If you’re applying to UBC Sauder School of Business’s Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program, your Personal Profile will include a video interview section. You’ll be asked to provide on-camera responses to two pre-recorded formal questions. We’ve created these tips to help you prepare for, and create, a strong video. Read on for more information!
Why is the video interview important?
In the BCom program, collaboration, in-class discussion, and public speaking are daily activities. Your ability to listen to others and to communicate your thoughts and ideas clearly are essential to your success, and, in many cases, the success of your team during group work.
If you’re intimidated by the thought of speaking on camera, don’t worry. The questions will relate to your personal experiences and opinions, so there are no wrong answers. In fact, the video interview is a great opportunity for you to showcase how you can think critically, perform under pressure, and stand out from other applicants.
How to create your video interview
Within your Personal Profile, you’ll be directed to a separate online video-interview platform. Be sure to:
- Read all instructions thoroughly.
- Allow yourself ample time to test your recording equipment. Check if both your camera and microphone are functioning and recording properly.
- Try a practice question before recording responses to two formal pre-recorded interview questions.
- Once you have successfully recorded your responses to both formal interview questions, copy the personalized link for the video interview provided on the final confirmation page and paste it into your UBC online application where indicated.
Please keep in mind that you’ll only have one attempt to respond to each formal question. Once you’ve started to view a question, you won’t be able to pause or replay it. You’ll be given 30 seconds to think about your answer, and up to 90 seconds to record it.
Tips for creating your video interview
- Take time to reflect. Think about past challenges, achievements, strengths, and beliefs.
- Create the best recording space possible. Close all other browser windows and programs on your device. Make sure there’s good lighting in front of you. Silence all audible alarms and alerts. Eliminate loud background noises, and make sure you are free from other distractions.
- Be confident. Maintain good posture, smile, and present yourself professionally. You’ll find these simple actions will put you in the right mindset to deliver a natural response. Do not read from prepared statements or notes.
- Don’t dwell on mistakes. Natural speech isn’t always perfect – the occasional “umm” or mispronounced word is commonplace and to be expected. If you misspeak during your response, take a moment, breathe, and keep going. Remember, you’ll have just one attempt to answer each formal question – there are no do-overs.
- Be authentic. One of the reasons we’ve incorporated the video interview into your application is to get to know you better. Don’t tell us what you think we want to hear; tell us what you want us to know about you.
We’re looking forward to learning more about you. Good luck!