How To Ace The INSEAD Video Questions

For the past few years, INSEAD has required candidates to perform an exercise that fills many applicants with anxiety: they have to record off the cuff responses to 4 randomly generated questions, with just 45 seconds to prepare, and 60 seconds to respond to each prompt. Using the Kira Talent platform, these videos provide the Admissions Committee with an unfiltered glimpse of your communication skills and personal style, offering a better understanding of you as an individual.

Purpose Of The Video Requirement

INSEAD introduced this exercise because their admissions interviews are exclusively conducted by alumni, limiting the admissions staff’s direct interaction with applicants. These videos offer the admissions team a valuable opportunity to see the authentic person behind the written application. As a former Assistant Director at INSEAD, I see these videos as a fantastic opportunity to animate your application and present another facet of your candidacy. I have heard from my former colleagues in the school’s admissions team that these brief four-minute recordings often reveal a great deal about a candidate.

How The Videos Are Used In The Evaluation Process

Through INSEAD’s MBA video questions, the school’s admissions committee assesses your confidence, language proficiency, communication style, quick-thinking abilities, and response structure. They also evaluate the quality of your content while considering cultural differences. Candidates should be reassured to know that the school understands the challenge this exercise presents and does not expect flawless performances.

The Kira Talent Process Explained

The INSEAD video link becomes available within an hour after you submit your application. This link to the Kira Talent platform appears on your online dashboard and is also sent via email. Candidates must complete the video between receiving the link and 48 hours after the MBA application deadline. Once the candidate begins the exercise, each question will be displayed on the screen; there will then be 45 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to record an answer. Before beginning, you can practice an unlimited number of times on the Kira Talent platform, which I strongly recommend. Each practice session provides different sample questions.

Preparing For INSEAD’s MBA Video Questions

While you can’t know your exact questions in advance, preparing for a range of topics is essential, similar to any interview. Having worked with numerous INSEAD candidates, I’ve identified common question categories:

– INSEAD Specific

– Personal/Thought Provoking (motivations, values, interests)

– Challenging Situations/Setbacks

– Career Related

– Leadership Examples

– Teamwork Examples

– Accomplishments/Successful Projects

– Cultural Awareness/Diversity (one question always pertains to this theme)

– Business Related

For sample questions provided by candidates who have been through this process before you, read our article INSEAD MBA Video Questions: Tips and Strategy.

Tips For Success

Considering the variety of possible topics, practice is crucial. Record yourself and watch your video, practice with a friend or admissions coach, and use the Kira Talent platform once available. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be, and the better you will present your answers in the allotted 60 seconds.

While focusing on your answers, also prepare for an effective video presentation. Ensure good lighting, excellent sound quality, and a clutter-free background. Focus on the camera and use interesting visuals if appropriate. Caroline Diarte Edwards, former Director of Admissions at INSEAD, offers excellent advice on acing the MBA video essay, including setup and presentation tips.

Final Thoughts

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers to INSEAD’s video questions. The aim is to offer applicants a different medium to interact with the school. It’s a chance to present yourself more directly to the admissions team, showcasing authenticity and your fit for the vibrant INSEAD community and culture. Be yourself, smile, and have fun with it!

If you are preparing for the INSEAD video questions, my colleagues and I would be delighted to help you. Reach out now for a free 30-minute consultation to learn more about how we can guide you through this process and help you put your best foot forward on the day.

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Melissa Jones is an expert coach at MBA admissions coaching firm Fortuna Admissions and former assistant director of the INSEAD MBA Program. For more free advice from Fortuna Admissions in partnership with Poets&Quants, check out these videos and articles. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for a free consultation.