How far can a B-school go to make the candidates relive the interview experience in the most interactive, creative way sitting behind a screen? SJMSOM, IIT Bombay has set a benchmark in this regard.
Describing below this wonderful experience, which created a buzz in the MBA world during pandemic times.
Out of the zoom box.
To add a game like fun experience to the serious interview process, Gather application was used to create this enthralling experience, which is basically video calling in a 2-Dimensional world wherein, you choose an avatar (your character) which you can navigate through your keyboard across an environment setup consisting of different rooms (Interview, docs verification, waiting areas etc to give a real-life appeal). Personal Audio/Video communication can happen as soon as you come into the close vicinity of another character (other candidates or the admissions team). And you are disconnected from them as soon as you leave and move away.
Ease of use, minimalistic interface.
To tackle a basic human tendency to resist any kind of change, the admissions team created a demo video and detailed document for all candidates to run a smooth process and was sent days before the process began. As a result, all of us were very comfortable on this new platform, and the team was there at each and every step to help.
Structured and systematic process
All the minute details regarding document verification, order of interviews and know-how of the application was informed in a briefing session in the beginning by the admissions team. Punctuality and discipline were maintained all throughout, and there was no uncertainty regarding anything.
People management/ Breaking the ice.
Interview experience can be very stressful especially if it is your dream B-school. The kind members of the admissions team made sure to put everyone at ease by doing a friendly chat and discussed their own interview experiences, they demonstrated how people management skills can do wonders in a process.
Key areas
| Gamifying the serious interview process | Proper documentation and demo video |
| Consistent focus to make application user friendly. | Coordination and teamwork among Admissions team. |
