Applying to multiple MBA programs may feel like preparing to run a marathon – requiring loads of dedication, resilience and thorough preparation.
In addition to the required MBA application components, some of the business schools have an additional video requirement using the Kira Talent Platform – which has become another crucial part of the application process.
How does the Kira assessment work?
Usually, after submitting your MBA application and paying your application fees, you’ll receive the link to complete the Kira assessment. You’ll be allotted a certain amount of time (depending on the business school) for completing and submitting it.
For example, INSEAD gives you 48 hours after the MBA application deadline to complete the video interview, while in case of McCombs, you’ll get 7 days, after receiving access to the platform, for completing the assessment.
However, the process could slightly vary like in the case of the Oxford MBA, the Kira assessment has to be submitted before the application deadline.
You will receive the Kira link (can take up to 24 hours) after you’ve completed the application and uploaded both of your referee email addresses and submitted your CV. So, you need to plan and accommodate your submissions accordingly, before your application deadline.
The Kira assessment may include the on-demand timed video and/or written responses.
1. Kira video questions
Here, you’d be provided with randomly-selected questions from the question bank. The questions would vary and are usually pre-recorded by the school.
There will be fixed time allotted for preparation as well as recording responses. The number of questions and the time provided to answer these would also vary depending on the school.
The question would be displayed on the screen throughout your preparation and response time. You’d also be able to keep a track of the time remaining, on the screen.
For example, in case of INSEAD, students must record responses to 4 questions. The questions would vary for each candidate. There’s a 45 seconds preparation time for each response and 60 seconds for recording it.
At Yale, you’ll have a set of 3 questions – similar to typical interview questions with 20-30 seconds preparation time and 60-90 seconds (depending on the question) for each response.
Quoting Moonie Phantharath, associate director of admissions at Yale “The video questions help to give us a more dynamic view of you as an applicant. We get a peek into how you might act in an interview setting and get to learn more about you”.
2. Kira written questions
Here, applicants are required to write down timed responses to the questions provided. There’s no video involved and no preparation time as well. However, you’d be provided with a longer response time.
For example, at the University of Toronto – Rotman, in addition to 2 video interview questions, there is a new timed written response component (10 minutes in length).
Kira assessment FAQs
Do I get practice sessions?
Yes, in fact, there are many questions in the practice session and you can practice answering different question as many times as you wish to. Practicing can make you feel comfortable and familiar with the interface.
You can also replay your responses to check the audio and video quality as well as get an idea of the areas that you could improve on. No one except you would be able to see your recorded practice responses.
Why this additional video essay?
The Kira video assessment brings a new depth to the admissions process. It helps assess candidates beyond the traditional metrics which is why many schools have integrated Kira interviews into their admissions process. Since the responses are impromptu with limited preparation time, it allows a more holistic and authentic assessment of various aspects of a candidate’s personality.
These video assessments allow schools understand how well candidates can think on their feet. They also help schools evaluate various traits like verbal communication skills (clarity and coherence), problem-solving and critical thinking, leadership potential, maturity, genuine interest as well as fit with the program.
In schools like INSEAD, the admissions committee does not get a chance to see the candidates as the interviews are completely alumni-driven. So, this video interview gives them the chance to see the person behind the application.
“It shouldn’t be a stress test. That’s not the idea. We rarely see them in admissions” Says Virginie Fougea, former global director of admissions at INSEAD, “We wanted to understand their motivations, but we discovered much more.”
List of top schools that use Kira video interview
| Business School | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | INSEAD | France, Singapore |
| 2. | Kellogg | USA |
| 3. | Yale | USA |
| 4. | London Business School | UK |
| 5. | Oxford – Said | UK |
| 6. | Imperial College | UK |
| 7. | University of Washington – Foster | USA |
| 8. | IE Business School | Spain |
| 9. | Washington University – Olin | USA |
| 10. | Toronto – Rotman | Canada |
| 11. | Boston – Questrom | USA |
| 12. | Ohio – Fisher | USA |
| 13. | Western – Ivey | Canada |
| 14. | Queen’s University – Smith | Canada |
| 15. | Boston – Questrom | USA |
| 16. | UT Austin – McCombs | USA |
Kira video: Preparation before the interview
1. Place: Choose to complete your interview in a quiet place, where you can focus without any loud sounds, noise or distractions in the background. Close the windows if it’s too noisy outside.
2. Background: Opt for a neutral, background – a plain wall would do the job and give a professional feel rather than clutter in the background.
3. Lighting: Natural light is preferred and you should be seated so that light falls on your face so that your face is clearly visible.
4. Dressing: Choose a comfortable attire – business casuals usually work. Also check if your school has any specific instructions on how you’re required to dress.
5. Testing: Check your microphone for clarity, sound quality. Also, ensure that you have a high-speed internet connection. You’d need a laptop or desktop computer, you cannot use your mobile phone.
6. Camera: You’ve to maintain eye contact with the camera and not the screen. So, position yourself at a comfortable angle and distance so that your face and shoulders are visible on the camera and at the same time, you’re able to read the screen.
7. Preparing notes: You can note down some key points if it helps, but during the recording, focus on conveying your point clearly and confidently – rather than having to refer often to your prepared notes.
Tips for KIRA video interviews
1. Make use of the STAR method
STAR method (STAR is an acronym for: Situation, Task, Action, Result): This effective method can be used for structuring your responses and creating an impactful narrative.
Situation: Provide background information or the context
Task: Explain what your responsibility or goal was
Action: Describe your specific contribution /action and how you completed the task.
Result: Mention the outcome of your action. Focus on highlighting measurable results, and key lessons you learned from the experience.
The STAR method can be used for behavioral interview questions that involve storytelling on how you handled a certain situation in the past. It helps you organize your thoughts and come up with a coherent response. These questions usually begin with prompts like:
- Tell me about a time when ….
- What do you do when ….
- Describe a time/situation when ….
- Give an example of a situation where ….
2. Prepare well, but don’t overdo it
‘Practice makes perfect’ – so go ahead and practice with sample questions so that you’re comfortable with the format including the time constraints. Practicing can help you hone your responses so that they are concise and effective.
This also helps reduce anxiety and helps build your confidence. You can use these practice sessions to look out for areas that need improvement.
However, make it a point to let your ideas flow naturally instead of sounding too rehearsed and robotic during the final recording.
3. Answer the question asked
It’s important to stay focused and on topic. Take a moment to identify the specific focus of the question asked: whether it’s your strength, motivation or problem-solving skill.
You may likely go off on a tangent when you’re familiar with a topic. So, it’s necessary to aim for brevity and stay focused.
4. Provide real-life examples
You have to ‘show’ rather than ‘tell.’ The admissions committee want to hear your story and know what you’ve accomplished, so think of how you can tie each question to your own experiences.
Sample Kira interview questions for practice
- What word describes you best and why?
- Why do you want to attend our program?
- How would our school help you achieve your career goals?
- What makes you a good candidate for our MBA program?
- How do you work under pressure?
- What are your short and long-term career goals?
- What is your greatest strength and weakness?
- Describe a time when you were a leader
- Describe a situation where you had to defend a decision you have made and what was the outcome
- Tell me about a time when you went out of your way to help someone who wasn’t a friend or family member
While working on your main application, if you’ve done the groundwork well, you will find it easier to handle Kira video interviews.
Applicants who work with MBA Crystal Ball complete a ‘Meet Me’ document that helps them discover a super-set of aspects about their profile. This helps us recommend the best positioning for them in the essays, as well as actual (adcom or alumni led) interviews or Kira interviews.
Also read:
– Tips to tackle video essay questions in MBA applications
– How to talk about weaknesses in MBA essays and interviews
– Job interview tips for international MBA students
– Tell Me About Yourself: Common MBA Interview Questions
– Difficult MBA interview questions and answer tips for some tough and tricky ones
