Rotman MBA interview questions and strategy
Check out the latest Rotman MBA interview questions, tips and strategies.
Introduction
Congratulations on getting an invitation to a University of Toronto Rotman School of Management interview!
The MBA at Rotman is one of Canada's - and the world's - most prestigious and competitive programs. You've made the right choice looking for more information on how to ace the Rotman MBA interview.
Keep in mind that Rotman uses two types of interviews. The "regular", face to face (or Skype/Zoom) interview and an asynchronous interview, which Rotman calls the "video essay", which is done on a platform called Kira Talent. More details on that one towards the end of the article.
Rotman's interview style
Rotman's interview process is relatively standard for MBA interviews.
You'll be interviewed by someone from Rotman's admissions committee and they will have access to your entire application - test scores, essays and letters of recommendation. Make sure to re-read your application since you will probably be asked some probing questions.
Despite the above, Rotman interviews are generally conducted in an amicable way, usually lasting between 30 and 40 minutes.
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Rotman's video essay, or Kira style interview
Rotman also has a video essay requirement, which is very similar to an interview, with the notable difference that there is no one asking questions - you'll be shown pre-recorded videos with questions from the admissions team. Then, you have to record yourself answering them.
The main issue with the video essay is that people usually get very uncomfortable recording themselves. The best solution here is to practice with a platform like Voomer, that replicates the experience very well, so you won't be surprised when you have to record your actual responses.
Rotman MBA interview questions:
Keep in mind that these questions can be asked either on the regular interview and on the video essay, so be prepared!
- Why do you want an MBA?
2. Why do you want to come to Rotman?
3. Why do you want an MBA now?
4. What would you like to tell your future classmates?
5. Tell about an activity you enjoy.
6. What was the the greatest advice your first boss gave you?
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7. What was the biggest risk you’ve taken so far?
8. How would your co-workers describe you?
9. Identify an influential figure in your lives, and why
10. What do you do for fun?
11. What are your passions, interests, and hobbies?
12. What would you do on a rainy Sunday afternoon?
13. How have you handled a difficult interaction? What did you learn from it?
14. Tell me about a time you failed.
15. Tell me about a time when you were pushed to your limits at work.
16. How would your friends describe you?
Conclusion
Even though Rotman does not stray too far from the norm when it comes to its MBA interviews, it pays to practice - and practice a lot. Ultimately, it is repetition that will make you feel more at ease with the format, the questions and answering them in a clear, concise and convincing way.
Voomer is an AI-powered interview platform built by AI researchers from the MIT Media lab that allows you to prep on your own time, as much as you like. You'll find interview questions just like the ones used by Rotman's interviewers - check out Voomer and start prepping for free today!
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Face the CameraCommon questions
- What interview questions does Rotman typically ask?
- Rotman interview questions vary by role and level, but expect behavioral questions (‘Tell me about a time...’), situational scenarios, and questions specific to the position. Voomer’s question bank has real questions reported by Rotman candidates.
- How should I prepare for a Rotman interview?
- Research the company, know your stories, and — if it’s a video interview — practice on camera. Most candidates underestimate how different they come across on video versus in person. Voomer lets you see exactly what the interviewer sees.
- What does Rotman look for in candidates?
- Beyond technical skills, Rotman evaluates communication, confidence, and cultural fit. In video interviews specifically, how you deliver matters as much as what you say. Voomer breaks down the signals that interviewers pick up on — eye contact, pacing, filler words — so you can train them before the real thing.