How it works
The online video interview is required for Software Engineering applicants and those who wish to be considered for a Faculty of Engineering entrance scholarship. It is highly recommended for all other applicants.
The procedure is simple - you will log on to the online platform and be asked one pre-recorded question, given prep time and allotted a set amount of time (90 seconds) to record your response. Software Engineering and Systems Design Engineering applicants will see additional program-specific questions.
All applicants will be asked the following questions:
- What experience(s) inside or outside of the classroom motivated you to apply to your chosen engineering program? (90 second response limit)
- Two non-graded yes/no response questions for scholarship purposes:
- Have you participated in FIRST Robotics? Yes/No
- Do you have a demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship (e.g., have you started a business or been self-employed)? Yes/No
Software Engineering applicants will also be asked to compose a written response (600-character limit) to the following question:
- As an applicant to Software Engineering, you are required to demonstrate that you have experience and interest in computer programming. For every programming language in which you have experience, list the language, number of months experience you have using the language (not how long you have known it) and capacity in which you used the language (e.g., courses completed, work experience, self-education). (600-character limit)
Systems Design Engineering applicants will also be asked to record a video response to the following question to be assessed for the Kish Hahn Memorial Award:
- Describe how you designed and implemented a system, activity or thing in your personal, academic or work life. (90 second response limit)
The interview requires less than 20 minutes to complete. You will require an Internet connected computer with a functioning webcam and microphone. The system allows for unlimited practice sessions but once you start the formal interview questions you only get one chance - this allows us to see your candid responses.
What we look for
This video interview will give us the opportunity to virtually meet you and get a sense of who you are, which is helpful in determining admissibility. The best way to do well is to be yourself and answer the question(s) honestly.
Think of this video interview as great practice for all of the co-op interviews you’ll be part of, should you become a Waterloo Engineering student.
How to find it
Once you’ve applied, you will gain access to a personalized Waterloo applicant portal. This will include a checklist of actions you need to complete and where you will gain access to the online video interview. The checklist will contain a link, or two, depending on the program you have applied to, that will direct you to the Kira Talent website. This link is unique to you and will allow us to match your interview to your application upon completion. If you do not see the interview on your applicant checklist or have any difficulties with the link, please notify us at enginfo@uwaterloo.ca