Best Ways to Use AI for Interview Preparation

The past couple of years have significantly transformed the IT industry and the ease of finding a job within it. In the past, if you wanted to switch jobs, it typically took weeks or a couple of months to find a suitable position, provided you had a good set of skills.

However, recent changes have altered this landscape for several reasons: the rise and expansion of AI, reduced investment funding, and a shift in C-level executives' approach, making them more conservative in their future plans than they were previously. Coupled with the wave of layoffs affecting the industry worldwide, this situation has created a challenging environment for job seekers.

In light of this new reality, candidates must find ways to adapt and reinvent how they market their skills to secure a new job.

What can we do?

First and foremost, assessing the market and identifying its needs is essential. Whether you choose to expand into a broader area, like front-end development, back-end development, software testing, DevOps, it's beneficial to stay updated on market trends regarding the technologies being used. Try to incorporate some of these technologies into your skill set. In other words, it is more important than ever to expand your knowledge and acquire new valuable skills.

How can we make use of AI for interview preparation?

Here is what I do: for the next steps I will share with you, I usually use ChatGPT or Claude AI.

When looking for a new job, I first review the job description to see if the responsibilities align with my skills and interests for the long term. The next step involves using an AI tool. I copy the job description and paste it into the AI prompt to obtain a clear breakdown of the essential skills and competencies required for the role. This helps me connect my past experiences and strengths with what the employer is seeking.

After that, I upload my resume to the AI tool and evaluate which of my past experiences and strengths are most valuable for the position I'm applying for. This process is incredibly helpful because, when I speak with a recruiter, I can emphasise the skills from my skill set that matter most to the employer.

Example of a prompts I am using:

"Given the job description I provided to you and based on my resume I attached above, which are the top skills and competencies I should highlight during my interview?"

After the AI tool generates the content based on my request, I proceed with:

"Help me with some practical examples ideas on how I can showcase these skills".

When you're in an interview, it's important to discuss your skills, but it's even more crucial to demonstrate them with real examples. Be mindful of the content provided to you by the AI, and while the examples can serve as guidelines, focus on thinking of your own experiences. Consider what you did, how you approached different situations, and how you overcame challenges. Avoid using the exact wording provided; instead, personalize it with your own insights and experiences.

Ask AI tool to generate interview questions

Examples of prompts you can use to generate interview questions:

"Which are some specific questions that hiring managers ask for the <insert role name here>?"

"Based on the job description I provided to you, give me some questions that might be asked at an interview."

These prompts provide various questions tailored to the role you are looking for. The next step is to take each question and formulate prompts based on them, allowing you to initiate a learning process using the answers provided by the AI tool. It is crucial to ensure that the content the AI offers aligns with your personal experiences.

Preparing for technical questions is important, and preparing for behavioral questions is equally important. These questions are usually open-ended and ask you to describe your past experiences or how you would handle certain hypothetical situations.

Suppose you're looking for a Sr. QA Engineer role, for example. In that case, you can think of topics like problem resolution, leadership and team management, process improvement, conflict resolution, mentorship, decision-making, and communication.

Mock interview or practice your answers

After having the discussions with the AI and receiving a list of potential interview questions from hiring managers, you can take an additional step by practicing your responses to these questions. The AI tool can simulate the role of an interviewer or hiring manager, guiding you through a back-and-forth conversation.

Once you've completed this mock interview, you can continue to work with the AI to receive feedback on your answers and suggestions for improvement.

It is important to understand that human behavior is not entirely predictable. Even if you follow all the suggestions mentioned above, there is no guarantee that the interview will go exactly as expected. The outcome often depends on the hiring manager's background, preferences, and personality traits. Additionally, do not assume that all information provided by AI is flawless; instead, use your critical thinking skills to enhance your learning.

If you’re looking for someone to chat with about the challenges in the IT industry or want some tips to nail your interviews, I’d love to help! Just send me a message on LinkedIn, and we can connect!🫶