Quiz: Things Not to Say in an MBA Interview

Prepare for your MBA interview by identifying common pitfalls and learning what not to say to make a strong impression.

Here are 5 reasons why you should take this quiz:

1. Avoid Costly Mistakes: Learn to recognize phrases and topics that could negatively impact your interview.

2. Refine Your Communication: Understand how to frame your responses in a positive and professional manner.

3. Boost Your Interview Confidence: Feel more prepared knowing what to steer clear of during the conversation.

4. Understand Interviewer Expectations: Gain insight into what admissions committees are looking for (and not looking for) in candidates’ responses.

5. Strengthen Your Overall Interview Strategy: Complement your preparation by focusing on what to avoid, alongside what to highlight.

Knowing what not to say is also equally important- Take the quiz now!

Quiz: Things Not to Say in an MBA Interview

1 / 15

What is generally not a good way to end the interview?

Thanking the interviewer for their time

Reaffirming your interest in the program

Expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the school

Asking about the interviewer's personal opinion of the program (Can put them in an awkward position)

2 / 15

Avoid saying which of these when asked about your undergraduate experience?

I barely passed my classes

I graduated with honors in economics

I was heavily involved in student organizations

My undergraduate studies provided a strong foundation for my career

3 / 15

When asked about dealing with difficult colleagues, don't say:

I try to understand their perspective and find common ground

I focus on maintaining a professional working relationship

I address conflicts directly and constructively

I usually just complain about them to other people

4 / 15

When discussing your short-term goals post-MBA, avoid saying:

I want to work in a specific industry and function

I'll take any job I can get after graduation

I'm looking for a challenging and impactful role

My immediate goal is to apply the knowledge and skills I gain

5 / 15

In response to "Tell me about yourself," it's best not to:

Provide a brief overview of your background

Focus on your professional experiences and goals

Highlight key skills and experiences relevant to an MBA

Recite your entire resume verbatim

6 / 15

When discussing your career progression, avoid saying:

I was just waiting for a promotion

I've consistently taken on more challenging roles

My career has followed a logical and upward trajectory

I actively sought out opportunities for growth

7 / 15

When discussing a failure or setback, don't say:

I learned a valuable lesson from that experience

Despite the challenges, I was able to contribute

I took responsibility for my part in the situation and worked to improve

It wasn't my fault; my team dropped the ball

8 / 15

In response to a challenging question, avoid saying:

That's a tough question, let me think

I'm not sure how to answer that

That's an interesting point, I hadn't considered that

Could you please clarify what you mean?

9 / 15

When discussing teamwork, which statement is least favorable?

I enjoy collaborating with others

I work well in a team environment

I value different perspectives and believe they lead to better outcomes

I prefer to work independently because I can get things done faster

10 / 15

What should you avoid saying when asked about your leadership style?

I believe in leading by example

I empower my team members

I focus on clear communication and shared goals

I just tell people what to do

11 / 15

Which of these phrases might suggest a lack of research about the specific program?

I heard this is a good school

I'm impressed by your focus on sustainability

The case study method seems very valuable

I'm drawn to your strong alumni network

12 / 15

When discussing your reasons for pursuing an MBA, avoid saying:

I want to develop a strong business foundation

I need an MBA to get a better job

An MBA will help me advance my career

I'm looking to network with talented individuals

13 / 15

What should you generally not say about your previous employer?

I learned a lot during my time there

I was responsible for several key projects

My boss was completely incompetent

My previous company had a great culture

14 / 15

When asked about your weaknesses, which response is least effective?

I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks

I'm working on improving my public speaking skills

In the past, I've been too focused on details, but I'm learning to see the bigger picture

I don't really have any significant weaknesses

15 / 15

Which of the following phrases is generally best to avoid when discussing your career goals?

I just want a job that pays well

I want to be a CEO someday

I'm looking for a role with increasing responsibility

My goal is to leverage my skills in a challenging environment

Your score is

The average score is 0%

Back to Quizzes main page