If you’re one of the lucky ones to have secured an interview at one of your top choices, don’t be afraid. It’s time to showcase your speaking and presentation skills in a forum that will make or break your candidacy.

Face-to-face communication is losing its cache because of the time we spend networking online.  Ironically, business deals and admissions decisions are often based on how you present yourself in-person, and not necessarily online or on paper. The more time we spend online or using technology, the less time we have to advance our interpersonal communication skills in a “people setting.”  Good admission interviewers are looking for confident, credible, and in many cases, experienced speakers and presenters when they conduct MBA interviews.  Did you know that 90% of face-to-face communication is non-verbal? Experienced professionals and interviewers can see right through uneasiness, ignorance, and fear.  Don’t be one of these interviewees.  The only way to nail the interview is to prepare.

Preparing for an interview can be done in many ways.  There is no formula for success, just what works for you! Consider doing a mock interview with a mentor or speaking in front of a mirror to observe your non-verbal body language.  Notice the language you use, the filler words in-between thoughts, and whether or not you answer a question with a introduction, body, and conclusion in a reasonable time frame.  The interviewer will notice this. I’d also practice your handshake when you enter and leave the interview. A few years ago, a colleague of mine and I interviewed a candidate for a job and his handshake was feeble.  He had the experience, education, and passion, but his handshake always resonated with me because it wasn’t firm and confident (I later learned that he was left-handed, which could have been a reason for his timid handshake – I’ll never know!).  The lesson is – don’t make an interviewer think twice about your handshake.

Another piece of advice would be to research your interviewer (if you know who it’s going to be) and/or to know something unique about the program.  Anybody can read from a web site, but not everyone can gather a compelling anecdote about the program or its alumni.  Share something credible without coming across like a know-it-all.

Finally, when the interview is done and you’ve asked all your questions, send a thank you note (handwritten) and drop it in the first mail box you see.  People like getting things in the mail. Anyone can send an e-mail.  Be different and stand out by being traditional.

It’s unlikely that you’ll be admitted to every school you apply to or that every interview will be perfect.  Focus on what’s within your control.  In an interview setting, you can set the tone and add value to your candidacy with preparation, execution, and follow through.

Liam Dunfey is an educational consultant with over ten years of higher education experience. He takes pride in helping young professionals advance their careers through graduate school.  He co-created University Advisors Admission Specialists, LLC in 2007. He resides in San Diego, CA.   Liam can be reached via email at ldunfey@mba365.com