INSEAD MBA Video Interview Questions: Tips and Strategy

The INSEAD’s full-time MBA application requires candidates to submit a video interview as part of the application process. Applicants must answer four random questions in a very short, timed session, as well as one real-time written component. This exercise, submitted via the Kira Talent interview platform, gives the Admissions Committee a fresh, unfiltered sample of your communication style and skills and a chance to learn more about you and understand you better as an individual.

One of the reasons INSEAD Admissions introduced this exercise a few years back was because INSEAD interviews are conducted exclusively by alumni, and the school’s admissions staff rarely interact in person with candidates during the application process. So, the INSEAD MBA video interviews are a wonderful mechanism for the team to get a glimpse of the authentic individual behind the written application.

As the former Assistant Director at INSEAD, I see the videos as an excellent opportunity to bring your application to life and convey another dimension of your candidacy. And indeed I have heard from my former colleagues in the INSEAD admissions team that they can learn a lot about a candidate in these brief four minutes of recordings.

How Does INSEAD Use The Video Interview In The Admissions Process?

Through INSEAD’s MBA video interview questions, the committee aims to evaluate your confidence, language skills, communication style, ability to think quickly and how well you structure your responses. Additionally, they are interested in what the content of your responses say about your overall fit with the INSEAD MBA program and community.

Your video recordings and written submission will be evaluated by your file reader alongside the rest of your application as a part of a holistic review. The video interview can be intimidating, but the school understands that this is a challenging exercise and does not expect candidates to deliver a flawless performance.

See also our INSEAD Application Guide and our INSEAD MBA Essays Tips.

How the Kira Interview Platform Works for INSEAD MBA Applicants

The INSEAD video interview link is available after you submit your application (within an hour). The link is displayed on your online dashboard and is also sent via email.

Candidates must complete the video interview and written component anytime between receiving the video link and 48 hours after the MBA application deadline.

After each question is presented to you on the screen, you will have just 45 seconds to prepare your answer, then 60 seconds to record your answer. For the real-time written question, you will have up to five minutes to write your answer. There is no word limit but we suggest aiming for about 150-250 words.

You will have the opportunity to practice an unlimited number of times on the Kira Talent interview platform, and I highly recommend taking advantage of this! Every time you login to practice, new sample questions are provided.

INSEAD’s MBA Video Interview Questions: What To Expect

There is no way of knowing your question in advance, however you will get one question on the topic of cultural awareness and diversity, and another question around your interests/hobbies. You should prepare to respond to questions on a wide range of topics, as you would for any interview. Having worked with countless INSEAD candidates, I’ve collected the questions they have been asked and I have shared a small selection of sample questions below.

INSEAD MBA Video Question Categories and Samples

INSEAD Specific

What do you envision your first day at INSEAD to look like?
What are the 3 key characteristics that motivated you to apply to INSEAD?

Personal/Thought Provoking

How important is it to have a meaningful life today and tomorrow?
What motivates you the most?

Challenging Situations/Setbacks

Describe a time where you received negative feedback. How did you react?
Describe a time where you had a professional or academic failure; how did you deal with it?

Career Related

What makes you look forward to your day at work?
What was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make in your professional career so far, and why?

Leadership

What are the values you exhibit as a leader? Give examples.
What type of leader are you?

Teamwork

A team member has a tendency to monopolize discussions. How would you address this?
How would you approach a discussion with a team member in a group project who isn’t pulling their weight?

Accomplishments/Successful Projects

Tell us about a time you solved a problem creatively.
What is the project you’ve worked on that has required the most imagination/inventiveness?

Cultural Awareness/Diversity

How does your cultural identity make you unique? How do you deal with people from a different cultural background?
Has interacting with people from different cultures made you feel closer or further away from your own? Please elaborate.

Extra-Curriculars/Interests/Hobbies

How important is it for you to contribute to society?
What is a hobby or interest you spend a significant amount of time on?

Business Related

Do companies have social and environmental responsibilities? If so, what should they be doing?
In your opinion, what sectors (or profession) would benefit most from artificial intelligence?

Expert Tips For Acing Your INSEAD Video Interview

Your INSEAD MBA video interview is your one opportunity to be seen directly by the admissions file reader. So it can become one of your best chances to stand out. The key to performing well lies in thoughtful preparation and authentic delivery. Here’s how to make your INSEAD MBA video interview shine.

1. Don’t Just Rehearse – Dress Rehearse

Brainstorming answers isn’t enough. Practice out loud, in timed conditions, to simulate the real 45-second prep and 60-second response format. Record yourself in single takes and review your tone, pacing, and body language.
The best preparation is practice, practice, practice. You can do this on your own and with a coach who can give expert feedback (I suggest signing up for our hourly services for one-on-one prep). And be sure to rehearse on the Kira Talent platform itself once you have access. The more you practice, the more natural and confident you’ll feel when it counts.

2. Build a Toolkit of Go-To Stories

Because the questions are random, you can’t predict them – but you can prepare a foundation of flexible examples. Develop 5–6 short stories that reflect your leadership, teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, and personal growth. These stories are your toolkit: they can be adapted to fit many different prompts and help you think on your feet. For inspiration, see our article on How to Prepare for an MBA Interview, which covers how to build and refine your personal story bank.

3. Smile Like You Mean It

Talking to a screen can make anyone feel stiff or robotic, but smiling transforms your energy and helps you appear confident and approachable. Even if it feels exaggerated, a genuine smile projects warmth, enthusiasm, and engagement – qualities INSEAD values in its globally minded community. Remember: you’re speaking to people, not a computer.

4. Mind Your Presence

Your body language communicates as much as your words. Sit tall, lean slightly forward to convey energy, and keep your gestures natural. Make eye contact with the camera lens. Visualize that you’re having a conversation with a trusted friend – it can help you appear more relaxed and authentic.

5. Structure Your Responses

In a 60-second time frame, structure is everything. A simple framework – such as Situation-Task-Action-Result (STAR) – keeps your answers clear and easy to follow. Open with a sentence of context, focus on what you did, and close with your key takeaway. Practicing concise phrasing will help your message land before the timer runs out.

6. Aim for Polish, Not Perfection

Don’t try to script any responses. The most compelling video interviews are conversational and spontaneous, while still being thoughtful and well-structured. Speak clearly and at a natural pace. Don’t worry about flawless delivery – INSEAD’s file readers know this is a high-pressure exercise. They’re not looking for perfection; they’re looking for genuine, articulate candidates who think clearly and connect authentically.

7. Pay Attention to Technical and Visual Details

Lighting: Use soft, indirect light in front of you (avoid sitting with your back to a window).
Setting: Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a simple background and position your camera at eye level for a natural, conversational angle.
Audio: Use a quality microphone or headset if possible.
Framing: Keep your face centered and avoid too much empty space above your head.
Attire: Dress professionally but comfortably – what you’d wear to a regular interview. See out our article on How to Dress for an MBA Interview.
Timing: Complete your Kira Talent interview well before the 48-hour post-deadline window to avoid last-minute stress or technical issues.

8. Stay Authentic

There are no “right” or “wrong” answers to the INSEAD MBA video interview questions. The admissions team is looking for real, reflective people – those who can think on their feet, communicate clearly across cultures, and bring something unique to the INSEAD classroom. Be yourself, express genuine enthusiasm, and show what motivates you. Finally, relax and have fun with it!

How To Ace INSEAD’s Timed Written Component

You’ll receive one written question to answer in real time after completing your video responses. You’ll have up to five minutes to compose and submit your response. There’s no official word limit, but most strong answers fall in the 150–250 word range. The question may touch on business judgment, leadership, current events, or personal reflection. Examples of real questions asked to our clients include:

What are the key elements and aspects of establishing and running a successful business?
If you won 10 million dollars, what would you do with it?

What INSEAD Is Looking For

The written exercise isn’t a test of your typing speed or grammar perfection: it’s about how you think, organize ideas, and communicate under pressure. INSEAD Admissions uses it to assess:

Clarity of thought: How well you express ideas in a logical, concise way.
Analytical ability: Whether you can structure an argument or support a point of view.
Professional communication style: How naturally and professionally you communicate your ideas in writing.

Think of it as a mini essay that reveals your thought process and ability to communicate effectively.

How To Prepare

While you can’t predict the exact prompt, you can absolutely prepare for success:

Practice timed writing. Set a timer for five minutes and respond to open-ended questions about leadership, ethics, or business topics. This helps you build comfort with thinking and typing quickly.
Use a clear structure. Aim for a short opening statement, two or three supporting points, and a concise conclusion. This demonstrates organization and analytical thinking.
Stay calm and focused. Read the prompt carefully before you start writing, and take 15–20 seconds to outline your key ideas before typing.
Keep your tone professional and positive. Avoid slang or overly casual phrasing — write as you would in a polished business email or MBA classroom discussion.
Proofread if time allows. In the final 20–30 seconds, scan for typos or unclear sentences.

Let’s Get You Into INSEAD

If you’d like to practice live with a Fortuna coach, explore our Hourly Coaching Services. We’d love to help you make your INSEAD MBA video interview a chance to bring your application to life and to let your energy, curiosity, and personality shine through. Our free consultations are consistently rated the best in the industry – and they’re a great way to get personalized advice and honest feedback on your profile. Book your free session with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of qualities is INSEAD looking for in the video interview responses?

INSEAD uses the video interview to get a sense of who you are beyond your written application – how you communicate, think on your feet, and engage with others. INSEAD Admissions looks for qualities that reflect INSEAD’s values: authenticity, cultural curiosity, self-awareness, leadership potential, and strong interpersonal skills.

They’re not expecting a flawless, rehearsed performance. Instead, they want to see genuine enthusiasm, clear communication, and the ability to express your thoughts in a concise and structured way. Candidates who come across as reflective, open-minded, and globally aware tend to stand out as strong fits for INSEAD’s international community.

How can I stand out from other applicants in my INSEAD video interview?

The best way to stand out is by being authentic and engaging. Show your personality and motivation rather than trying to deliver the “perfect” answer. Smile, make eye contact with the camera, and speak with energy — your goal is to make the viewer feel like they’re meeting the real you.

Structure your responses clearly (for example, using the Situation-Task–Action–Result framework) and support your points with brief, specific examples. Draw on your global perspective, leadership experiences, or times you’ve thrived in diverse teams — these are the stories that resonate most with INSEAD.
Finally, practice on the Kira Talent platform to build comfort with the timing and format. Confidence and naturalness on camera come from repetition.

What common mistakes should I avoid during the INSEAD MBA video interview?

Common pitfalls include:
– Poor technical setup: Dim lighting, weak audio, or a distracting background can undermine your message.
– Overly long or unfocused answers: Remember, you only have 60 seconds and you’ll get cut off at that point. Keep your answers clear and to the point.
– Lack of presence: Failing to smile, flat vocal delivery and stiff body language can all undermine your message.
– Neglecting to practice: Many candidates underestimate how different it feels to respond on camera under time pressure.
Focus on clarity, composure, and connection — that’s what makes an impact.

How important is the video interview compared to other parts of the application?

The video interview is one component of INSEAD’s holistic admissions review. It won’t outweigh your essays, recommendations, or professional track record, but it gives valuable insight into how you present yourself — an element the committee can’t see in writing.

Because INSEAD interviews are conducted by alumni, the video interview is often the only opportunity for the Admissions Office to see and hear you directly. A strong performance can reinforce your written application by highlighting communication skills, confidence, and fit with INSEAD’s collaborative culture.
Think of it as your chance to bring your application to life.

Can I re-record or retake the INSEAD MBA video interview if I’m not satisfied with my first attempt?

No – once you’ve started your official Kira Talent session, your responses are recorded in real time and cannot be redone. However, you can complete unlimited practice sessions before beginning the official recording. Take full advantage of this feature to get comfortable with the format and timing before you begin.

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