MDP SANDBOX SITE

Access the Spark Hire Video Links and Interview Questions 

Click Here to Access the Spark Hire Video Links (umich credentials required)

The Spark Hire video interviews are optional (but highly encouraged). Complete an online, one-way, video interview for each team you apply to. This is done on a separate platform, Spark Hire, after you finish the application.

The video “interview” consists of recorded answers for standard questions for each project. The content is similar to the Experience & Interest Form, and it is an opportunity for you to show your personality and enthusiasm for the project to the sponsors/PI’s. It is also a great chance to connect your resume to your face if you talked to the recruiters at our Project Fairs.

The Spark Hire platform allows multiple retakes of the videos. You can record them at your convenience (though make sure to complete these before the October 5th deadline!). Videos will likely range in length from 30 seconds to a maximum of 2 minutes.

How is the video interview different from the Experience and Interest Form? 

• A few teams have provided different questions for the video interview, but many of them are the same as the questions on the form. 
• The interview is your chance to show your enthusiasm for the project, reconnect your face with your paperwork if you attended the project fair, and expand on your written materials.

I am applying to 5 projects. How many videos do I need to record?

• Videos are optional – there is no requirement to complete any.
• We recommend you record videos for your top choices.
• Each video link is unique. You will record them separately for each project you apply to.

This feels just like the Experience & Interest form. Does it actually matter?
Yes! See the quotes below from past mentors.

• The videos were great, and really helped solidify the students we met in person. I’d say the combo of the video interview with having met them in person really improved their odds of being ranked in the top 3 for our roles.
• I find these very helpful, please encourage more students to provide them.  Students who took the time to meet with me on campus, and provide a compelling video definitely were able to stand out.
• Super valuable. That’s where I started … and it was great to be able to get a sense of their personality and communication skills.
• Yes the videos were good when the students stayed on point and expanded on their experience and how it would fit with the project.