 2 from Infosys.
Felt good and pumped up.
Interview Panel had all the alums A1(2005), A2(2008), A3(2010)
Following are the questions asked:
A1: Given your background, you seem to be pretty sure about doing an MBA. Why MBA?
A1: I know a bit about consulting Explain a bit about what do you think consulting is?.
A1: You live in Hyderabad from 4 years, must be well aware of it. Let me give you a case to solve. How many numbers of petrol pumps are in Hyderabad
A2: What if you do not get into Business consulting
A2: Case-study about finding the best Enterprise software for Grasim industries. This included a bit of cross-questioning and the alums helped too.
A2: What if you are a manager and you have to choose a team for a client. Who would you choose?
A3: Tell us about your job responsibilities.
A 3: Challenges at Job
A3: Typical day at work.
A2: How did you improve from the last time you applied
A2: You have written in your essay that 3 years after your MBA you want to be a Management consultant. So, Why this gap?
A2: What will you bring to ISB
A3: Any question for us
Left satisfied barring the case study answer.
All in all, it lasted for around 30-35 minutes.
ISB Interview Experience 3:
The one-word essay was common for all those present in the Waiting Room. It was “FORUM”. We had to submit it to the interviewers at the time of the interview.
The interview started about 45 minutes late. The panel consisted of two ISB alumni.
Asked me to justify my job switches (3 jobs in 3 years) as my recommendations were strong and there seemed no reason to change jobs, given that I was performing well at work. They questioned me about my past and current jobs and the reasons for changing the jobs. They also asked me about my biggest learning from my jobs.
After this, the discussion moved on to my interests in traveling and food. Had asked about my experiences on traveling and the strangest food item that I have ever had. Also, Luckily or unluckily, 2 people from the panel had been to the location that I was talking about and the discussion went in great depths.
The second half of the interview was about “Why MBA.” Had asked about how the MBA will fit in the grand scheme of things for me and even tried convincing me that I do not need it. They really probed deep inside to get answers out of me. Finally, they asked me if I had any questions for them, I asked them about themselves and how the journey post-ISB has been so far. The interview lasted for about 30 minutes and was completely friendly and stress-free.
Read more on ISB Interview Preparation Tips and Experience. For any query fill our Query form on the right.
FAQs for building some notes on ISB Interview
1. Can I prepare the ISB Interview in a week?
Yes, it is possible to get ready for the ISB interview within a week’s time. General Education’s consulting panel of ISB Alumni and Admission Experts can help evaluate your profile and customize an interview questionnaire for you along with multiple brainstorming sessions and mock interviews.
2. Frequently asked questions in ISB Interview?
Some frequently asked questions in the ISB interview are:
- Walk us through your profile?
- General discussion about career progression.Short term and long term goals?
- How will you contribute to ISB’s classroom and community?
3. What should I avoid in the ISB interview?
Here are some common mistakes aspirants make during the interview:
- Contradicting what you have already written in your essays.
- Needlessly elaborating on answers and not adhering to the question topic.
- Overselling oneself and trying to impress.
- Being rigid and not having a friendly demeanor.
4. Last year how many candidates called for ISB Interview?
Out of all, approximately about 50-60% recieved an interview call to fill 800 seats. Remaining 100 odd seats had set aside for EEO & YLP appicants.
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