As we move deeper into the digital age, more law schools are turning to video interviews. We’ve previously discussed how to prepare for law school interviews, including live and recorded video ones. But let’s look closer at recorded responses.
This type of interview can feel most foreign for law school applicants. In this format, instead of interviewing with a person, you record your responses to a set of preselected questions.
[Learn how to navigate five types of law school admissions interviews.]
— How does a recorded video interview work? To start the interview, log in to a school’s online interview system. You will then be presented with a series of three to six questions. Some interview formats allow you to rehearse between questions, typically for no more than a minute or two.
Once you are ready to record, you will only have a limited time to respond. Your recorded responses will be saved for the admissions committee to review at a later time.
— Why do admissions committees use recorded video interviews? Although impersonal, there are advantages to recorded videos. The admissions committee as a whole — rather than a single faculty, staff or alumnus — will have the opportunity to consider your responses.
This means your responses and assessment aren’t filtered through the individual interviewer’s point of view. Preselected questions in some ways are easier to prepare for as well because you are not subject to an interviewer’s idiosyncrasies.
Admissions committees have determined which question types are most useful to see you in a different light than your written application. These question types are predictable and fall into five common categories, as shown below.
[Learn about the five deciding factors in law school admissions.]
— How do I prepare? There is a lot of overlap between preparing for a recorded video interview and traditional interview. You should review your application materials ahead of time.
Be prepared to discuss experiences that supplement your application without simply regurgitating information you’ve already shared. Take care to present yourself as enthusiastic both about the practice of law and the school in particular.
A recorded video interview also comes with some particular issues. Ensuring a strong internet connection is crucial.
Try these [three tips for law school interview success.]
Avoiding robotic answers can be challenging, particularly if you’ve rehearsed a response between questions. Precision and being concise are also paramount, since you won’t have the opportunity to clarify or elaborate as you would in traditional interview dialogue.
Monitoring the time left to respond can also be distracting. Some interview systems have a timer, and it can be easy to fixate on the clock rather than on what you are saying.
Practice ahead of time and record your responses to the FAQs listed below. Give yourself no more than one minute to answer each question type. Then review your responses.
Identify where you need to clarify or be more concise. Notice any verbal ticks or distracting physical responses, such as wandering eyes or fidgeting, which can be more conspicuous when recorded.
And remember that the questions you receive during the actual recorded interview will be different — don’t memorize scripted responses. Instead, use the following questions to practice getting comfortable with the recorded video format.
FAQ Interview Categories and Questions
1. Character a. What three words would your friends use to describe you?
b. What is your greatest strength?
2. Passions and hobbies a. Outside of work and school, what are you passionate about?
b. How do you spend your leisure time?
3. Academic and professional background a. What was your most memorable undergraduate class and why?
b. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
4. Shortcomings a. Describe a time in school or work where you made a mistake and what you learned from it.
b. What advice did a professor or supervisor give you that you regret not taking?
5. Why our school a. What are your expectations of a law education at this school?
b. Why are you applying to this law school?
Want feedback on your rehearsed responses? Reach us at lawadmissionslowdown@usnews.com.
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How to Prepare for Recorded Law School Video Interviews originally appeared on usnews.com
