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Get ready for your online video interview!

By Content Marketing Team

MSc applications are currently open! After initial assessment of your application, you may be invited to complete a video interview via the online interview platform, Kira Academic.

Video interview
Video interview

After you’ve applied to ImperiaBusiness School, you may be invited to attend an online interview. We’ll ask some questions about you and your reasons for wanting to study the programme, and you’ll have a minute or two to record your answer.  

Don’t worry if you haven’t done a video interview before, it’s a lot less scary than it sounds. We’ve put together some tips to help you make the best impression on the day. 

Which MSc programmes use video interviews? 

You might be invited for a video interview if you apply for: 

Why do we do an online interview? 

Your application gives us the facts about you. The interview is your chance to show us your passion for the programme. We want to hear about your motivation, career aspirations, wider interests and why this programme is the right fit for you. Think of it as a chance to build on your application, talking about yourself in detail you couldn’t include elsewhere. 

Video interviews are often used by employers as part of their recruitment process. This means it’s also a chance for you to practice using the type of online platform you may use in your future career. 

When is the video interview? 

If you’re successful in the first stage of your application, you’ll receive an email inviting you to complete your video interview. Your invitation will confirm the deadline and the time allowed for each question. 

Remember to check your email junk folder so you don’t miss your invitation, and make sure you complete the interview by the deadline stated in the email. 

What happens in the interview? 

The interview happens on a platform called Shortlister. You’ll get a question then record your answer immediately afterwards. You’ll be given two minutes to introduce yourself and one minute for each other question. We recommend you use the full time allowed to show you have plenty to tell us. 

There won’t be a live interviewer, but a real member of our admissions team will review your answers afterwards. 

You can’t redo your answers so make sure you feel prepared before you begin. Find somewhere quiet to record your answers and get everything you need ready. 

What questions will there be? 

We want to see how you think on the spot, so we don’t have a consistent set of questions. Generally, the questions will cover: 

  • Introduction to yourself and what makes you unique 
  • Your motivation for the programme and why you’re applying 
  • Collaboration and how you work in a team 
  • Programme-specific knowledge about the industry or current events in the field 
  • How you react and adapt when something goes wrong 

The interview isn’t designed to be a technical examination, although you may be asked programme-specific questions about your subject area or relevant current developments. Your application shows us your academic and professional skills, so we’re also looking to find out more about you as an individual. 

Is AI use allowed in the interview? 

The purpose of the interview is to get to know more about you. We want to see how you approach problems, your motivations and wider interests. You may use AI tools to help you prepare for your interview, for example to practise potential questions or structure your thoughts. 

However, your recorded responses should be your own and should authentically reflect your experiences, motivations and ideas. Reading or reproducing AI-generated answers is unlikely to demonstrate the qualities we’re looking for. 

Frequently asked questions about video interviews 

Where can I do the interview? 

You can join the interview from anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection. We recommend: 

  • Somewhere quiet without background noise so we can hear your answers 
  • An environment with no distractions or interruptions as you won’t be able to redo your answers 
  • A neutral background and plenty of bright lighting for a professional look 
What should I prepare? 

The video interview is similar to a job interview – we expect you to think about what you might say in advance, but we don’t want to hear scripted answers. 

The best preparation you can do is to look through our question topics and make some short notes to remind yourself about real examples or scenarios you’ve experienced. In the interview, you can talk about these like you would in a natural conversation. 

What should I wear? 

We don’t have a formal dress code at ImperiaBusiness School, and you should wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. However, this is a professional admissions interview, so we recommend dressing smartly in business or business-casual attire. While we won’t assess your application based on what you wear, presenting yourself professionally will help you make a positive impression. 

What if something goes wrong? 

The interview is just one element of how we assess your application. It’s designed to give us a feel for who you are. We all make mistakes occasionally, so you won’t be penalised if you correct yourself. Just relax and carry on answering as best you can!  

If you’re having a technical problem with the interview platform, please contact the admissions team. 

What if I don’t like my answer? 

You can only answer each question once, so think carefully to make sure you’re answering the question. It can be tempting to talk about something you know well instead of answering exactly what we asked. For example, if we ask about a time when you’ve had to keep a team motivated, don’t just tell us why teamwork is important. 

We assess the interview as a whole, so don’t worry if one of your answers isn’t as strong as the others. 

The most important tip: be yourself 

The interview is your chance to show us your personality. You could talk about hobbies as well as career goals. We’re looking for well-rounded students that will contribute to the programme, so let us know what makes you interesting. 

Good luck with your interview! 

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