How bad is a so-so video interview?

[camus12]

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!

[iphi]

Relax! Remember that everyone is in the same boat as you! They all had the time restrictions, they were all nervous, etc. The graduate school already knows a lot about you (your SoP, LoRs, etc.) - you'll be fine.

[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!

[Munashi]

I second iphi - I am willing to bet that the vast majority of applicants would perform "so-so" and not "FABULOUSLY!!!" under those conditions.

 

I tend to agonize over these things too, so I sympathize with the "trying to let it go" portion of your post.  It's hard to say how much it will affect you but hey - you gave it your best and you probably did better than you think.