First of all, congratulations…
Getting shortlisted for an interview for an MBA in Mass Comm is no mean feat. Actually, getting an interview for any other kind of MBA is no mean feat either, so well done for getting this far.
A common misconception people have at this point is that you go back home, cross your fingers (and toes if you can) and wait for the feedback on whether you got in or not. As a matter of fact, most people focus on pre-interview preparation: learning about the school, the kind of qualifications they require, their values and how you can sell your credentials and personality to the interviewer. You study hard and have all your facts lined up like ducks in a row with the sole intention of blowing their mind (figuratively, of course).
That’s all folks…?
So how is it then that after the interview, you simply walk away from the interview and wait? That, my friend, is not how to do it. You need to make yourself memorable so that among all the thousands of applications from equally qualified individuals, the interviewer will remember you – and that’s often the tipping point between getting and losing an admission.
Let’s get to it!
There are about three main things you need to do after the interview to give you that extra advantage:
1. Send a follow-up email
Most people say thank you after the interview and go home to finger and toe crossing. Not you. You should say thank you then follow the interview up with a brief (emphasis on brief!) email thanking the interviewer for taking the time to talk with you.
Mention some things you learnt from the interview, what made their program more interesting to you as a result, and end with looking forward to hearing from them. Make this as short as possible; a few lines that get the point across.
You could also take the opportunity to mention something you may have forgotten to say during the interview. Again, this should be a brief paragraph and relevant to the interview.
2. Keep on keeping on
The interview is not the end of all things. You need to keep improving your profile by working, studying and volunteering as much as you can. This works whether you get on the waiting list or don’t get in.
If you’re on the waiting list, the school would like to see your profile improving rather than stagnating or regressing. On the other hand, if you don’t get it, you will have to reapply with a more impressive profile than what you have now.
3. To share is to care
Most schools have an interview feedback database and you can answer the questionnaire there to help others know what to expect. In the process, you will reflect on your interview, which will help with the follow-up email.
If you’re planning on studying part-time, you should check out the bubblews.com tips on studying part time MBA to give you an idea of what to expect should you get admission.