The story of a successful Manchester interview.

Come 24th March and I could hardly wait for it to be 4 PM. My Manchester interview was scheduled for the last Friday. I had decided a particular secluded spot in my office in the UK for the interview. A bunch of guys from a nearby call c…

Come 24th March and I could hardly wait for it to be 4 PM.
My Manchester interview was scheduled for the last Friday.


I had decided a particular secluded spot in my office in the UK for the interview. A bunch of guys from a nearby call centre decided to make it their hangout that day. Shucks!! What a beginning!! :puppydog:

A little hassled, I returned back to the office building staircase... a relatively quite place where I could take the interview.
(Chod do achal zama kya kahega.. the phone rang)


It was Rachel Tufft, Asst Director, Marketing & Admissions,
ManchesterBusinessSchool. After the initial pleasantries, all she could say was that she could hear only an echoed voice. Staircase --> Echo!! I should have known!! Common sense somehow eludes you during such times....:angry::angry::angry:

I had to now venture out into the open, and thanks to the spring season here we were able to begin the interview Finally!


Here goes the main story....

1. Describe your managerial experience in managing projects/teams/technology.
Spoke about my experience as a team lead in and what role I played in the organization. (But she wanted more!!) :wow:

2. Describe your experience in settings up processes for the onsite offshore development model.
Then started my talk about the onsite-offshore software development model, and how it should be implemented, and how processes help define quality. (I should have realized that she needed the offshore-onsite incidents in the first question itself!!):nervous:

3. What 2 qualities would your sub ordinates say about "you as a manager"
Nice question to answer isn't it? Ego booster!! Blah-ed Blah-ed

4. What 2 qualities would you say you posses as a manager
Even better!! Spoke about being a complete team player. (My
Manchester research helped here)

5. What would you like to learn from MBS towards making you a better manager?
Working in international teams.
Implementation of management tools and techniques to manage teams and projects.

6. You are 25 and have an experience of 4 years...Avg work experience at MBS is 7 yrs... Why should you be offered an admission?
Hmmnnn... Started shakily... but ended up being my best answered question!!
Spoke about my career growth in the last 2.5 yrs.... and how I graduated from a trainee to a team lead in just 2 yrs!!

7. What is your most cherished initiative?
Social Service activities in my organisation... can blabber these at 3:45AM in the morning as well. :2gunfire:

8. What would you say is the biggest strength of your application?
Exposure to business process outsourcing and understanding of the philosophy of 'Let the specialists do the job!!'
Understanding of technology and how it can be harnessed to generate business value

9. What is the weakest link in your application?
Graduation in Mechanical engg... career in IT... then tried to turn it into A Positive by projecting my career growth even though being from a different academic field.

10. How do you tackle changes in your career?
"Being in the knowledge industry..." (We have heard this a zillion times in India... haven't we??) .... A lot of jargon shooting here!! :argue:

11. Imagine yourself at 2 AM in the morning working with your team towards a seemingly improbable submission at 9 AM. What would you do to ensure the completion of the same?
(I like these questions Imagine yourself..) Spoke about 3 things:
a. Identifying the bottlenecks by taking a step back and getting an overall perspective of the situation.
b. Finding people who can resolve these bottlenecks
c. Encouraging motivates people to perform beyond themselves.

12. How would you find out the weight of an aeroplane?
(And I thought the imaginative stuff was over with Qn 11)
My sense of humour somehow evaded me this time
try 1: Read manuals
she: u don't have access to them
try 2: Find engine power which is proportional to wt (SAD isn't it?) ??: ??:
she: u don't have access to them either
try 3: Get one of these record breaking persons to drag the plane with their jaw and then ask how heavy it was (Positionus miserabilis!!) :crazyeye: :crazyeye:
she: Something more practical... common go back to your school days.
try 4: Assume a density of plane as that of aluminium and find volume and multiply (Shame on me!!)
she: (thinking.. puh-lees I am bored)

13. Have you been criticized anytime by your superior in front of others? How have you reacted to it later?
Yes... Very early in my career once my manager..... and then I went to him the next day and asked if....
I think I ended it smartly by saying that this is the same person recommending me at
Manchester!!

14. Why did you chose MBS?
THE MANCHESTER METHOD ctrl+B ctrl+U

15. What would your colleagues at MBS learn from you?
(Nice one again) Apart from my experiences that I would share,synergizing as a group ....my determination to succeed sure would rub off onto my peers.

16. Any questions for me?
(Nows my turn... ) Could you tell me about your background?

Why Manchester as against the big schools in the EU? Managed to project my homework here!!
She told me that the committee would be sitting on Monday morning and I would be receiving a decision by Monday afternoon.

Pleasantries exchanged again. OK. Taddaaa. Bye

My two pennies for the ones in for the interviews:


a. Be as articulate as you could. Blabbering doesnt help. Take your time, think, phrase response, and then speak.
b. Confidence, make it your buddy for those 30-45 minutes. Keep the faith going.
c. Please find yourself in a comfortable place and location where the signal is fine!!

d. DO YOUR HOMEWORK... It makes a sea of difference!!
e. Be patient and polite.
f. Always allow the interviewer to speak more. If possible strike a conversation. This helps in opening up the interviewer to your point of view too.
g. Never fake what you cannot carry. They can trace a lie from 27658 miles!!
h. Ask what next at the end. If you need to get back to them, fill some form etc.


Cheers,
Aks

Man... Awesome post .

I tell you... this is really fantastic to read.

When you are so clear in your expression, it shows how articulate you would have been in your application.

Kudos... you deserve the admit.

Man... Awesome post .

I tell you... this is really fantastic to read.

When you are so clear in your expression, it shows how articulate you would have been in your application.

Kudos... you deserve the admit.


Hey mumbai_dude,

Thanks a lot!
Just tried to blog this for the benefit of all the interviewees.
Hope it works to that effect.

Cheers,
Aks

Great post !! I really appreciate the pains you have taken to put down the details. Very useful.

Now looking at your answers, I would say it does look like a shoo-in.

Congrats on the MBS admit !! I would have been a fellow-applicant :wink:

Arun

Great post !! I really appreciate the pains you have taken to put down the details. Very useful.

Now looking at your answers, I would say it does look like a shoo-in.

Congrats on the MBS admit !! I would have been a fellow-applicant :wink:

Arun


Hey Arun,

Thanks a lot!!
A specific thing about the MBS interview was that with each question, I could understand what the interviewer expected to know about me.
for eg. The how-to-weigh-the-aeroplane question - was a question to judge the creativity of the candidate.
the 2AM-with-ur-team question was to trace the leader/team player in the candidate.

I believe if you crack the motive behind these questions, the interview becomes a whole lot rewarding experience, both for the interviewee and the interviewer!!

Cheers,
Aks

PS: "Would have been a fellow-applicant"?? :wow: Why didnt you?
Would like to know your thought process.

did you really get an admit?

so how do you weigh an airplane?
:grab::grab:


so how do you weigh an airplane?


hmmm....here`s my take. Count the number of "windows" you can see along the length. Average distance between the windows = 5 feet. Assume 100 windows along the length. 100 * 5 = 500 feet length. the height in the seating area is about 7-8 feet. about twice this height below the seating area for the cargo. so diameter = 25 feet approx. Assume the plane is a hollow cylinder with thickness of metal of 1 feet. There you have it...*density of aluminium + 10% for the wings and tail etc.

That you ultimately came up with this answer is a good sign. that she had to nudge you all the way to it, not good. :)

lessons:

1. They dont want a number...they want the thought process. Your estimated values may be way off the mark (500 feet??), but as long as you`re thinking right, you`re safe.

2. the same thing can be twisted n number of ways, for ex, how many gallons of paint do i need to paint this plane? Use the surface area in this case, with the same measurements.

3 You can make sweeping assumptions in such problems (assume the density of aluminium = whatever! Most adcoms might not know the density of aluminium themselves. Speak confidently, they`ll nod.)

4. Attention to detail: how do you "find the volume of the plane"? She was lost in thought when you said "find the volume". You could have made it easier for her with the novice method of "counting windows"! Throw in the "10% for the wings and the tail" and you have a winner.

more such stuff: http://www.pagalguy.com/43377-post4.html

Well Said Crash_Test_Dummy!!
I think this is what the interviewers are looking for..
And btw, that was a gr8 thread that you referred to...

Thanks & cheers,
Aks

well for the airplane weight question..here my take..
U could probably park the plane in a mid size ship and note the change in water level.Then replace it with a known weight so that the ship again sinks to the same level..(the change wouldnt be large..)..and u have the weight of the airplane

Hey mumbai_dude,

Thanks a lot!
Just tried to blog this for the benefit of all the interviewees.
Hope it works to that effect.

Cheers,
Aks

hey man,read ur succesful interview story!!!!!!!!!!!
brilliance with a deadly sense of humour!!!!!!!!!
kudos an enjoy!!!!!!!

Hey Guys,

I havent been through an alumni interview before for any of the universities. Anyone has any experiences to share?
I would be attending one on the 10th of this month and need to prepare for the same.

My thoughts on the same:

a. Dress well. Nothing better than seeing a clean shaved guy dressed in the pastel shades and a tie!! For the fairer sex, a blazer suit with a nice shirt inside will give a women-in-business look. Remember, first impressions do help!! Needless to say reach before time and make sure your hair is in place and so is your tie. :
b. Do your homework well. It sounds great if you just happen to mention that "John Beakes, the Professor of Industrial Relations, did his major in IR after having worked in Consulting for 6 years" Shows your preparedness!!
c. Go through you application essays thoroughly. You are being assessed for consistency in your thought process!
d. Plan your lies. If you cant carry it, dont get them along to the interview!!
e. Listen, think and then answer. Unlike telephonic i/ws you can buy more time to think during a personal interview. Your activities/body language can keep the person busy while you do so. No voice required :thumbsup::Fade-col:
f. Do your homework about the interviewers profile. It can get him talking. It adds a personal touch to the conversation and might turn out to be a learning experience for you too.
g. Prepare your list for the "Got any questions for me?" part. You may gain an insiders perspective. Questions need to be direct and pertinent.
h. Mind you table manners, if meeting over a coffee or snack. :drinking:
i. Be polite. Remember, the demeanour you carry helps the interviewer to picture you as a future leader. (Yes they are trying to check your potential and marketability too!!)
j. Thank the interviewer for sparing time for the meet. Common, lets be fair here!! :angel:

Anyone with more tips, please post.

Cheers,
Aks

Hi Guys,

Scholarship decisions at MBS are made at the month end each month till they are exhausted.
Heard from Helen Dowd, Asst Dir, Admissions at MBS about the scholarships.
She said that I was not offered a schol in this round.
This was followed by a personal mail from Helen saying that I shudnt get dissappointed and that I wud be considered for schol in the committee meeting on the 30th April.
Now the fishy thing is... this coincidentally happens to be the last date for me submitting my offer acceptance. :wow:

I have got admits from Machester/ Boston Univ (with full schol)/York Schulich.
Am yet to hear from Erasmus.
Any suggestions anybody?

Cheers,
Aks

Hi Guys,

Have uploaded a poll that will help me in my decision.
Request you to please vote.
Do remember, that I have an IT services background and wish to take up Business/Strategy Consulting.

Eagerly awaiting your responses.
Cheers,
Aks

chose whichever university has the best looking girls..

btw looking at the expression of interest in your session with Ms Tufft I believ you should chose MBS.

have not taken your poll.

Manchester has an avg 22% female candidates... so not much scope there.
But then, all you need is that 1 person to tag along with right

Am inclining towards Manchester, on the sole basis that it is a rising brand and that is showing a lot of promise.
I spoke to a few MBA students in Coventry Univ.... whom I met in the bus today. All of them spoke high of MBS.
There was a factor of "home ground" advantage in this chat we had none the less.

And harshg please do consider taking the poll!!

Get the numbers going guys!!

Cheers,
Aks

Quoting from something which Psycho-d circulated as a response to a query on one of the Yahoogroups.

While chosing the college I would apply to; the factors I would consider would be; in decreasing order of merit :

(a) Geography (cuz I needed a place where my wife could work as well so knocked off US and Canada) --true for Psycho-d not me .. but would love to remain in India and/or work amongst Indians.

(b) Duration (I was looking at 1-year, 15-month programmes) Very important .. as some of us are already in the middle management level and are fast aproaching middle age the lesser time we spend off job market the better it is. Also relevent is the cost impact for a 24 months program especialy because someone like me will have to shell out appx GBP 5K for each quarter just to live in the UK.
(c) Rank\Brand Name (in US-News, BW and FT rankings) .... I would also get hold of the placement consultants opinion as far as the ranking is concerned.. and also get the India prespective (Brand recall of the college in India) because I want to get back to the Indian job market the moment I pay off my student loan.
(d) Post-MBA employment opportunity in that region (getting work-permit after MBA in that region)....If I plan on a foreign MBA then I would rather earn in the same (or more valuable) currency in which I have spent ; hence a MBA in UK would mean a job in UK or the Continent (and not in India) while I am single, and hopefuly producing a new breed of Britons who have more superior intellect and better looking than the current crop.
(e) Non-collateral loan (this was the factor that wiped out most colleges from my list)..My favourite ... Alladeen Alladeen Allah humko kuch na deen .. have never been in favour of selling off the family farm for padhai. Isn't that the reason most of us started on the job market without completing the masters and waiting on to write the UPSC exams.
(f) Course-curriculum/Fit/Faculty/Environment
(g) Post-MBA placements"
(h) I would also look at the alumni in the Industry I plan to get in; post my MBA ..... Networking ver 1.0
(g) and I would also look at the batch of peers -- especially the demography of the last year's academic intake. ......Networking ver 1.1

2 things, if its of any use...

1) MBS has probably the best Adcom I have ever seen. They are the best & the most helpful!! :)

2) Before you make any decisions, talk to current students & alums. I dropped MBS after I did. :)

Cheers,
Simbaaaaaa

2 things, if its of any use...

1) MBS has probably the best Adcom I have ever seen. They are the best & the most helpful!! :)

2) Before you make any decisions, talk to current students & alums. I dropped MBS after I did. :)

Cheers,
Simbaaaaaa


So does that count as a vote against Manchester?
So where does your vote incline to... Boston or York?

It would be great to hear your thought process on why you opted out of MBS?

BTW guys.. keep the numbers going? VOTE NOW!!

Cheers,
Aks

Hi Simba,

I am also an MBS admit and very much interested to know why you opted out of MBS? was it in favor of better options at US or you did not find the MBS altogether a good business school?
what did you find out about it? Please share your opinions and research.

Thanks,