In my role as a Student Recruitment Manager for the Graduate Masters Programmes, I have often been asked whether being selected for an interview is a formality. I can proudly say that it isn’t. The interview is a crucial part of the London Business School admissions process, signifying that the Admissions Committee has recognized the potential in the application and wishes to understand the candidate on a deeper level before making a final decision. Delving into the candidate’s past experiences and goals helps us select students who will genuinely contribute to the community and benefit from all that LBS has to offer, maintaining our world-class network.
One of the perks of our global community is the ability to match interview candidates with a member of our alumni community. I always describe the interview not just as a chance to sell yourself, but as an additional opportunity to research LBS further and assess whether we are the right fit for you. And there’s no better way to do that than by speaking with someone who has been in your shoes. In that vein, here are some top tips from our student ambassadors on how to approach the interview process.
The 4 key pieces of advice I have are:
1.Understand the ‘Me + LBS = Success’ equation. Reflect on what you offer and how LBS can enhance your strengths, passions, and goals. Be specific about courses, clubs, and your career ambitions.
2.Do primary research (talk to LBS folks!): Before your interview, reach out to existing students or alumni, and learn first-hand about their experiences and the culture at LBS. This shows initiative and is something you can talk about during your interview.
3.Demonstrate your commercial awareness: Keep up to date with current events, especially in the business world and as it relates to your interests. I’m interested in ESG and talked about how current events at the time impact my own goals/post-LBS career.
4.Prepare questions for the interviewer: it’s a two-way conversation after all, so before your interview, check out your interviewer on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences as LBS, after, and for any advice they may have to share. Be genuinely curious. My interview experience with LBS was the best one I’ve ever had. My interviewer and I had such a pleasant chat that our call ran an hour overtime – we still keep in touch!
Reflecting on my interview experience, my interviewer, who was an LBS alumni from the industry and team I expressed interest in joining while applying, asked me some questions that had already been included in the application form. This highlights the importance of being familiar with the responses you’ve included in your application, as any part of it can be a topic of conversation.
During the interview, it’s important to demonstrate your motivation for becoming an LBS student. Be prepared to showcase clearly why you’ve chosen LBS and how the program aligns with your career goals and personal growth. This is your opportunity to show not just your passion but also your unique qualities that make you a perfect candidate for LBS.
Remember, to be genuine, speak about your goals confidently, and let your enthusiasm for LBS and your chosen programme shine through. This will not only help you make a strong impression but also ensure that you and the programme are the right match for each other. Additionally, be prepared to ask any questions because you’ll most likely be given the opportunity at some point! The interview should be a rewarding experience regardless of the outcome – it’s an opportunity to further reflect on your achievements and goals, while potentially building your network. But you can only get out as much as you put in, so take these tips on board to ensure that you’re well-prepared to sell yourself as a future LBS student!