I just send an email to a friend (AAAA) with some tips on the interview, so I thought I might share it with my readers. Beside, I will put a very clear title, so thousands of search queries of future anxious applicants to London will land here!

Overall, my interview was an intense experience, and it was quite enjoyable because I had made my homework. The best tip I can share: Do as many mock interviews with MBAers as possible. As a foreigner (Spanish at the USA), I found them particularly useful to get used to some of the particularities of interviews in the USA. But the key point was to hone my answers and help me delivering my message in the most effective way.

Hi AAAA!

First things first: Congratulations on reaching the interview! This is a very good sign. Of course there is still a lot of anxiety and given it is a discrete outcome process, I know you will not rest until accepted. But most applicants never reach the interview stage. And if you are shortlisted it means your application is rock-solid and you are on track!

I am glad BBBB gave you my contact info and I will be glad to help you. I met her at a friend´s bbq and she was very articulate and intelligent. We had a great time talking about applying experience and situations.

By the way, where else are you applying to? Why did you apply to LBS?
I am definitely going to LBS, but always curious about people´s choices and backgrounds.

When are you interviewing? If you want to meet before, just let me know. I, as a a foreigner, went through many mock interviews and found them quite useful. And I want to pass on the favor, so let me know if you want to schedule a mock interview.

CCCC is not the same alumn I had. Actually I had 2 alumns, because one was right out of school and wanted to learn from the senior one. That lead to a very intense, job-like interview experience.

Tips (some might sound obvious, but I´d rather be redundant)
* Google CCCC, and plan accordingly. I cannot look him up, as I have no access to alumn network yet. But I found out online that my interviewer was an IBanker.
* Review your application. I was asked intensively about it. And even got interesting insights on my future business plan.
* Review what you will add to the school. And sell it shamelessly.
* You must be convincing on whether you would go to London if accepted. They will certainly ask about it.
* In case you don´t, read as much financial press as possible before the interview. I was asked about my company (Google) strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and menaces. And also about macroeconomics and the impact of booming oil prices (I had the interview dec 05).
* Review your resume. I was asked about all kind of experiences in my background, like managing, hiring and firing people, leadership style…
* 5 min presentation was the easy part of the interview. But that might vary.
* Prepare “typical questions” on how to sell your application/history.
* My interviewers had thoroughly reviewed my application and knew my history. But yours might not. Be ready to deliver an elevator pitch. And an extended version if needed.

Given that I had a very intense 90min interview with 2 guys firing me questions (I believe the fact that there were two of them allowed little space for a pause, both wanted to question me at the same time) the presentation was very relaxing: 5 min to prepare the topic and 5 min to deliver it without interruptions or questions.

To sum up, do your homework and you should be good to go. Given my limited command of the English language, do not hesitate to contact me for any clarification or extra questions.

If you want to make a mock interview with me, I will be happy to help and reenact the kind of interview I experienced. Just let me know. Please keep me posted on your progress and decisions.

Best of luck,

Patxi