Chicago GSB Alumni Alliance

Interviewer Training

May 28th and 29th, 2003

 Why Do We Interview GSB
Candidates?

Recruit the best candidates for the GSB who are:

• Bright and Motivated
• Well-Rounded individuals focused on
Teamwork and Community
• Interested in giving back to the school
• Have a clear understanding why they want to
come to the GSB
 Informational and Evaluative

• Admissions Committee learns more about

the applicant.

• Applicant learns more about the GSB

 Your Informational Role
• Opportunity to market key attributes of the GSB
• Share your positive GSB experiences and
enthusiasm for the program
• Answer questions
• Reiterate the admissions process and
requirements
• Refer them to other sources
 Your Evaluative Role
• Help the Admissions Committee assess
– personal qualities
– professional and personal accomplishments
– fit with the GSB

• Complete a written report of your impressions

• Viewed the same as an on-campus interview

 Focus on Key Areas

• Academic background

• Professional work experience

• Motivation for the Chicago GSB

 Academic Background

• School attended and why that particular

school was chosen
• Major and why it was chosen
• Community Service / Extra-curricular
activities
Professional Work Experience

• Types of positions held

• Length of stay at company(s)
• Address any gaps in the resume
• Career progression
• Leadership/management experience
• Teamwork experience
Motivation for the Chicago GSB
• Does the applicant have realistic
expectations of an MBA?

• Does the applicant appear to have a good

understanding and sincere interest in the
GSB?
 Interview Style
• Develop your own style
• Probe, but don’t try to make the applicant
uncomfortable
• Be relaxed and informal; it should not be
administered like a test
• Review the interviewing guide for
suggested techniques and questions
 The Interview Process
• The candidate contacts the GSB
• The GSB requests that you interview the candidate
• You arrange an interview at a time and place that
is convenient for you and the candidate
• Request that the candidate bring a resume
• Interviews should last approximately 45 minutes
• Email, fax, or “snail mail” your report to
admissions within 48 hours
• Entire process should take no longer than 3 weeks
 Local Interview Coordinators
Brazil and Mexico:
• Coordinator helps recruit alumni interviewers
• The candidate contacts the GSB
• GSB sends candidates’ contact information to
local interview coordinator
• Coordinator assigns alumni to interview
candidates
• A new coordinator is selected each year
 Chicago Area Interviewers
Interviews take place on campus

• Fall Preview – October 18, 2003

• Super Saturdays
– One per month November through March
 Post-Interview Contact
• At your discretion
• Refer to admissions office if “waitlisted”
(International Programs Office if IMBA)
• Refer to admissions office if “denied”
(International Programs Office if IMBA)
• Call to congratulate if “admitted”
 Do’s and Don’ts
• Do respond quickly to arrange the interview with
the candidate
• Do develop your own style, but make sure it is
non-threatening
• Do allow enough time for them to ask you
questions about the school (usually 15 minutes)
• Do familiarize yourself with the application
requirements and deadlines
• Do send in your interview report within 48 hours
 Do’s and Don’ts
• Don’t interview anyone you know
• Don’t conduct interviews at home
• Don’t try to stump the candidate – this is a conversation,
not an interrogation
• Don’t ask questions about age, ethnic origin, personal
finances, sexual orientation, religious affiliations,
marital status, children, and disabilities – it is illegal for
you to bring up these topics
• Don’t use the interview as an opportunity to get a “foot
in the door” of a company that the candidate works for.
 Do’s and Don’ts
• Don’t speak negatively about the GSB or any
other business school
• Don’t suggest what the candidate’s chances are
for admission
• Don’t discuss applicants or interviews with
anyone; confidentiality is critical
• Don’t hesitate to tell a candidate “I don’t know.”
Let them know that they can follow up with the
admissions office if they have any questions
• Don’t ask the candidate out on a date!
 An Interview is Successful If:
• The candidate is left with a positive impression of
the school.
• The interviewer has been able to offer information
about the GSB and/or refer the candidate to
another source for information
• The candidate is treated fairly and given the
opportunity to express their accomplishments,
interests, and goals
• The interviewer has been able to gather enough
information to offer their insights and a
recommendation to the admissions committee
 Contacts
• Martha Bratt, Associate Director
(773) 702-1435, martha.bratt@gsb.uchicago.edu
• Karen Watt, Campus Interview Coordinator
(773) 702-7439, karen.watt@gsb.uchicago.edu
• Anna Veszilits, Off-Campus Interview Coordinator,
anna.veszilits@gsb.uchicago.edu
(773) 702-5341
• Email interview reports to interviews@gsb.uchicago.edu
• International Programs Office
(773) 702-4499