IESE MBA Video Interview (Kira 2027): Questions, Format, and Sample Answers

Introduction: The IESE MBA Video Interview

The IESE MBA video interview is a required part of the application process and one of the first ways the school evaluates your communication style and personality. After submitting your application to the IESE Business School MBA, you will receive a link to complete a short recorded assessment on the Kira platform.

This is not a live interview. Instead, you respond to timed questions on camera. IESE uses this stage to understand how you think under pressure and whether your values align with its focus on collaborative, ethical leadership.

If you feel nervous about speaking on camera, that is completely normal. Most strong candidates are not polished speakers—they are clear, structured, and authentic in how they respond.

In this guide, we break down how the IESE Kira video interview works, the types of questions you can expect, and how to prepare within the short time window.

IESE MBA Video Interview (Kira) – Key Facts

After you submit your application, the interview link is usually sent within a short period and remains active for about 48 hours. You will complete four recorded responses: a short name introduction followed by three behavioral or motivational questions. Each answer is recorded once, with no retakes.

How the IESE Video Interview Works

The IESE video interview is hosted on the Kira Talent platform. It is fully automated. You will see a question on your screen, get a short time to think, and then record your answer directly on camera.

There is no interviewer on the other side. Your responses are reviewed later by the admissions committee to assess clarity, structure, and fit with the IESE culture.

The Four-Question Format

  1. Name Introduction: A short recording (around 20 seconds) to help the admissions team correctly pronounce your name.
  2. Self-Introduction: A 60–90 second overview of who you are, what you do, and what defines you.
  3. Behavioral Question: A situational or experience-based question focused on teamwork, leadership, or challenges.
  4. Global or Values-Based Question: A question exploring ethics, diversity, or your broader perspective on business and leadership.

The system moves quickly between questions. Once you submit an answer, the next prompt appears automatically, so it’s best to stay focused until the entire assessment is complete.

If you want structured preparation or feedback on your answers, you can explore our MBA coaching programs.

IESE MBA Video Interview Questions and Examples

IESE is known for valuing humility, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose. Your answers should feel grounded, personal, and reflective rather than scripted or overly polished.

Common IESE Video Interview Questions

  • Tell us about yourself.
  • What is the best advice you have ever received?
  • Describe a time you worked in a difficult team situation.
  • What is a personal weakness you are working on?
  • Why do you want to join IESE?
  • Tell us about a time you took initiative.

Sample Answer Structure

Self-Introduction Example

“I have a background in engineering, but I’ve always been drawn to the human side of business. In my current role in Singapore, I work on logistics optimization, but what motivates me most is mentoring junior team members. That focus on people and growth is what draws me to IESE.”

Behavioral Example

“I once led a project that started to fall behind because the team wasn’t aligned on priorities. I realized I had focused too much on execution and not enough on communication. I reset expectations with the team, improved alignment, and we successfully delivered. It taught me that leadership starts with listening.”

A strong answer usually follows a simple structure: a direct response, a short example, and a brief reflection on what you learned.

You can also review more MBA interview questions by school to practice further.

Tips for the IESE Video Interview

The main challenge is not the questions themselves, but the limited preparation time. You typically only get around a minute to think before each response.

  • Don’t write full scripts. Use short bullet points instead.
  • Keep your answers structured and simple.
  • Practice speaking within 60–90 seconds.
  • Look directly at the camera, not your screen.
  • Stay natural—clarity matters more than perfection.

Want help preparing your IESE MBA application?
Get a free consultation and expert coaching from ARINGO

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The IESE MBA video interview is a recorded Kira-style assessment completed before any live interview stage. Think of it as a “pre-interview” that helps the admissions team evaluate your communication style and fit early in the process. If your application is successful, you will later be invited to a formal MBA interview with an admissions director or alum. Full context on the process is available on our IESE MBA program page.

In most cases, the IESE MBA video interview includes four recorded prompts. The first is a short name pronunciation check, followed by three behavioral or motivational questions. These typically focus on your experience, your values, and how you respond in real situations. For more examples across schools, see our MBA interview questions guide.

No. In the official Kira interview format, each response is recorded once. While there are usually practice questions before you begin, your final answers cannot be redone. Because of this, many candidates choose to prepare in advance using structured coaching. You can review our MBA interview preparation page for guidance.

The IESE MBA video interview is an important part of the evaluation process. It gives the admissions team their first real impression of how you communicate, think, and align with IESE’s collaborative and people-focused culture. It complements your written application and helps determine whether you are invited to the final interview stage.

If you are unsure how to structure your answers or manage the time pressure, you can explore our IESE interview preparation services. We offer coaching specifically designed for the IESE MBA video interview (Kira format), including feedback on structure, timing, and delivery.

For full details about deadlines, class profile, and admissions strategy, you can visit our main IESE MBA admissions page.