camus12

Thanks iphi! The reassurance is very helpful and much appreciated! The program is HR/Business so I feel like there's extra pressure to present well in the interview, but you're right everyone is getting scrutinized in these same tough interview conditions. My fiance said the only place that interview format is applicable in real life is in Family Feud. LOL!

Just did a pretaped video interview to complete my application. The questions were read, then you were immediately on film for a timed 1 minute to give a response. This was really nerve-wracking and I feel like I did worse than I normally do in an in person interview. How bad is this really counting against me? I didn't do terrible..there were only about 6 questions. The first was (in one minute) walk them through your resume from undergrad to any other school or jobs to your current position.. this was nearly impossible for me to fit in one minute and I don't see how my answer had any added value to my application. I feel like I completely dropped one question (an easy one, how would your boss describe you in 3 words) based on pure nerves; I missed the chance to really highlight my strengths and gave a nervous slightly babbling (haha) answer. I felt good about 3 other questions, and felt so-so on a 4th. Had time left so added something but didn't explain it how I really wanted and I feel like I might have given the wrong impression. I was trying to convey my reasons for wanting to attend grad school but I feel I may have inadvertently made it sound like I'm not ready to commit to work (which is the opposite, leaving paying work is a drawback obviously!!). Overall, I feel like I put up some good answers, especially about why I want to attend that particular program, but missed the chance to really sell myself and drive home my passion and abilities. I typically feel good after interviews and they are a strong point of mine, but I'm really unnerved by this one. The also told me to put aside a half hour to complete it, but it was over within 10 minutes. I was like ugh wait that's it??? I didn't say anything I was trying to say!! No "Any questions for us" of course, no "is there anything else you'd like to add?". Very frustrating! My other parts are good- my GREs are above their average, my GPA is on point, I feel like I conveyed my points in my SOP, and my references are good. How much do you think this interview counts? I definitely didn't knock it out of the park (which is frustrating because I really practiced and was prepared but just kind of cracked under the pressure!). Trying to let it go, but looking for some input from others like yourselves who have been there! Thanks!

Just received notice that I now need to submit a video interview for my application. The questions are pre-recorded and you're to answer them on the spot in front of the webcam. It's like an interview in that you have one chance to hear the questions and then answer immediately, except of course you're talking to your own image in the webcam. This sounds incredibly nerve-wracking to me! They say "The best preparation for the interview is to be able to articulate your background, professional and personal experiences, and reasons for your interest" Has anyone else had to do this? Any tips?

thanks for your reply! i will take those points into consideration as I decide. the school actually only wants 2 references total and does not allow extra.

I'm applying to a program that says they prefer academic references over professional ones but that professional is accepted. They said they want to know about us in an academic setting. I have one good academic reference, but I think my current boss knows me much better than anyone that would do a 2nd letter (even more than the 1st prof I'm asking). I've worked under him closely for 1 year now and I know for a fact he has a lot of respect for my work and intelligence. So what's better, the academic reference they prefer- which would end up being a decent one, or a professional reference that isn't their first choice, but would be the most personal and detailed. Thoughts?