How to Prepare for a Virtual Hybrid MBA Interview

Learn what to expect during a virtual MBA interview and important questions to ask

UW Foster School of Business
4 min readMar 1, 2024

You’ve submitted your application to the Hybrid MBA Program at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and received an invitation to a virtual interview. What’s next? We have you covered for what to expect, and how to prepare for a virtual interview.

What to expect in your virtual MBA interview

The admissions interview is the final piece of your application and is conducted with a member of the Foster Hybrid MBA Admissions Committee, via Zoom. The purpose of the interview is for the Admissions Committee to get to know you better, your MBA readiness, and your fit for the Foster Hybrid MBA program.

The interview is typically 45–60 minutes long and is your opportunity to share why you believe you are a great candidate for admission to the program. You will receive an invitation with a link to book your interview time in two business days — choosing an available time within a two week period.

How to prepare for your virtual MBA interview

Treat the admissions interview as you would a formal job interview. Dress for success, find a quiet space to conduct the interview without interruption, and come prepared to answer questions regarding your work experience and education. Be sure to have your camera on during the interview.

Do your homework

  • Why you applied
  • What you hope to achieve from an MBA
  • Why the Hybrid MBA is a good fit for you
  • What direction your education and professional journeys have taken and how they impact you now
  • What understandings you have (or will) with your employer and support system to ensure your commitment and success in the HMBA program

Understand the required aspects of the Hybrid MBA program

Download the calendar for the Hybrid MBA incoming class (Class of 2026) and confirm your availability to commit to the required components of the program.

Foster Hybrid MBA applicants should check the calendar to confirm their availability for the required components of the program, which combines online coursework and quarterly in-person sessions.

Refresh your understanding of the program and why Foster MBA students rave about their experience

Study the program to get a strong sense of Foster’s Hybrid MBA and determine why it’s a good fit for you — attend as many Admissions Events as you can, read through our website and blogs, and visit our social media and LinkedIn pages to get a feel for our current cohorts and activities.

Ask questions

It’s okay if you don’t have questions (maybe your questions have been answered during an Info Session or 1:1 advising appointment), but this is the perfect time to ask any outstanding questions you may have. Go through a mental checklist of key pillars of our program to make sure you have a complete understanding. If not, ask!

Hybrid MBA Top 5 Interview Do’s and Don’ts

DO

  1. Confirm set up for Zoom virtual interview and be on time.
  2. Use the time effectively when asking questions. Ask questions that show you’ve done your research. It’s also okay if you don’t have questions, especially if you’ve met with the admissions team or attended an event in the past.
  3. Be self-aware of the signals you are sending to the interviewer.
  4. Be authentic. Be you. No need to be nervous — keep in mind “no one knows you better than you”.
  5. Enjoy the interview. Interviews come in a variety of styles. Our style is conversational and curious, not interrogative or judgmental. You made it to the interview, so many of the “hard” questions have already been addressed.

Bonus tip: Follow up after the interview. Professional etiquette is important, and a tool to connect or share additional information that may not have been shared in the interview. It’s not about us getting a thank you; it’s a valuable tool to continue the connection, appreciation of the conversation shared, acknowledgment of support, or just a general “great to meet you.”

Don’t

  1. Don’t dress casually, treat your admissions interview like a formal business interview
  2. Don’t waste time asking questions you should know before the interview from having read the website or by attending an information session. While it is said there are no “dumb questions”, there are questions that show you haven’t done your proper research.
  3. Don’t do all the talking, but don’t be afraid to elaborate. This is your opportunity to shine, but also ensure it’s a two-way conversation.
  4. Don’t turn off your camera or check your phone during the interview. Being present is a valued and essential quality of our successful students. Foster Live sessions require attentiveness and participation, and your interview is just as valued.
  5. Don’t ignore the elephant in the room. If you think you have a weakness in your application, or a situation that is not typical academically or professionally, be proactive in addressing it. If you don’t, chances are we will. We value life experiences, especially those who have achieved success in spite of hurdles or missteps.

Bonus tip: Don’t be discouraged if the interview is short, it isn’t a sign that things fell apart. A long interview isn’t always better, and some applications are more straight-forward than others.

Learn more about the Foster Hybrid MBA program here.

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UW Foster School of Business
UW Foster School of Business

Written by UW Foster School of Business

Located in Seattle, the University of Washington Foster School of Business serves 2,500+ students through undergraduate and graduate degrees.

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