Warwick Business School (WBS) is home to one of the world’s top-ranked Global Online MBA programs. With applicants from across the globe, WBS needed an admissions process that was not only efficient, but also flexible enough to accommodate diverse time zones and applicant backgrounds. At the same time, the school wanted to maintain the personal, welcoming experience that defines its approach to education.

Having previously relied on an online video interview platform that felt more suited to corporate hiring than university admissions, WBS sought a solution that aligned with their values. 

"Warwick truly stands out to applicants for its warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere," said Paula Elmer, Assistant Business Development and Recruitment Manager at WBS. "Our goal was to reflect that same feeling throughout the admissions process."

In Kira Talent, WBS found an innovative solution that enables them to streamline their admissions process while maintaining the personal touch that's so important in evaluating applicants.

Investing in the right technology

Before implementing Kira, WBS relied on an online video interview platform originally designed for general recruitment purposes, rather than university admissions. While it served basic needs, it lacked the tailored features and functionality required to effectively assess prospective students in an academic context. 

"Our old interviewing experience felt clunky and disconnected from our brand,” shared Trushali Chudasama, Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator at Warwick Business School.

"We were looking for something more education-focused," added Elmer. "Our previous platform felt more suited to corporate hiring, and it didn’t provide the right experience for students. We wanted a tool that felt like an extension of Warwick Business School."

"With Kira, we were able to tailor the experience—record our own videos, add our branding, and create an environment that feels like Warwick.”

"Kira is user-friendly and intuitive, and it makes candidates feel like they’re engaging with Warwick Business School, not an external system," explained Chudasama. “That branding continuity is invaluable."

"Last cycle, applicants rated their interview experience an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars," continued Elmer. “We received so many comments on how professional and polished it was compared to other systems applicants were encountering. We’ve even had applicants mention that they enjoyed the interview process and that it felt engaging, rather than like a standard admissions hurdle.”

Evaluating talent beyond the application

For WBS, Kira Talent has become an essential step in the admissions process.

"Kira has been fantastic for refining our selection process," shared Elmer. "If we’re on the fence about an applicant, we invite them to complete an Asynchronous Assessment in Kira to give them a chance to expand on their application.”

"Kira allows us to get a deeper understanding of candidates who might not shine on paper but have a lot to offer,” she continued. “It gives them the chance to showcase their personality and communication skills in a way that static documents simply can’t capture."

Optimizing admissions operations

Since implementing Kira, WBS has seen a significant improvement in efficiency.

"Before Kira, we had to manually set up interviews twice a week," Elmer explained. "Now, we simply click a button, and the applicant has 10 days to complete their interview.”

"Connecting with top applicants quickly has been instrumental in keeping them engaged and interested."

"And it’s not just the time savings; it’s the flexibility," added Elmer. "If we need to tweak a question or change a deadline, we can do it instantly, without waiting for external support. That level of control has made our process so much smoother."

 "We’re able to easily adjust questions, update videos, and refine the process along the way," shared Chudasama.

"Setting up cohorts in Kira is so simple. The first time I did it, it took me just 15 minutes."

Reliable support when it matters

"It’s a competitive market for business schools," shared Elmer. "If an applicant encounters issues, they might turn to another school. Having Kira’s support available when needed reassures us that we’re offering a seamless experience."

"Kira’s customer service has been exceptional,” continued Chudasama. “Even with time zone differences, support is always quick and effective. That reflects well on us, as it ensures a smooth and professional experience for our candidates."

"When we were exploring potential interview platforms, we focused on key technical aspects, such as planned downtime and response times for critical issues," Elmer explained. "Kira’s exceptional reliability played a crucial role in our decision. Disruptions aren’t an option for us, and Kira ensures a seamless, uninterrupted experience."

Charting a course for successful business cohorts

Beyond its core functionality, Kira has inspired WBS to further personalize their admissions process. 

"Kira has saved us time, improved the applicant experience, and helped us create a more personal, welcoming admissions journey.”

"We’ve started involving academics and current students in interviews to make the experience even more engaging," Elmer shared. "These were things we hadn’t considered before, but Kira made it easy to implement."

"Kira has also helped us think more strategically,” Chudasama added. “Because the process is so smooth, we can focus on improving the candidate experience — whether that’s through refining our questions, adding more interactive elements, or creating a more personalized touch."

“We’re really happy with the platform," Elmer added. "We’re now on our third cohort, and every cycle is better than the last."