Did Pandemic Upgrade College Interviews?

Sahar Kebriaei
Oct 17, 2020
6 min read

Updated: Oct 18, 2020

Introducing a new platform for online interviews.

This morning I woke up to an interview invitation from USC school of dentistry! Yes, I thought I was dreaming, but no! It's actually happening! I had a whirlwind of emotions tho when reading the email. I started off being excited, then confused, stressed, and almost freaking out towards the end. So, yeah we'll see how that goes!

The interview has two parts and the first part includes something called Kira Video Interview. Is it just me or you haven't heard of it either? If you're shaking your head then let me explain.

Kira Talent Who?

Kira Talent is basically a video interview platform that has lately become popular among schools to interview potential applicants. In fact, this platform is used in Canada, Europe, and of course, American Schools, such as USC, which as I described, is the first portion of their interview process.

By using such a platform, schools are able to have a holistic review of the applicant and test the poor applicant's (me) communication skills, problem-solving ability, and other major qualities that would provide them with a better understanding of who the applicant is as a person, aside from grades and volunteering hours on the paper.

While online interviews may seem just as scary, Kira Interview is actually meant to make interviewing applicants much easier and more of a pleasant experience. This is achieved by allowing the applicant to use some time and prepare their response, practice, and thus be more confident before the actual interview.

I should also point out that the alumni and some other faculty members may also review the recorded interviews and participate in determining the final decision and ultimately whether the applicant has the qualities the school is looking for.

But, let's just be honest! How can they not want a sweet sweet Persian soul like me right? Right!

Ready, Set, Show Off!

My interview date is a week from now and I have to prepare for it to not sound like a lost soul with bangs (if you know me you know). So, let me go over the interview process in case we are in the same boat.

First, you need to have, of course, a computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone. Don't have that? Then at least some kind of functioning phone that doesn't add 10 lb to your face and has a working front camera.

Next, you have to actually register for the interview with an email ID and follow the steps to get ready to begin the process which starts off with some practice sessions first. Sweet right!

Practice sessions are meant for us to familiarize ourselves with the interview while also making sure that our camera and mic are working. Once done with the practice portion, you may start the interview at the assigned time.

Thank god mine is in the afternoon so I won't look like a hungover frog with, of course, messed up bangs.

Now let's move on to the scary part! And no, that has nothing to do with the Halloween coming up! (so cheesy)

As for the questions, god knows what questions I will get! There will be 2–6 questions taken at random from a database, so you might get some easy ones and some awkward ones as well. Yes, the ones that you have no answer to except: um, yeah, actually, I guess, you know I don't know! You better prepare beforehand so you know what you don't know!

I am somehow familiar with the questions as I have done scholarship interviews in the past. They are not all scary and confusing. I think I won everyone only by being myself and giving honest answers.

As for Kira Interview, the questions are not all verbal and some might be written as well. Yet, you will be given a short time to prepare your answers before either typing it or explaining it to the camera - and the imaginary interviewer. So, don't worry if you are fixing your lipstick, your hair, or talking nonsense to yourself during the preparation time because it won't be recorded and you will have a count down before starting the actual interview.

Go Loco With Your Answers! (not too much tho!)

The following list covers some of the questions they might ask during Kira Interview. Remember that I have not yet had the interview and I am not sure what kind of questions are asked, but according to the internet gods, these are some of the potential ones that you might need to prepare an answer for:

How do you work under pressure?
Tell me about a time when you had many tasks you had to work on at the same time. How did you prioritize?
Tell me about a time when you had to make a quick decision? What were the circumstances and what did you do?
Describe an accomplishment that has given you the most satisfaction and why?
Tell us something about yourself that we cannot find in your application.
How would you describe yourself?
Tell us about a person or an event that has been influential in your personal development.
How do you think a close family member or friend would describe you?How would you define leadership?
Tell me about a time when you went out of your way to help a colleague or a client.
Tell me about a time when you worked successfully as a part of a team.
Tell me about a time when you were the only person holding an idea you felt strongly about. How did you share your position? What was the outcome?
Tell me about a time when you and another individual had to compromise to reach an agreement. How did you reach the agreement?
Do you think social responsibility should always take precedence over profit? Why or why not?
How would you explain Facebook to your grandma?
What is the most #1 song played on your laptop?

Like I showed off before, I have had a scholarship interview and I am familiar with preparing for such interviews that determine either your entry to a school or end up awarding you with $4000!

In my opinion, preparing for such interviews takes some time and energy, yet a crazy amount of imagination. You need to come up with unique, creative answers. Yes, think out of the box; be weird; say something that they will never forget, and even tell their wife or kids later at home.

But whatever you do, don't take it as a joke! This determines your future so be careful with words as this is the time that they actually matter the most, not when breaking up with your toxic ex. So, choose your answers wisely but also make sure to speak as eloquently as possible, and of course, have your chin up, or else the crown slips!

Practice Like Deniro Practiced "You Talking To Me?"

Let me be serious for once! Here are some actual tips.

First of all, make a Google doc and type all the potential questions you might be asked. Yes, Google them, as if you are finding that exam answer on Chegg! Find as many questions as you can and try coming up with interesting, well-thought answers, that while being informative, are still a bit funny and engaging.

Don't write essays!

Just simple short answers. The goal is to try your best and sell yourself to them so imagine you are impressing your crush all over again! Once you have your list and answers ready, go put on your suit and practice in the mirror, or with your mom, your webcam, your dog, and share your answers with others to make sure they actually make sense and you sound sane.

Done? you should be almost ready then!

And I say almost because I did everything possible to prepare for my scholarship interview and I was still surprised with a question that I had no answer prepared for. Most of the questions in the list shown above were asked in my interview, yet the last question was about what I have learned from this pandemic!

And, no! I couldn't say "not to forget my mask when going to Target!" You have to be smart and quick on your feet. Use all those crazy things you've heard from guys on dates about cars, money, and things you have probably nodded to while listening but actually didn't care enough to learn.

For me, I got lucky! One of the guys who ended up becoming my good friend would not stop talking about the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad! Hey Pat! You quoting that book every day made me $4500 richer!

Not to be mean, but I cannot tell you what I ended up saying! Sorry to disappoint, but if there is one thing I learned from my college life is that the application process is very competitive so whatever answer you come up with, DONT SHARE IT, especially with your predental or premedical friends.

You will simply no longer stand out anymore! So, if Pat had talked to my friends and if they were as smart as me (lol) we would come up with the same answer and I wouldn't be as unique!

Now you know what Kira Interview is all about!

You are now free to go practice for that interview and no, do not try jumping off a cliff. It is not worth it! You made it here and you will make it again. So get it together and go kill that interview! I will too. Deal?

Cheers,

Sahara K.

References:

Cushman, Emilie. Kira Talent Admissions Resources, 28 May 2020, blog.kiratalent.com/document-review-question-sequences-and-overall-communication-scores-whats-new-in-kira/.
“Master The Kira Talent Interview-Question List & Answer Tips.” MIM, 31 Mar. 2020, www.mim-essay.com/kira-talent-video-interview-questions/.