If you caught the Google Pixel ad during the Super Bowl, you probably remember the heartwarming story of a dad preparing for a job interview. The ad showed him using his life experiences to answer tough questions, demonstrating how personal stories can make a big impact in interviews. It was a great reminder that preparation is key, and leveraging your unique experiences can set you apart from other candidates.
But what if you could take that preparation to the next level? What if you had an ability that could help you research the company, craft perfect answers, and even simulate a mock interview? That’s where AI tools like ChatGPT come in.
In this post, I’ll show you how to use ChatGPT to 10X your interview success rate. Whether you’re just starting your job search or gearing up for a big interview, these prompts will help you prepare like a pro. Plus, I’ll share some additional resources from posts I’ve published over the years to help you level up your career and optimize your job search.
Why Preparation Matters: Lessons from the Google Pixel Ad
The dad in the Google Pixel ad didn’t just wing his interview. He prepared by reflecting on his life experiences and thinking about how they applied to the role he was pursuing. This is a strategy we can all learn from. Interviews aren’t just about answering questions—they’re about telling your story in a way that aligns with the company’s needs.
But let’s be honest: preparing for an interview can feel overwhelming. You need to research the company, anticipate questions, and figure out how to present yourself in the best possible light. That’s where ChatGPT and other similar AI tools can be a game-changer. With the right prompts, you can streamline your preparation process and walk into your interview with confidence.
1. Research the Company Like a Pro
One of the first steps in interview prep is understanding the company you’re interviewing with. You need to know their mission, recent accomplishments, and the trends shaping their industry. This knowledge not only helps you answer questions but also shows the interviewer that you’ve done your homework.
Here’s a ChatGPT prompt to get you started:
“I have an interview with [company] for the position of [job position]. Please provide an overview of the company’s mission, recent accomplishments, and key industry trends they are involved in. Include any recent news or announcements that could be useful for the discussion.”
Using this prompt, you can quickly gather insights that would normally take hours of research. For example, if you’re interviewing with a tech company, ChatGPT might highlight their latest product launch or a recent partnership. This information can help you tailor your answers and even come up with thoughtful questions to ask during the interview.
2. Personalize Your Preparation
Every interview is different, and your preparation should reflect that. ChatGPT can help you identify the specific skills and experiences you should highlight based on the role and your background.
Try this prompt:
“I’m interviewing for the [job position] role at [company]. Based on their industry and my background in [your field/skills], what specific knowledge or examples should I prepare to highlight during the interview?”
This is especially useful if you’re transitioning to a new industry or role. For example, if you’re moving from marketing to product management, ChatGPT can help you identify transferable skills and craft examples that demonstrate your value.
3. Master Behavioral Questions with the STAR Method
Behavioral questions are a staple of most interviews. These questions often start with phrases like “Tell me about a time when…” and are designed to assess how you’ve handled situations in the past. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to structure your answers, and ChatGPT can help you prepare.
Here’s a prompt to use:
“Generate a set of behavioral interview questions tailored for the [job position] role at [company]. Include guidance on structuring responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework, based on [your experiences/skills].”
For example, if you’re interviewing for a leadership role, ChatGPT might generate questions like, “Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict within your team.” It can also help you craft a STAR-based response that highlights your problem-solving and leadership skills.
A key point to remember with this, is you should have multiple different answers prepared in case the interviewer asks you for another example, after you’ve already provided one answer. In addition, consider the fact that you NEED to be comfortable with these responses. They shouldn’t require you accessing or reading your notes as they are meant to be based on your own life experiences.
4. Prepare for Technical Questions
If you’re interviewing for a technical role, you’ll likely face questions that test your problem-solving skills and industry knowledge. ChatGPT can help you anticipate these questions and practice your answers.
Use this prompt:
“Help me prepare for potential technical questions for a [job position] interview at [company]. Generate examples of problem-solving scenarios or technical questions I might encounter in the [industry/field].”
For example, if you’re a software engineer, ChatGPT might generate coding challenges or system design questions. If you’re in finance, it might suggest case studies or questions about market trends. This kind of preparation can help you feel more confident and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
5. Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of most interviews, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions. This is your chance to show your interest in the role and learn more about the company. ChatGPT can help you come up with thoughtful, relevant questions.
Try this prompt:
“Provide a list of thoughtful questions I can ask during my interview for the [job position] at [company]. These should reflect my interest in the role, the company culture, and potential career growth opportunities.”
For example, you might ask, “What does success look like in this role?” or “How does the company support professional development?” These kinds of questions show that you’re serious about the role and thinking about your long-term fit with the company.
6. Address Your Weaknesses
We all have areas where we’re less confident, whether it’s a lack of experience in a certain area or a gap in our skills. The key is to address these weaknesses proactively and show how you’re working to improve.
Here’s a helpful ChatGPT prompt:
“I’m concerned about [specific weakness, e.g., lack of experience in a certain area] for my interview for the [job position] role at [company]. How can I address this effectively during the interview?”
For example, if you’re worried about not having direct experience with a specific ability or technology, ChatGPT might suggest framing it as an opportunity to learn and highlighting similar skills you’ve mastered in the past. Don’t just simply come up with an answer to the most commonly asked “what is your weakness” question, but rather, do the homework on a specific gap or deficiency and talk about how you’ve addressed it or are working to improve.
7. Simulate a Mock Interview
One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to practice. ChatGPT can simulate a mock interview, asking both technical and behavioral questions and providing feedback on your responses.
Use this prompt:
“Simulate a mock interview for the [job position] role at [company]. Ask both technical and behavioral questions, and suggest follow-up responses based on typical interview scenarios.”
This is a great way to identify areas where you need to improve and build your confidence before the real interview.
8. Manage Interview Anxiety
Even the most prepared candidates can feel nervous before an interview. ChatGPT can provide strategies to help you stay calm and composed.
Try this prompt:
“Provide strategies to manage interview anxiety and build confidence for my upcoming [job position] interview at [company]. Include tips for staying calm and composed during challenging questions.”
For example, ChatGPT might suggest deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques, or even a pre-interview ritual to help you feel more grounded. If you’re on a phone interview, you might be able to bring something with you – a hot drink perhaps – that you can sip on to calm your nerves and give you the time you need to formulate the right answer. Find a strategy that works for you and embrace it.
9. Follow Up Like a Pro
After the interview, it’s important to send a follow-up email to thank the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the role. ChatGPT can help you craft the perfect message.
Use this prompt:
“Draft a follow-up email after my interview for the [job position] at [company]. It should thank the interviewer, reiterate my enthusiasm for the role, and highlight a key point discussed during the interview.”
A thoughtful follow-up email can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from other candidates.
10. Prepare for Salary Negotiations
If your interview goes well, the next step might be negotiating your salary. ChatGPT can help you prepare by providing advice on how to articulate your value and benchmark compensation in your industry.
Here’s a prompt to use:
“Assuming the interview for [job position] at [company] goes well, how should I prepare for potential salary negotiations? Provide advice on how to articulate my value and benchmark compensation in [industry/location].”
For example, ChatGPT might suggest researching salary data on sites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn and preparing a list of your accomplishments to justify your desired salary.
Final Thoughts: Take Your Career to the Next Level
Preparing for a job interview can be stressful, but with the right abilities and strategies, you can set yourself up for success. ChatGPT is like having a personal career coach, helping you research companies, craft perfect answers, and even practice for the big day.
Remember, the key to interview success is preparation. With ChatGPT and the tips in this post, you’ll be ready to crush your next interview and land your dream job. Good luck!
Related posts:
Mastering the Art of the Telephone Interview: Tips to Land Your Dream Job
Supercharge Your Job Search: Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn for Success
Using LinkedIn effectively
Navigating the Job Market in an AI-Dominant World
Level Up Your Career: Why Continuous Learning Is Your Secret Weapon for the New Year
