How to prepare for your Kira assessment or interview

Whether you are completing an asynchronous video assessment or preparing for a live interview in Kira, these tips will help you get ready and make a great impression.

Update your software before starting Kira

Make sure your computer's operating system and browser are up to date before you begin. This helps you avoid unexpected update pop-ups or forced restarts while you are in the middle of your assessment or interview.

Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs

Close all non-essential applications and browser tabs before starting Kira. This frees up system resources and reduces competition for internet bandwidth, which helps your camera and microphone perform reliably.

Disable browser extensions and ad blockers

Some browser extensions can interfere with Kira's functionality. Disable all browser extensions — including Grammarly, ad blockers, and autoplay blockers — before starting your assessment or interview. You can re-enable them after you are finished.

Turn off notifications on all your devices

If you receive notifications from email, social media, games, or other apps, turn them off temporarily before starting Kira. This includes notifications on your computer, phone, smartwatch, and any other devices nearby. Unexpected notifications can be distracting and may appear on screen during a video recording.

Charge your device or connect to power

Make sure your device is fully charged or connected to a power source before you begin. Running out of battery during an assessment or interview could interrupt your session.

Set up your lighting, background, and camera

Choose a well-lit room with a plain, uncluttered background. Position the light source in front of you and center yourself in the camera frame with your face and shoulders visible. For detailed setup tips, see our article on looking your best on camera in Kira.

Find a quiet, private space

If possible, let your family, colleagues, or roommates know that you need uninterrupted time. Choose a quiet space where you are unlikely to be disturbed during your assessment or interview.

Practice before your real assessment

If you have been invited to Kira, your Check In page may include built-in practice questions that you can complete an unlimited number of times. Use these to get comfortable with the format, check your audio and video setup, and practice speaking on camera.

If you have not been invited yet, you can prepare by recording yourself answering common interview questions using your computer's camera, then reviewing your responses and practicing again.

What are reviewers looking for in my Kira responses?

Reviewers are using Kira to get to know you as a person. They are interested in hearing your authentic perspective, not a rehearsed or scripted answer. Be yourself, speak naturally, and focus on clearly communicating your thoughts.

Keep in mind that fitting more words into your response does not necessarily make it stronger. Take your time, pause to collect your thoughts when you need to, and aim to be clear and concise. A thoughtful, genuine response will always make a better impression than a rushed one.