Many interviewers report that they make up a big percentage of their mind about applicants during the first few minutes of an interview. This episode replay shares a number of very specific suggestions and tips to make yourself stand out during these first interactions, now that we're in the thick of Round 2 interview season.

Our host Chandler shares his suggestions for something he calls a “personal MBA soundbite” – including how you can create this soundbite, how you can incorporate it into the beginning of your first question, and how you can use this language to provide a framework for your entire interview.

While each is different, the main goals of a personal MBA soundbite are to:

1. summarize who you are in an interesting/memorable/dynamic/compelling way at the start of your interview,
2. create a framework for the first part of your conversation so that the interviewer understands your life and work experiences in the appropriate context given your future goals, and
3. develop a short *elevator pitch* that can not only be useful as you prep for your interviews… but also in terms of other elements of your admissions journey–from speaking to current students, to alums, to admissions officers, etc.

This episode is perfect for anyone wanting to start off on the right foot for that all-important MBA admission interview.