Before your interview, do what you can to relax and muster your confidence. Do some quick physical exercises. Have a snack so you don't go in hungry, which could add to your stress. Make sure you have a glass of water nearby. Take some time to go to the bathroom, look at yourself in the mirror, and give yourself a pep talk. Take a deep breath, take your time, and "showcase your unique personality. This is your opportunity to shine. Be yourself, and have fun! Be clear, be concise and you'll do great. Best of luck!"

"I grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, just outside of Toronto. I am a straight-A student with a spotless track record, and throughout my academic experience, I have participated in several academic decathlons and other various scholastic competitions. I am very clear about my passions and have been singular in my vision to pursue this field, since before I can remember. This school has been at the top of my list, and I cannot imagine a better fit for me and my pursuits than this program. I feel fortunate that my parents support my path, and I feel fortunate to be here in this interview today. I am looking forward to this process and learning more about the program, that is, more than what I was able to discover in my research while preparing for this opportunity."

One of Kira Talent's main goals is to help their clients "make fair decisions" and reduce bias. This also includes the bias of the "halo effect." "Halo effect bias is a cognitive bias that occurs when an initial positive or negative judgment about a person unconsciously colors the perception of the individual as a whole. In a Kira assessment for example, after being impressed with an applicant's first response, the 'halo-effect' bias may cause a reviewer to rate the applicant's subsequent responses more generously, even if the quality of the responses didn't warrant higher ratings."

But Kira's reviewing process was created with the aim of creating an accurate and reliable scoring system, question to question, to "ensure each applicant is evaluated by more reviewers and creates an easier onboarding experience for your team, as reviewers need only focus on becoming well-versed at evaluating one competency each." So, even after you set a great first impression, you'll want your strong interview performance to remain consistent through to the last question.