If you have been invited to interview at Harvard Business School, you will want to start thinking about your post-interview reflection, which should be submitted within 24 hours of your interview. The submission is not a formal essay. Harvard’s Admissions Blog describes the exercise as a chance to both get students’ opinions regarding their interviews, as well as provide them with a real-world practicum. Professionals routinely need to send emails summarizing meetings and offering assessments, and their ability to do this well is critical for workplace success.
Here is our advice:
Immediately after your interview, take down some notes about the topics you covered, including some specific details and points of connection. You’ll want to ensure that your content reflects back details from the day.
Take time to reflect before you begin drafting. Think critically about the interview. This submission is an opportunity for you to demonstrate real-world strategic thinking and writing skills, as well as offer any information that you feel you did not adequately explain. Some points to consider:
What were the highlights?
What could have gone better?
Did anything about the interview, or your time on campus, surprise or excite you?
Were there any remaining “gaps” after your interview, and if so, how would you have addressed these?
Did you make it clear to your interviewer(s) what unique experiences, skills, or perspectives you would offer to your MBA class?
Strike a tone similar to that of a post-meeting summary you would write to a colleague or supervisor at work.
After you’ve drafted the piece, walk away. Come back later to review content, style, grammar, and flow with fresh eyes. Keep in mind that Harvard is looking for both a well-written and thoughtful assessment of your interview.
This piece should not be crafted prior to the interview, adapted from another essay, or used as additional resume space. You’ll want to make the most of this final opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are and how you think.