Harvard Business School Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 101 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Which role are you interviewing for?
19 roles · 101 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Harvard Business School.
Harvard Business School
Senior Researcher
Senior Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
It was pretty long with several interviews with people in similar roles, which I enjoyed. After that, there was a writing test based on an HBS case, and the time limit was very tight, so be ready for that. I'd suggest asking upfront how they plan to assess your performance so that both parties have clear, documented expectations, perhaps using a scorecard.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Tell me about your experience working with external stakeholders.
Harvard Business School
Research Associate
Entry Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Presentation Take home
Interview formats
Other Presentation
The interview process included a timed writing exercise which can be quite stressful and challenging. Essentially they provide you with background information, articles and the like, on a case study target and you are expected to begin drafting a case study. It’s an overwhelming amount of information to sift through in the time allotted. So you must begin writing before you feel ready. Prior to that final exercise, you interview with original screener, then the professor you’d be working with, followed by the writing exercise.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Do you have experience with timed writing exercises where you had to process diverse notes and information to start writing a case study?
Harvard Business School
Faculty Support Specialist
Entry Easy Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call
Interview formats
Behavioral
I had a phone call with HR. It seemed like they were just reading the job requirements and questions from their computer. It was super fast and really monotone. I got the vibe they didn't care about their job, but they were looking for someone who would. Honestly, I don't think it was a great representation of the school.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What aspects of work do you enjoy?
- What aspects of work do you dislike?
Harvard Business School
Learning Technologies Administrator
Mid Difficult Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
The Hiring Manager for this role was pretty nice and professional. The interview process began with a phone interview that was about 30-40 minutes long. Then, there were two one-hour video interviews back-to-back with different groups of people. During these interviews, the questions were more detailed and focused on achievements rather than just functional or technical knowledge. The job was budgeted for one year, and they needed someone willing to relocate to the Boston area. In one of the video interviews, an interviewer was eating the whole time, and then they ended the interview by saying 'good luck finding another job.' I found both of those things to be unprofessional, especially given HBS's reputation.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you describe what constitutes a great team, and share an instance of a great team you've been a part of?
- Tell me about a great team you were a part of and what made it great.
Harvard Business School Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Harvard Business School interview reports.
“Regarding the common saying about customers, what's your take on 'The customer is always right'?”
Read reports →“What are some types of people or tasks you dislike dealing with?”
Read reports →“Are there specific professors or colleagues you're interested in collaborating with?”
Read reports →“Given a list of tasks, how would you decide which to do first and what's your reasoning?”
Read reports →“What are your academic interests and why did you choose your undergraduate or master's college?”
Read report →“Can you share an instance where you made an error in a research project and how you corrected it?”
Read report →“Are you more inclined to concentrate on fine details or adopt a broader, big-picture perspective?”
Read report →“What makes you want to be a Research Associate?”
Read report →“Can you describe what constitutes a great team, and share an instance of a great team you've been a part of?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 101 Harvard Business School interview reports.