Sangmin Simon Oh – Assistant Professor of Finance, Columbia Business School

Before you interview

Log in 5 minutes before the interview and check that things work.
During the interviews, always have water with you.
Remember that anything on the CV is fair game.
Get rid of the self-view and put the audience right under the camera.
Wear a formal outfit (jacket and a tie) if you're targeting business schools. Don't wear just a shirt.
Use a hype song (“walk up song”) to reset/re-amp between interviews
Listen carefully; don’t answer the wrong question.

Before you travel

Never check-in bags; carry your bags and suit with you.
Buy a first layer of cloth. It gets cold in some places with only a suit and jacket.

Before the day of your flyout presentation

Remember that everything you do should be about making it easiest for them to conclude: This person is smart, clear, competent, organized, enthusiastic, has a pipeline brimming with ideas, and I’d love to have him or her around the office.
Review the faculty in the group: who interviewed you, do you cite people, etc.
Learn about the school and prepare a list of questions.

Office Visits

No backpacks! Nice bag or briefcase.
Journal your experience during the interviews and the flyouts. They will later help with the decision-making. Take notes on whom you met with, what they liked, what they didn’t & what you liked.

Flyout Presentation

Everyone is tired! You have to bring energy to stand out.
Always have the whole room in mind instead of talking to someone who’s engaging!
Buy a first layer of cloth. It gets cold in some places with only a suit and jacket.

Dinner

Always ask for drinks and dessert. People are expecting you to do it so they can do it as well.