Sometimes, when applying to b-schools, you have to pass a video interview. This baffles many potential students, as the format is not very popular. So, let’s answer some questions regarding video interviews.
The immediate questions when you find a video interview section would be:
- who is the man watching those videos?
- where do they get those questions?
- how much should I care for my answers?
To answer all these questions, David Singh from Kira Academic (the company who provides support for those videos at top b-schools) has given an interview.
Singh explained that to make up the interview questions they have to keep contact with admissions staff. Every business school needs a unique set of questions, representing its views and goals. That is, everything they ask depends on what kind of people the school needs – leaders, managers, entrepreneurs.
According to Singh, every school wants a nice story from their potential students – so you have to be prepared for talking about yourself, your achievements and failures and the life lessons drawn from them.
Basically, it’s your typical essay. All differences lie in the format: you have no more than a minute for your well-prepared and convincing speech about yourself.
The most important tip here would be not to forget about being yourself. The school doesn’t want an unemotional and well-rehearsed presentation; they hope to see a glimpse of the real person who endeavors to become a student. So, don’t be afraid to smile, look at the imaginary listener, and be overall positive.
What small things are important when having this type of interview? First of all, don’t forget your time (60 seconds, remember). If your response takes less than that, fine. Just don’t trail off. Again, if you look straight into the camera (and sit closer to it), it helps the admissions staff to see you more clearly.
Another very important piece of advice: be honest about yourself. It’s essentially the same process as when you apply for a job in a top company: you have to sell your skills at a high price, but lying is out of question. Be ready to look deep inside yourself, think hard about why you qualify as a candidate. Remember that many people want to enter a top b-school, but not many qualify. Prove that you will be an asset to your prospective university.
To answer the last question – about people who watch your video interview and assess you – there can be more than one or two of them. Often, schools send your response not only to the admissions team, but also to professors, lecturers, alumni or even someone from the student body. Don’t be surprised or alarmed – that’s precisely why the video format was selected. Think about it: who would read a long essay written by a prospective candidate, if they can just watch a short video? Hence, the school has a chance to involve not only the admissions committee, but people who have other things to do, such as faculty and alumni.
All of the above prompts Singh to believe that video interviews are the future of admissions. Quoting him, it will be ‘the new normal’. First, schools were reluctant to use this format limiting it only to interviewing foreign candidates. But now it is becoming more and more popular with top universities. It is much more efficient and lets you see who you’re admitting – based on the video performance you can predict how this person will behave during a class discussion.
According to David Singh, to make a good video presentation of yourself, you need to rehearse as much as possible. The Kira Academic platform has such options, and more. You can get adjusted to the format and then record your perfect video.
The last piece of advice Singh gives to future students is to communicate with alumni and learn whether you belong to the school you want to get into. Singh believes it’s much better than just use the help of consultants, as former students will give you first-person insight and practical advice you won’t get anywhere else.
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