Describe your most notable professional accomplishment.

"My most notable accomplishment was gaining my PMP certification last year. Many of my clients want to work specifically with PMP-certified project managers, and I appreciate my company investing in my future. I worked hard to make sure I passed my exam."

Kellogg MBA graduates are leaders and doers with successful track records. Your interviewer wants to know how you fit into that picture and how you view your accomplishments.

State your accomplishment and explain why it was your most notable achievement. Your response may include learning a new skill, overcoming a difficult challenge, obtaining an important certification, or exceeding a performance goal.

What was the biggest change you have had to deal with in your career?

"The biggest change I faced in my career so far was when my previous company went through a major merger. We had to adapt to new processes and management, which was quite challenging.In the end, it worked out well for me. I worked hard to develop several process improvements before the merger, and my new management team was impressed when I reviewed our operational metrics with them. While my teams and I had to learn a lot of new procedures, they also incorporated several of our best practices."

The interviewer would like to know the types of challenges you have had to face in your career. Given the high rate of change in almost every industry today, your interviewer wants to know you can remain productive in the face of change and that you are resilient.

Assure the interviewer that you can adapt to significant changes professionally. Also, while change can be difficult, it sometimes presents an opportunity. When working with my clients to prepare for an interview, I encourage them to consider times in which they took advantage of the change in addition to adapting to it.

What questions can I answer for you?

"You mentioned that you were able to move into a director role at your company shortly after receiving your MBA three years ago. I am interested in moving into a similar role after I earn my MBA. Can you describe the areas of the program that have added the most value to your time in the director role?"

Most Kellogg MBA program interviewees report that a portion of their interview was spent asking questions of their own. Kellogg MBA interviews are conducted by program alumni, and many of them enjoy discussing the program. They genuinely want to help you know what to expect during your time at Kellogg. This question is asked to ensure you get the valuable information you need to decide whether or not the Kellogg MBA program is your best option. Additionally, interviewers use this question to identify candidates willing to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn directly from program insiders.

When working with my clients, I make sure they know it is imperative to have a list of detailed and thoughtful follow-up questions prepared before their interview. I always value those who use this opportunity to learn more about the culture of a program, the biggest challenges faced, performance expectations, etcetera. Also, I counsel my clients to keep a pen and paper handy to jot down details that come up during their interviews. Asking questions related to a specific topic demonstrates your ability to apply what you've learned throughout the discussion with your interviewer.

Describe a time you motivated yourself to complete an assignment or task that you did not feel like doing.

"The teams I lead are required to log the time spent on all of their projects. I review and approve the time every week. I was spending extra time each week following up with team members who were late in filling out their time sheets. We are a creative team, and none of us enjoy the administrative function of logging time. However, we must provide a timely and accurate assessment of the time we spend working for our various clients. I decided to improve the process by making it something we do together. We take turns bringing in a treat and selecting music to play while we log our time. The process goes quickly and painlessly, and I have reduced the amount of time I spend following up on incomplete timesheets by at least 75%."

Many students hold full-time jobs while participating in the MBA program at night or on weekends. The combination of the demands of a job, coursework, and life can be overwhelming at times, and the interviewer wants to know that you will still get the job done even when you aren't excited about the task at hand. The goal of your response is to show that you are a reliable person who delivers high-quality work, regardless of how motivated you feel at the moment. By the end of your reply, the interviewer should feel confident that you are a self-motivated individual who takes accountability for your work and has what it takes to finish the program successfully.

Tell the interviewer about a specific situation in which you completed something you didn't feel motivated to do. Outline the situation, describe your responsibility, and explain why you were not excited about it. Be sure to tell the interviewer that even though you were not enthusiastic about the task, you did it promptly and with care, knowing it would help the organization. Give as much detail as possible about your actions to reach the finish line. If your hard work made a measurable impact, be sure to offer details about this accomplishment.

Tell me about a time you experienced failure in a professional setting.

"My team missed several of our operational goals during an economic downturn. It hit harder and faster than we expected, and there were several aspects of it we did not see coming. For example, several of our logistical partners had to reduce their staff which meant that our downstream services experienced delays. We didn't have a plan for that, and our metrics suffered. I led a series of meetings with our local and regional managers. We developed a comprehensive list of problems and a handful of causes. We then partnered on ways to improve operations despite the contributing factors that were out of our control. We identified several creative operational changes that got us back on track for the next quarter. I am grateful to work with such a flexible and talented leadership team. We maintained a positive attitude and focused on how to move forward while also ensuring that we did not end up in the same boat in the future."

There are two main reasons I include a question like this in an interview. Interviewers at Kellogg are likely to ask for similar reasons. First, great leaders identify failures, learn from them, and take steps to avoid the same mistakes in the future. They also help lead their teams during times of failure. This question helps me weed out leaders who are unwilling or unable to address failure in the workplace. Second, I ask this question to test the character of the person I am interviewing. I look for candidates who provide answers that resonate with me as authentic and humble.

Briefly detail the scenario and describe what you learned from the failure scenario described in your response. Your interviewers have been in your shoes, and they do not expect perfection. However, they do expect you to know how to reflect, determine what can be learned from the experience, and take steps to avoid a similar situation in the future. Focus on that aspect of the story rather than any mistakes you may have made.If you happen to be one of the few individuals who have never experienced failure in the workplace, be sure to maintain a humble spirit and outline your plan for addressing a failure scenario should one occur in your future. Interviewers are likely to view those unwilling to expand on the subject as perfectionists. While that can sometimes be positive, it may not be the best fit for a primarily leadership-focused and team-based experience at Kellogg.

What is your greatest professional strength?

"My greatest professional strength is my vision. I am an experienced analyst and know how to review large data sets and identify important themes. Additionally, I can see the big picture view. I can pull out the relevant details and translate them into a strategic plan."

MBA interviews will likely include a discussion of your strengths and a review of your professional background. Your interviewer wants to know about the valuable skills you have to offer your teams while working to earn your MBA at Kellogg.

This question is your chance to set yourself apart from other prospective program participants. While you may feel like you are bragging about yourself, be sure not to sell yourself short when questions like these come up. Answer confidently and let your interviewer know what you're great at. Whatever you decide, describe how you generate value professionally using your strength. For example, you might think about: - how you add the most value in a team setting - how you add value to your management team - how you add value to your clients - how you add value to your end users - how you add value to your company

Where do you want to be professionally in five years?

"I would like to be a principal consultant in five years. I enjoy working as a leader and a subject matter expert across multiple projects. My clients see me as a trusted partner, and I want to continue growing in that role. I also want to earn my Six Sigma Black Belt certification by then. I feel that would be an impressive certification to pair with the MBA I hope to earn here at Kellogg."

Your interviewer at Kellogg is interested to know where you see yourself in the future. They ask to learn more about your goals and ability to articulate a long-term plan for success.

Keep your answer brief, and be sure to describe a future that is reasonable based on your current position. For example, if you are currently a manager and there are seven roles between your role and VP of Operations, it is unlikely you would be there in five years - even with your MBA. While you may eventually get there, that goal would be better suited for a long-term goal question. Aim for something that is a significant step up from where you are now and show your interviewer you've invested time envisioning a successful future.

Where would you like to see your career go long-term?

"I am not exactly sure where I would like to see my career go long-term. I am interested in two separate career paths at this point. If I stay on the path I am on, I would move into program management, manage a delivery team, and ultimately move into senior management. However, there is also a viable option for me to move into consulting and eventually become a partner at a firm. I can see myself thriving in both environments and want to explore each option."

The Kellogg MBA program interviewers are interested in getting to know the candidates they interview. Asking questions like these helps them learn more about you, your ambitions, and how you plan to use your education to benefit you in the future. If spots are limited, this question helps them identify candidates who are likely to make the most of the opportunity to join the next Kellogg MBA class at Northwestern.

I use questions like these in an interview to test a candidate's ability to answer authentically. Interviewees tend to respond the way they think I want them to answer rather than staying true to themselves. While that isn't a dealbreaker, it will cause me to ask additional questions aimed at their ability to answer questions authentically under pressure. That said, answer this question truthfully and with confidence. If you expect to make it to CTO, let your interviewer know that is your end game. If you plan to start your own business, mention that. If you aren't sure, discuss a few options you are interested in. The goal is to build rapport with your interviewer by providing a believable response that lets them know you plan to put what you learn at Kellogg to good use.

Rate your listening skills from 1-10. What would your coworkers say about your listening skills?

"I would rate my listening skills as an 8 out of 10. I do well with my team and my clients. For example, one of my clients recently complimented my ability to remember their needs and articulate them to my team in a way they can understand. I think both of those groups would agree with my rating. I hope to enhance my executive-level and leadership-based communication skills while enrolled in the Kellogg MBA program. I feel improving in those areas will take my listening skills to the next level."

The interviewer would like to know how you rate your listening skills and how your rating would compare to how others would rate you. Your curriculum at Kellogg will cover communication skills, and your interviewer wants to know you have a foundation to work from and room to grow.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as a perfect listener. Stay in the 7.5-9.5 range and back your rating with a comment you have received from a coworker recently. The goal is to give yourself the credit you deserve without coming across as someone unable to accept feedback.

How would you rate your communication and presentation skills?

"I would say that I am an above-average communicator and presenter. I present frequently to my clients and stakeholders and communicate well with my teams. For example, one of my clients recently complimented my ability to keep them informed without inundating them with too many technical details. That is an important communication skill for my role as a senior product manager. I am excited about the opportunity to improve my executive communication and presentation skills during my time at Kellogg. I find myself communicating with C-level audiences more frequently and want to make the best impression possible."

If selected for the MBA program, you will be required to work in teams and present regularly at Kellogg. Communication and presentation skills are essential to your success, and they are also an area you will have the opportunity to improve upon during your MBA experience. Your interviewer wants to know how you see yourself in these two aspects that are important to your ability to be successful professionally and at Kellogg.

Give yourself a humble yet positive rating. Also, take this opportunity to discuss the areas you hope to improve upon and how the curriculum at Kellogg aligns with your goals. Letting your interviewer know how you plan to apply what you learn from your coursework is an excellent way to show them you are serious about the program and ready to take this important step in your career.

Describe a significant business challenge faced by your industry.

"I work in marketing, and we work with clients across several industries. One of the main challenges we face is knowing which marketing channels will perform the best. The days of simple tv, print, and radio marketing are gone, and most clients want an omnichannel approach. It can be difficult to know the right mix of traditional channels to pair with apps, social media, and streaming services. Technology is constantly changing, and consumers gather information from a wide variety of sources. I think this will continue to be a challenge in the future. I work hard to stay current on the latest trends and anything new that might gain popularity. I encourage my teammates to do the same so that we can continue to offer our customers the value of our expertise and creativity. That is incredibly important in a world where companies can easily produce their low-budget marketing materials and launch them for free on social media platforms."

As an MBA program student at Kellogg, you must demonstrate your understanding of key business concepts. The ability to articulate business challenges and formulate strategic plans to resolve them is one of the areas you will focus on. For example, business analytics and business strategy courses are included in the core curriculum and address concepts just like the question posed by your interviewer. This question is asked to ensure that you understand how to apply basic business concepts to the industry you currently work in. Your interviewer wants to know that you are aware of the big picture for your industry and the impact of the challenge you describe.

Every industry has challenges. Select something you can speak to intelligently, but explain it so your interviewer can understand you. They may not have experience in your industry, and this question is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively given your audience. End your response with a prediction of how the challenge will be addressed in the future.Keep in mind that challenges do not necessarily have to be problematic. For example, you might describe an opportunity within your industry that companies are trying to take advantage of but haven't yet figured out how to do it effectively.

How do you handle conflict within a team setting?

"I currently manage a mission-critical operations team. I am required to resolve conflicts as quickly and efficiently as possible. I remain calm and work with everyone involved to understand the details of the issue. I then work with my team to brainstorm solution options and identify a value-based plan to resolve the conflict. There are times when there is very little time to analyze the details, and I have to make the call on behalf of our team. In those instances, I make sure my team knows that my decisions are not personal and it is my responsibility to keep us moving forward using my best judgment. In an educational setting, I use the same calm and empathetic approach. However, I usually find myself working as a facilitator to make sure everyone is heard and that the group stays focused on looking for the best way to solve the problem."

The purpose of this question is twofold in an MBA interview. First, your interviewer wants to know more about how you handle conflict professionally. Second, your interviewer wants to know if you are prepared to address potential conflicts that may arise while working in teams at Kellogg. Show them that you are a leader and willing to face conflict with empathy and confidence.

Your response should be a clear demonstration of your leadership skills during difficult times. However, I want to be clear that showing leadership during conflict does not necessarily mean that you have to 'take charge' of the situation. Team conflicts are owned by the team as a whole; everyone involved can be a leader while working to resolve them. MBA programs are full of natural leaders, and you need to be prepared to take a facilitative approach to conflict resolution. Authoritative approaches are likely to fail in the peer-based team setting you will be working in frequently at Kellogg.

Describe a time you experienced conflict with a client.

"I recently worked with a client who was resistant to moving their solution to a cloud-based architecture. Our company is in the process of transitioning all of our clients to this model. I manage the account, and the CIO of the company let me know they were disappointed with our decision and would not be open to moving their system to the cloud. I let him know I respected his opinion and was interested in learning more about his concerns with cloud-hosted solutions. He outlined several reasonable concerns as well as a few issues based on common misconceptions. I thanked him for his honesty and asked if he would be willing to discuss the matter further after I had a chance to put together a thoughtful response. He agreed.I worked with our technical team to address the points he raised and outline the known pros and cons of moving to our proposed solution. I delivered the presentation, and the CIO thanked me for approaching the situation with care, honesty, and integrity. He eventually moved to the new solution, and I gained valuable experience in easing the fears of our concerned clients."

The way a professional handles themselves in the face of conflict with a client is very telling. The Kellogg MBA program has a reputation for developing excellent business leaders, and client management skills are a must for any business leader. Convince your interviewer you can handle yourself in the face of conflict and that you are ready to take your skills to the next level.

Offer your interviewer a brief background on the conflict you experienced with your client and outline the steps you took to resolve it. Finally, walk your interviewer through the results of your actions. Be sure to touch upon your ability to effectively listen and empathize with your client. It is best to describe a time when the conflict was resolved positively. Your interviewers are experienced and know that even the best professionals have conflicts that cannot be resolved from time to time. However, those stories are a better fit for discussion with your peers.

Describe a time you did not agree with your manager.

"My manager at my last company assigned an employee with a poor performance record to a crucial project that I was responsible for. I disagreed with the assignment because I knew the project would be stressful, and we needed our best players involved. I felt that the assignment put the project at risk, and I asked why he felt this was the right decision. My manager explained that the resource in question was on a performance plan. Part of his plan was to demonstrate his ability to improve his assignment delivery under time constraints. My project met all of the criteria for the plan. He also noted that effectively managing resources with performance issues was a necessary step in my development as a leader. He was considering me for a promotion and wanted to allow me to demonstrate advanced leadership skills. I thanked him for explaining and accepted the challenge. The project was a valuable test, and I passed with flying colors. My colleague also stepped up and delivered high-quality work on time. I am glad my manager had the vision to pair us up."

The ability to professionally resolve disagreements with your manager is a valuable skill. Your interviewer knows this and wants to determine how you handle yourself in these difficult situations. Your approach speaks to your ability to work effectively with authority figures and applies directly to your ability to effectively partner with your educators during your time at Kellogg.

Select a time when you addressed a disagreement with your manager openly and positively. Convince your interviewer that you can handle yourself in difficult situations with integrity. Provide a brief background on the conflict and describe the steps you took to discuss and resolve the issue.

What value do you believe you will receive through participation in the Kellogg MBA program?

"One of the things that drew me to apply at Kellogg is that your community is described as 'high-impact, low-ego innovators and thought leaders.' That is how I would like to be viewed professionally. I feel that my time at Kellogg will help me develop my skills as a leader in a way that translates well to the types of teams I lead and the work I do in IT.I know I will grow my business and leadership skills, but I am also excited about growing my professional network. Kellogg has an impressive alumni network, and it is the environment I would be proud to be a part of someday."

Value is both objective and subjective. Your interviewer has been instructed to find candidates that will get the most out of their time at Kellogg. They ask this question to help them find the right mix of individuals for the next MBA class.

You've probably thought a lot about what you hope to get out of the time and energy you put into obtaining your future MBA degree at Kellogg. Now is the time to convince your interviewer that you are excited and ready to get started on your journey. Mention something specific that is likely to help you stand out from the other applicants. Consider including a mix of the following in your response: - Credentials - A new position - Learning new skills - Making valuable contacts with classmates, educators, and alumni

Why have you decided to pursue an MBA at this particular time?

"I have elected to pursue my MBA at this time because it is a fit for me both professionally and personally. The knowledge and skills I will gain align with my professional goal to move into a senior management role within the next five years. Also, I have the time and energy to dedicate to the program. I am committed to staying focused and working hard to succeed in my endeavors here at Kellogg."

This question comes up in almost every MBA program interview at some point, and Kellogg program interviewees report it as a common question asked by Kellogg interviewers. Your interviewer wants to be sure you are committed, available, and ready to participate.

Explain how obtaining your MBA aligns with your professional goals. Also, convince your interviewer that you have the time to commit to the program. This is especially important for candidates interviewing for evening and weekend or fast-track paths.

Describe an area you would specifically like to improve if you are selected for the program.

"I am excited to improve in several areas while enrolled in the program, but I am specifically looking forward to improving my analytic skills. The ability to quickly process and interpret large data sets is an important aspect of my work, and I want to learn how to view that work from a senior leadership perspective. I know I will learn a lot from the two business analytics courses included in the core coursework."

Your interviewer wants to know what you plan to gain from your MBA experience beyond a new degree. They are invested in identifying candidates likely to gain the most value from the experience. This question allows them to ensure the program offerings align with your professional development needs.

Discuss a specific aspect of the Kellogg MBA program and how it applies to your professional growth goals. Your answer is more likely to be successful if you describe a particular skill as opposed to something general. For example, 'I want to learn more advanced strategic analysis techniques' is a better answer than 'I want to be a better leader.'Take some time to review the coursework required for the various MBA paths available at Kellogg before your interview. Familiarizing yourself with the subjects you will be learning is a helpful way to prepare a solid answer for questions like these.

What specifically attracted you to the Kellogg MBA program?

"The Kellogg MBA program has a stellar reputation. I know several graduates, and they speak very highly of the program. I am working to obtain my Executive MBA and want to learn in the best environment possible. The quality of the courses, the students, and the educators here align with my needs."

Your interviewer wants to be confident that you selected the Kellogg MBA program because it was the best fit for you. As Kellogg MBA alumni, they want to find candidates that will continue to make the program one the top-ranked in the United States.

Provide a specific reason for your response. Maybe they offer a path or class not offered at other schools. Maybe you know Kellogg MBA alumni and want to learn where they did. Whatever your reason, use this question as an opportunity to convince your interviewer that Kellogg is your top choice.

Walk me through your professional background and the roles you have held.

"I started my career as a graphic designer. I worked for XYZ company and developed marketing materials for their website and app. I then moved into a senior graphic designer role with a large marketing firm and developed creative material for several Fortune 500 clients. I am currently a creative director and drive the creative strategy for several major accounts. I manage a team of 27 design and marketing professionals. I also own my own company. I work with non-profits and other local companies to develop creative content. I am seeking my MBA because I feel I will gain the business acumen and leadership skills necessary to thrive in my current role and as a business owner."

There is no hidden agenda behind this question. It is exactly as it seems. Your interviewer wants a walkthrough of the positions you have held and the kinds of roles you take on within your teams.

Keep your answer short, and let your interviewer ask follow-up questions if necessary. Your time is short, and you don't want to waste a lot of time walking through the information that is easily obtained by reading your resume. It is acceptable to combine several roles into a summary response if you are on the Executive MBA path. You have at least 14 years of experience if you are interviewing for a spot in that program, and walking your interviewer through every role may take more time than necessary.

What lessons did you learn in college that you plan to apply to your MBA experience?

"I learned two key lessons in college that I plan to apply to my MBA experience. First, I learned how to prioritize and multitask. I have a full-time job and a family, so those skills will be incredibly helpful while enrolled in the program. Second, I learned to establish valuable relationships with my classmates and professors during college. I met many talented people who taught me along the way, and I look forward to learning from the experts here at Kellogg if selected for the program."

The college experience is a time of growth and development for most students. Your interviewer is interested to know what you learned along the way that will help you to navigate the MBA program successfully.

Describe what you learned and how you plan to leverage the lesson if selected for the MBA program at Kellogg. Also, be sure to keep your answers professional. While you may have learned in college that partying with friends until 3 am the night before an exam is a poor idea, your MBA interview is not the best setting to discuss your wisdom on that subject.

What qualities do you feel an excellent leader should possess?

"An excellent leader should be a match for the situation and the individuals they lead. The best leaders understand all of the various approaches to leadership and use a custom approach that best fits the situation and team. For example, they should be willing to serve and able to direct. They should know how to inspire and motivate. They understand the big picture and how to execute tactical plans. They know how to delegate, coach, and create an environment in which everyone can thrive. I know that is a tall order, but it is one of the main reasons I want to attend the Kellogg MBA program. You have a reputation for developing excellence in leadership, and that is the kind of leader I want to become."

The development of excellence in leadership is one of the main goals of any MBA program. Kellogg is no different and focuses on providing an immersive leadership-focused experience. Your interviewer wants to know what excellence in leadership means to you.

Take the time to review common leadership skills and approaches before your MBA interview at Kellogg. While you could craft an answer using your own unique vocabulary, it is best to use terms commonly used in a professional setting. For example, you might describe an excellent leader as 'bureaucratic' or 'servant.' You can find several helpful articles within the results of an Internet search for 'types of leadership.'Your answer should be brief, but it should include several attributes. You should also provide reasoning to support your answer.

Describe a time you mentored someone professionally.

"I joined my company as an intern and had the opportunity to work with several mentors who substantially impacted me personally and professionally. I now offer my time to the interns within my department as a mentor every summer. I typically work with two or three of them at a time and work to develop a safe space for them to ask questions and learn more about how to navigate properly within an enterprise setting. Many of them have limited experience, so we discuss topics like office politics and how they can make the best impression as an intern during their short time with the company. I enjoy learning about their projects and offering tips to help them have the best experience possible.I ask for feedback as we go, and I have learned how to be a better mentor. Every intern is different, and I customize my approach to meet their individual needs. I thoroughly enjoy this aspect of my work and would love the opportunity to mentor students as a Kellogg MBA graduate someday."

Mentoring is a skill and an art. A meaningful mentorship can be incredibly valuable to the mentor and mentee involved. As a graduate of the Kellogg MBA program, you may be called upon to mentor future program members. You may also be expected to serve your company as a leader and mentor of your fellow employees. This question is asked to learn more about your ability to help others grow in this particular style of professional development-focused relationship.

Your interview time is limited, so keep your answers to open-ended questions like these brief. However, this question is also an opportunity to tell a story that will make a memorable impression on your interviewer. a successful answer should include the goals of the mentorship, the approach you took, and the value you generated during your time working with your mentee. Also, describe what you learned, as every mentorship is a growth opportunity for all parties involved.

How do you build relationships in the workplace?

"I build relationships in the workplace by establishing trust with my coworkers and clients. I am accountable for my work, and I keep my commitments regularly. I also take the time to get to know people personally. I have found that taking someone to lunch or asking about their family and interests can go a long way. I feel this approach will serve me well here if selected for the program."

Relationship building is a crucial business skill regardless of your role. Your Kellogg MBA alumni interviewer is interested to know more about how you approach this necessary aspect of your work. They also know that building relationships with your classmates and professors will be critical to your ability to be successful at Kellogg. Show them you have the skills to establish rapport in both settings.

Include a mix of performance-based and soft-skill approaches within your response. Relationship building is about keeping your word, delivering your work, and connecting with others. Your answer should convince your interviewer you take a comprehensive approach that works well professionally and in an educational setting.

Tell me about a time you offered leadership to a team during a stressful time.

"My company recently went through a significant round of layoffs. I am a project manager for three separate teams, and each team lost at least one key player. Each team had difficulty focusing again once the initial shock of the situation was absorbed. Additionally, we had significant gaps in our current work plan that needed to be addressed.I decided to pull all my teams together to talk about what happened. I felt it was important to discuss our feelings openly and productively. I opened the meeting by allowing anyone who wanted to vent to take a moment to share their thoughts, and then we focused on addressing our gaps. We came up with several creative options to move team members around and cross-train. I thanked everyone for their agile spirit and willingness to pull together to keep things moving forward. Ultimately, we delivered all of our projects on time and within budget. Several of our clients knew what happened and thanked me personally for the leadership I showed during a difficult time. I am grateful to work with such a talented and flexible group of people, and I look forward to improving my ability to handle these situations here at Northwestern."

The Kellogg MBA program is known for the development of strong leaders. As a testament to this fact, 99% of the 2022 program graduates received full-time position offers with a median salary of $165k within three months of graduation. Potential program participants are asked questions like these to ensure that those selected for the next class have a solid leadership foundation to build upon. Specifically, your interviewer wants to know that you can demonstrate leadership qualities under pressure.

Give the interviewer context and then describe the specific actions you took to improve the situation. Any metrics or measurable improvements that occurred should be included, but you should also speak to any applicable intangible benefits like improved team morale. If possible, describe a scenario in which you demonstrated excellence in leadership in a professional setting. While sports teams, volunteer groups, or school-based team stories can work, your response is likely to have a greater impact if it applies to a team you worked with while employed.

How would you describe your leadership style?

"I would describe my leadership style as a hybrid of several traditional styles. I work with client groups, product development teams, vendors, and senior stakeholder groups. Each requires a custom approach based on the players and the situation involved. For example, I am mostly a servant and motivational leader when working with my product development team. I often use a delegative approach when working with vendors, and I tend to act as a participant and facilitator when working with executive groups."

The development of leadership skills should be one of the main reasons you are interested in participating in the MBA program at Kellogg. There are several paths you can take within the program, but leadership is a focus of all of them. Your interviewer asks this question to learn more about what type of leader you are currently.

It is best to answer this question using standard leadership style vocabulary. You are working to impress your interviewer, and slang or figurative language may not go over well. A simple Internet search will walk you through various styles, such as transformational, motivational, authoritative, transactional, etcetera. Also, I resonate the most with interviewees that discuss their ability to use more than one leadership style. I value candidates who understand the importance of matching their approach to the situation and individuals involved.

Describe a process improvement you identified and implemented.

"I led several product development projects where we were assigned subject matter experts by our clients. We were instructed to work with them primarily to gather and refine our requirements. We developed and released the product iteratively, and the end users were unhappy with the first releases. I invited several of them to lunch and learned that critical functions were missing from the release, which rendered the product useless until the gaps could be addressed. I scheduled a meeting with the client project sponsors and asked to change how our team engaged with their company. I suggested that we include a focus group of end users in the requirements-gathering process to ensure we were clear on the scope. I suggested we work directly with the subject matter experts to refine the requirements. The change we made resulted in a 48% increase in user adoption and a 32% decrease in rework. The project sponsors were impressed that we took action and turned things around so quickly. They are one of our best clients, and we work with them regularly as a result."

Questions like these are included in MBA interviews to ensure the candidates selected for the program have the foundational knowledge and experience necessary for success at Northwestern. Learning the proper way to identify and implement process improvement opportunities is a topic of focus within many MBA programs, including Kellogg. For example, the core curriculum for the program includes business strategy, analytics, and operational management courses that will help you learn how to understand the details of a business, develop a strategy for change, and implement change using operational best practices.

Describe the problem or opportunity you identified, the action you took to improve the situation, and the results of the changes you implemented. It is best to select scenarios that also demonstrate your leadership abilities.

What types of team settings do you typically work in?

"I work in cross-functional product development teams. We usually have five to seven primary team members representing various areas of expertise needed for the project. We partner directly with our clients to gather requirements and test and implement our products. We also partner with representatives from our legal, finance, marketing, and delivery departments as needed."

The Kellogg MBA program is likely to put your teamwork skills to the test. You will be instructed on best practices for improving team performance in the workplace, and you will apply what you learn in the projects you are assigned. Your interviewer asks this question to get a sense of the types of team settings you are comfortable working in.

Your answer should tell the interviewer the size and structure of the teams you typically work in. You should discuss the roles represented within your teams, the types of projects you work on, and any customers or ancillary groups you partner with regularly.

Imagine a team member is experiencing regular performance issues that affect you and your team. What steps would you take to improve the situation?

"As a team leader, I have dealt with similar situations. Performance issues are a sensitive subject for some people, and I find it best to handle them with care. I would begin with a one-on-one conversation with the teammate to raise the issue and ask them if they were aware of the effect their actions had on the team. I would then allow them to explain why they feel they are struggling to complete their assigned work. I would then offer them my support and work with them to develop an improvement plan. I would then check in with them as necessary to look for opportunities to assist and maintain accountability."

One of the goals of the Kellogg MBA program is to improve your leadership skills. Leadership in the face of performance issues is a likely topic of discussion. However, you may also encounter performance issues within your project teams at Kellogg. Your interviewer wants to know how you handle yourself during these potentially stressful times of conflict.

Your response should include an attempt to identify the root cause of the issue and an offer to support the team member in their corrective action. An impressive answer to this question should also demonstrate empathy for the team member in question.As a team consultant and facilitator, I have coached numerous team leaders on addressing specific behavior issues and improving overall team performance. While I understand that the escalation of team member performance issues is a viable option in both professional and educational settings, I typically encourage my clients to try alternate methods before jumping to options that are likely to hurt the individual and the team. It is acceptable to include escalation measures within your response, but they should be preceded by a more positive approach that demonstrates your leadership and motivational skills first.

What type of team environment do you thrive in?

"I have worked in a variety of team settings personally, educationally, and professionally over the years. I enjoy teamwork, and I can thrive in a variety of environments. That said, I work best in teams that are open-minded, accountable, and adaptable to change."

Daniel Gamba, a graduate of the program and executive at BlackRock, states: "To be successful in the global world, you have to be able to work with teams...During my experience at Kellogg, that happened in every single class, in every single assignment. It was transformational...and I've continued to apply it throughout my career."Your Kellogg MBA alumni interviewer wants to be confident that you have the team-based skills necessary for a successful MBA educational experience. Questions like these are asked to ensure you are comfortable working in team settings similar to those you will be working in during your time at Kellogg.

Keep your answer simple and broad enough so that it can be applied to a variety of teams. While you may work best in a very specific team structure (i.e. no more than four people, everyone is an expert in their space, no conflict), your answer is more likely to resonate if it is more conceptual.

How would the members of your current teams describe you?

"My teammates would describe me as trustworthy, reliable, and creative. They know they can count on me to deliver on my promises and keep an open mind while we work together. I am looking forward to working with talented individuals with unique and interesting backgrounds while enrolled in the MBA program here at Kellogg."

The interviewers of the Kellogg MBA program have been in your shoes. They know what successful teams at Kellogg look like and want to determine how you fit into that picture. Knowing how your current teammates view you will help them to assess your potential to develop and eventually thrive as you obtain your MBA.

Use questions like these as an opportunity to promote your best qualities. The alumni interviewers of the Kellogg MBA program are invested in finding candidates that will add value to their program. Be authentic, but select statements that demonstrate what you can bring to your classmates and the immersive experience at Kellogg.

Northwestern University Kellogg MBA Interview Questions

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1. Describe your most notable professional accomplishment.
2. What was the biggest change you have had to deal with in your career?
3. What questions can I answer for you?
4. Describe a time you motivated yourself to complete an assignment or task that you did not feel like doing.
5. Tell me about a time you experienced failure in a professional setting.
6. What is your greatest professional strength?
7. Where do you want to be professionally in five years?
8. Where would you like to see your career go long-term?
9. Rate your listening skills from 1-10. What would your coworkers say about your listening skills?
10. How would you rate your communication and presentation skills?
11. Describe a significant business challenge faced by your industry.
12. How do you handle conflict within a team setting?
13. Describe a time you experienced conflict with a client.
14. Describe a time you did not agree with your manager.
15. What value do you believe you will receive through participation in the Kellogg MBA program?
16. Why have you decided to pursue an MBA at this particular time?
17. Describe an area you would specifically like to improve if you are selected for the program.
18. What specifically attracted you to the Kellogg MBA program?
19. Walk me through your professional background and the roles you have held.
20. What lessons did you learn in college that you plan to apply to your MBA experience?
21. What qualities do you feel an excellent leader should possess?
22. Describe a time you mentored someone professionally.
23. How do you build relationships in the workplace?
24. Tell me about a time you offered leadership to a team during a stressful time.
25. How would you describe your leadership style?
26. Describe a process improvement you identified and implemented.
27. What types of team settings do you typically work in?
28. Imagine a team member is experiencing regular performance issues that affect you and your team. What steps would you take to improve the situation?
29. What type of team environment do you thrive in?
30. How would the members of your current teams describe you?

Northwestern University Kellogg MBA Interview Questions

1. Describe your most notable professional accomplishment.

2. What was the biggest change you have had to deal with in your career?

3. What questions can I answer for you?

4. Describe a time you motivated yourself to complete an assignment or task that you did not feel like doing.

5. Tell me about a time you experienced failure in a professional setting.

6. What is your greatest professional strength?

7. Where do you want to be professionally in five years?

8. Where would you like to see your career go long-term?

9. Rate your listening skills from 1-10. What would your coworkers say about your listening skills?

10. How would you rate your communication and presentation skills?

11. Describe a significant business challenge faced by your industry.

12. How do you handle conflict within a team setting?

13. Describe a time you experienced conflict with a client.

14. Describe a time you did not agree with your manager.

15. What value do you believe you will receive through participation in the Kellogg MBA program?

16. Why have you decided to pursue an MBA at this particular time?

17. Describe an area you would specifically like to improve if you are selected for the program.

18. What specifically attracted you to the Kellogg MBA program?

19. Walk me through your professional background and the roles you have held.

20. What lessons did you learn in college that you plan to apply to your MBA experience?

21. What qualities do you feel an excellent leader should possess?

22. Describe a time you mentored someone professionally.

23. How do you build relationships in the workplace?

24. Tell me about a time you offered leadership to a team during a stressful time.

25. How would you describe your leadership style?

26. Describe a process improvement you identified and implemented.

27. What types of team settings do you typically work in?

28. Imagine a team member is experiencing regular performance issues that affect you and your team. What steps would you take to improve the situation?

29. What type of team environment do you thrive in?

30. How would the members of your current teams describe you?