Video Essays:
Video essays are used to gauge presentability of a candidate. For international students, they check language skills and make sure the candidate is fluent in English.
The questions are simple questions and no prep is necessary. However, it’s important to do a few mock essays to make sure you are comfortable with this type of interview.
Tips:
Be authentic.
Dress for success.
Make eye-contact: Look at the camera, not at your keyboard :)
Make sure to use facial expressions, hand gestures to avoid looking like a robot.
A little sense of humor goes a long way. Don’t go overboard!
Make sure you have a proper background. I have seen candidates display their trophies, family pictures, a backdrop of the school or books.
Test your laptop beforehand, make sure technology works.
Practice a few questions. Give yourself 60-90 seconds to answer the questions.
Sample questions:
Introduce yourself to your future classmates at target school.
Share a favorite childhood memory or a tradition.
You just ran into someone who works at your dream company, give the person your elevator pitch.
How would your colleagues describe you?
Share a favorite quote.
Who has influenced you most in your life?
Talk about your favorite book or movie.
Who’s your best friend?
How would you choose your teammates?
Have you ever had to work with someone who had a very different perspective than yours? How did you work through your differences?
How would your previous manager describe you?
Timed Essay:
After you complete your video essays, you will be prompted to your timed essay. You will have 10 minutes to read and answer the question. You will be given one opportunity to write, edit and submit.
This is a tricky component especially for nonnative speakers. You need to make sure your language is overall aligned with your essays. Making minor mistakes is ok-even native speakers make mistakes-however if there is a big discrepancy between your traditional essays and timed essay, it is a big red flag.
The only way to practice is to time yourself at home to get used to writing under pressure.
Sample prompts:
Craft a follow up email to a school representative you met at the local MBA fair to reiterate your interest in the school and program.
Craft an email to an alumnus/alumna to invite for an informational interview.
Craft a thank you email to an employer after an interview.
Craft a thank you email to the admissions officer who just interviewed you.
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