Alternatively, our experienced tutors can coach you through timed mock interviews and provide targeted feedback on strategy, tone and delivery, so you feel confident performing under pressure.
Imperial College Business School has announced a key change to its interview process for Management postgraduate courses. The university has replaced the Kira Talent video interview with Shortlister, which now includes a written task alongside the interview.
This update applies to Management courses at Imperial, including:
- MSc Investment & Wealth Management.
- MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management.
- MSc International Management.
- MSc Management.
- MSc Strategic Marketing.
What’s Changed: Kira Talent vs Shortlister
Previously, Imperial used Kira Talent: an online video interview system where applicants recorded timed video and written responses to set questions. Starting with this admissions cycle, Imperial has moved to Shortlister, which introduces a written component as part of the interview.
While the video portion remains, applicants will now also be asked to complete a written assessment. Based on reports from successful candidates, Kira interviews typically include a 5-minute written task, so it is likely Shortlister will be similar. The new written component is designed to assess communication skills, clarity of thought, and critical reasoning; skills Imperial values highly in business school candidates.
What This Means for Applicants
If you’re applying to a Management course at Imperial this year, you’ll need to prepare differently from previous applicants. This means:
- Practising both spoken and written responses under timed conditions.
- Ensuring you can communicate ideas clearly and concisely in writing.
- Reviewing common business and management questions that test analytical thinking (see below).
- Familiarising yourself with Shortlister’s interface and structure.
Tip: In preparation for your Imperial interview, our Imperial Admissions Tutors recommend you practise speaking to a blank screen. After all, the most uncomfortable part of this test is that you will not have anyone to talk to. It can feel unnatural at first, which increases the temptation to restart your answer (you won’t be able to!). Open Zoom or Shortlister and practise speaking for 60 seconds at a time until it feels comfortable.
Past Imperial MSc Management Interview Questions
Below is a small sample of our bank of hundreds of real Imperial interview questions:
- Why are you the perfect candidate for this course?
- Why would you choose Imperial over other options?
- Why do you want to study in London?
- Which global company is performing poorly and why?
- Your second choice internship has made you an offer, but you’re still waiting to hear back from other firms, what would you email them?
- Tell us about a meaningful community project or charity and how you helped in it. What have you learned about yourself from your involvement in these?
- What was your biggest achievement, and what did you learn from it?
For a full question bank and hundreds more tips, and suggested answers, connect with one of our Admissions Tutors today.
Imperial College Business School Video Interview Tips
Prepare 3 USPs (unique selling points) about you
Write down the three most impressive things you want to demonstrate in your application (e.g. high grades, relevant work experience, leadership in a team project, awards, or valuable experience in the business world). This helps you communicate your strengths clearly and avoids trying to remember too much information.
Prepare 2 USPs about Imperial
Select two specific reasons why Imperial College London and your chosen programme are the right fit for your personal development and career aspirations. These might relate to the institution’s focus on technology, business analytics, finance, creativity, or its global reputation. Research concise points you can naturally reference when answering interview questions.
Have your go-to story:
Whilst it may seem that there are hundreds of potential competency questions, skilled candidates can adapt the same story to answer many combinations. What is your greatest achievement? In what situation have you worked in a team? When have you had to have a difficult conversation with a colleague? Be smart in your preparation and tailor a story that can be adapted to answer all of these questions.
Prepare a 60-second elevator pitch:
You might be asked the tricky ‘why should we give you a place’ or ‘introduce yourself to a fellow student’. Prepare a brief but impactful introduction about yourself, highlighting your top achievements, experiences, and aspirations.
The Shortlister Interview: How The Profs Can Help You Gain Admission
The Profs’ Postgrad Admissions Tutors enjoy an 89% success rate of getting students into their top choice university thanks to decades of experience.
Our network of professionals can help you:
- Prepare for both video and written interview tasks.
- Refine your communication and reasoning skills.
- Review practice responses with feedback from former Imperial tutors.
If you’re applying to Imperial College Business School, book a consultation with one of our tutor-matching experts today. Our multi award-winning team (“Best Tuition Business for Customer Support”, NTA, 2022 and 2023) will personally connect you with a qualified tutor who can tailor interview prep to your goals and any specific requirements.
