10+ Ways to Use ChatGPT to Prepare for a Job Interview

Preparing for a job interview is a lot of work. You're researching the company, thinking about potential questions, figuring out the best answers, and so much more. It takes a lot of time and effort.

That's where AI tools like ChatGPT come in. AI can help streamline your interview prep so you can focus on all of those details—in less time.

In this article, you'll learn how to use ChatGPT for job interviews. You'll discover how to identify skills, generate and refine responses to interview questions, and get feedback on your answers. You’ll also learn how to use AI to simulate a mock interview and even research the company.

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Want to streamline your interview preparation? Leverage Teal's Job Application Tracker to organize interviews, manage your prep notes, track applications, and more.

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What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot that was launched in November 2022. The bot was developed by a company called OpenAI. It's designed to generate human-like responses to written prompts.

As of August 2024, ChatGPT's latest model, ChatGPT-4o, offers incredibly advanced capabilities, including real-time browsing to provide up-to-date information on current events and specific questions. It can answer a wide range of queries across various topics—covering both general knowledge and niche areas. Leveraging sophisticated machine learning algorithms, ChatGPT-4o is based on machine learning algorithms that allow the bot to learn from vast amounts of text data and make predictions about what responses are most likely to be accurate and informative.

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Benefits of using ChatGPT to prepare for an interview

A strategic job search takes time, effort, and skill. Using artificial intelligence like ChatGPT can be a huge help because it offers tailored advice, simulates interview scenarios, and provides constructive feedback.

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ChatGPT interview prep can help you with:

Framing: ChatGPT can analyze job postings and help you frame your answers to match the skills and experiences employers are looking for so your responses are relevant and impactful.
Responses: Use AI to simulate common interview questions so you can rehearse your answers in a realistic setting.
Feedback: Get instant feedback on your responses so you're better prepared for the real interview.
Efficiency: With ChatGPT, you can streamline your preparation. It helps you focus on key areas, saving you time and boosting your confidence before the interview.

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Can ChatGPT help me prepare for job interviews?

Yes! ChatGPT is a valuable resource for anyone going through the interview process. From providing sample interview questions and helpful tips to conducting mock interviews, get creative in the ways you use ChatGPT to brush up before your next interview.

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ChatGPT can also:

Help customize your resume and cover letter for job applications
Generate common interview questions for your field
Help you answer a question (and tweak and improve your interview answer)
Run a mock interview with you
Give you interview tips (like body language or what to wear)
Help write a follow-up thank-you email after an interview
Identify key skills and qualifications from a job ad
Assist in crafting strong responses to behavioral interview questions
Offer strategies for managing interview anxiety
Provide tips on researching the company and preparing thoughtful questions
Suggest ways to highlight your strengths and experiences effectively
Advise on how to handle tricky technical interview questions or situations

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ChatGPT best practices to keep in mind

Before you get started using ChatGPT for job interview prep, there are a few key tips to be aware of. These general best practices apply to anyone who is asking ChatGPT questions. By following these tips, you can ensure you're using the bot as effectively as possible:

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Provide resources: First, give ChatGPT some context by providing resources for it to review. AI output is only going to be as good as the details you input. This could be something like a job posting or your resume (in addition to your prompt). ChatGPT will take this information and use it to inform the answers and advice it provides.
Be specific with prompts: As smart as this chatbot is, it can't read your mind. So make sure to tell ChatGPT exactly what you're looking for. Be as clear as you can with your prompts, and you should receive relevant, helpful responses.
Regenerate responses: You can ask ChatGPT for multiple variations of a response. After the bot answers a prompt, click the "Refresh" icon. The bot will essentially restate the same information in a different package, rewriting its initial output.
Fact-check ChatGPT’s responses: Finally, get even more use out of the bot by reviewing its answers. ChatGPT is impressive. But it's not as good as a human. By working together with artificial intelligence, you can get the best information possible as you use ChatGPT to prepare for a job interview.

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How to use ChatGPT to prepare for a job interview

Starting your interview preparation with ChatGPT can give you a significant edge.

ChatGPT offers personalized advice, helps you practice your responses, and provides useful feedback to improve your interview skills. Below you'll learn how to use ChatGPT to prepare for an actual interview so you feel confident and ready to make a great impression.

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1. Use ChatGPT to help identify important skills for the job

Understanding the key skills and qualifications for a job is crucial for successful interview prep. ChatGPT can help you by analyzing the job posting and highlighting the most important skills you should focus on. This ensures your responses are aligned with what the employer is seeking, helping you to make a strong impression.

By providing ChatGPT with the JD, you'll get a clear breakdown of the essential skills and competencies required for the role. This will help you connect your past experiences and strengths directly to what the employer is looking for, making your answers more impactful and relevant.

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Pro Tip: Each time you apply for a job, save the JD. Teal Member Ashleigh Bergh Duggan cautions that by skipping this step, you risk losing the right details entirely.

"In my pre-Teal days, I would save the job posting link. But if I would go back and the job had been closed to applicants, the job description would often just disappear. And then I'd panic and think, 'What did I even apply for? I don't even see the job description!' I needed those details. Having that information immediately pulled into Teal meant that even if that link disappeared or it was archived, I could still go back and reference it."

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ChatGPT prompts to ask for identifying important skills

"Below is the job description for a [specific role] at [company name]. Can you identify the key skills, qualifications, and experiences that are most important for this position? Please provide a detailed list." [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]
"Based on this job description below for [specific role], what are the top skills and competencies I should highlight during my interview? Can you also suggest how I might frame my past experiences to align with these requirements? I've also attached my resume for reference." [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description and your resume].

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Ask ChatGPT to generate interview questions

A smart way to use ChatGPT for interview preparation is to ask the chatbot to give you sample interview questions commonly used by hiring managers in your field or industry.

This will give you an idea of what to expect at your next job interview so you can prepare more effectively and feel confident going in.

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ChatGPT prompts for interview questions

"Please generate a list of common interview questions for a [specific role] in the [industry] industry. [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"What are some typical questions hiring managers ask for a [specific role]? Please consider the responsibilities and qualifications listed in this job description: [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"Can you provide a set of interview questions tailored for a [specific role] based on this job description? [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"Generate a list of interview questions for a [specific role] that cover both technical and behavioral aspects. [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"What are some key interview questions I should prepare for when applying for a [specific role] at [company name]? Here's the job description for reference: [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"

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Example of ChatGPT response when prompted for interview questions

When asked to generate a list of example interview questions in the tech industry, ChatGPT responded with the following questions:

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What experience do you have with [specific technology or programming language]?
Can you walk me through a project you worked on and your role in it?
How do you stay current with the latest industry trends and technical skills?
Have you ever encountered a difficult problem in your work? How did you approach solving it?
What is your approach to testing and debugging code?
Have you ever collaborated with others on a project? Can you describe your role and how you contributed to the project's success?
How do you prioritize competing tasks and manage your time effectively?
Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new technology or programming language quickly. How did you go about it?
How do you approach working with a team that has different skill sets and levels of experience?
Can you discuss a project you worked on where you had to troubleshoot a difficult technical issue?
Can you tell me about a time when you had to have a conversation with a difficult team member? How did you approach the situation?

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Ask ChatGPT for behavioral interview questions

Behavioral interview questions assess your behaviors, personality, and soft skills. These questions are often open-ended and ask you to describe your past experiences or how you would handle certain hypothetical situations.

So what do these types of cover? Consider topics like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and conflict resolution. Using AI to help you get an idea of what these questions might be beforehand can help you better demonstrate your soft skills, showcase your ability to handle real-world situations, how well you'd fit within a company culture, and provide concrete examples of your past success.

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ChatGPT prompts for behavioral interview questions

"Please generate a list of common behavioral interview questions for a [specific role] in the [industry] industry. [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"What are some typical behavioral questions hiring managers ask for a [specific role]? Please consider the responsibilities and qualifications listed in this job description: [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"Can you provide a set of behavioral interview questions tailored for a [specific role] based on this job description? [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"Generate a list of behavioral interview questions that cover topics such as teamwork, communication skills, and problem-solving for a [specific role]. [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"What are some key behavioral interview questions I should prepare for when applying for a [specific role] at [company name]? Here's the job description for reference: [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"

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Ask ChatGPT for technical interview questions

Technical interview questions are designed to test your hard skills, knowledge of technical concepts, and responsibilities relevant to the job you're applying for. These questions may require you to demonstrate your knowledge through problem-solving exercises or whiteboard discussions.

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ChatGPT prompts for technical interview questions

"Please generate a list of common technical interview questions for a [specific role] in the [industry] industry. [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"What are some typical technical questions a hiring manager will ask for a [specific role]? Please consider the responsibilities and qualifications listed in this job description: [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"Can you provide a set of technical interview questions tailored for a [specific role] based on this job description? [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"Generate a list of technical interview questions that cover topics such as [specific technical skills, tools, or concepts] for a [specific role]. [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"What are some key technical interview questions I should prepare for when applying for a [specific role] at [company name]? Here's the job description for reference: [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"

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5. Ask ChatGPT to help you answer interview questions

You don't have to stop at asking ChatGPT for interview questions. The chatbot can help you with your interview answers, too. When asked, "Can you help me answer some common interview questions?", ChatGPT provided several example questions along with general tips on how to answer:

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Q. Can you describe a challenging situation you faced and how you overcame it?

A. Choose an example that demonstrates your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to work under pressure. Describe the situation, the steps you took to address the challenge, and the outcome of your efforts.

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If you're feeling less than confident about your response to a specific question, you can ask for help there, too. Maybe you aren't sure how to present your weaknesses to a hiring manager. Here's a response that ChatGPT recommends:

"One of my weaknesses is public speaking. However, I recognize the importance of this skill and have taken courses and joined Toastmasters to improve my confidence and ability to speak in front of others. I see this weakness as an opportunity to grow and develop as a professional."

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6. Use ChatGPT for AI mock interviews

A helpful step in the interview preparation process is walking through a mock interview. If you don't have anybody to help you, ChatGPT can do the job, acting as an interviewer or hiring manager and walking through a back-and-forth conversation with you.

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ChatGPT interview prompt:

"Hi, I'm [name], and I'm preparing for a job interview for a position in [role and industry].

Could you act as the interviewer and ask me some questions? Please ask me these three questions, one at a time, and a include follow-up question to my initial answer after I reply."

Can you walk me through a project you worked on and your role in it?
How do you stay up to date with the latest industry trends and developments?
Have you ever encountered a difficult problem in your work? How did you approach solving it?

After ChatGPT asks you a question as the interviewer, you may need to click the "Stop" icon so you can answer. Once you give a response, ChatGPT will ask a follow-up question.

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ChatGPT mock interview example:

Interviewer: Can you walk me through a project you worked on and your role in it?

Interviewee: One of my favorite projects in my last role was a product launch. I was responsible for creating graphics and writing captions for the brand's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts, which collectively reached over 500,000 followers. I also sourced influencers for us to work with and managed five influencer relationships throughout the course of the campaign. This resulted in a 35% increase in engagement across our social media platforms and a 20% boost in overall sales during the campaign period.

Not only was it a favorite because it was a success, but I also learned to use Adobe Creative Suite and Hootsuite, which are so popular industry-wide and important for me to understand in detail.

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Interviewer follow-up question: That's impressive! Can you share more about the specific strategies you used to increase engagement and manage the influencer relationships effectively?

Interviewee: Certainly! To boost engagement, I analyzed audience demographics and engagement patterns using Hootsuite, tailored content to peak times, and focused on high-engagement formats like Instagram stories. I also ran a successful hashtag campaign featuring user-generated content.

For influencer management, I identified relevant influencers using BuzzSumo and reached out with personalized pitches. I provided clear briefs while allowing creative freedom that aligned with their personal brand, too. Throughout the campaign, I tracked performance metrics in real-time and maintained regular communication, resulting in the 35% increase in engagement.

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7. Ask ChatGPT to help improve your answers to interview questions

When your mock interview is complete, read back through the conversation to identify areas where you could improve specific details. ChatGPT can provide feedback, showing you places where you can give a better response.

In the same chat you used for the mock interview, ask ChatGPT, "Can you give me feedback on my answers to your interview questions? How could I improve?"

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ChatGPT's response might sound something like this:

Sure, I'd be happy to give you feedback on your answers! Here are my thoughts:

Specificity and detail:
- Strength: You provided specific metrics that highlight the success of your project, which is great for demonstrating tangible results.
- Improvement: Add more specific details about the tasks you performed. For instance, mention particular types of graphics you created or specific captions that performed exceptionally well.
Tools and Skills:
- Strength: Mentioning Adobe Creative Suite and Hootsuite shows your familiarity with industry-standard tools.
- Improvement: Highlight how these tools directly contributed to your success. For example, "Using Adobe Creative Suite, I created eye-catching graphics that increased post engagement by 15%. Hootsuite's analytics helped me identify peak posting times, further boosting our reach."
Influencer Management:
- Strength: Sourcing and managing influencers is a valuable skill.
- Improvement: Explain the criteria you used to select influencers and any specific strategies you used to maintain these relationships. For example, "I selected influencers whose audience demographics closely matched our target market and maintained regular communication to ensure alignment with our brand’s messaging."
Learning and Growth:
- Strength: You mentioned learning new tools.
- Improvement: Provide a bit more context about how this learning helped you grow professionally. For example, "Learning Adobe Creative Suite not only improved my design skills but also allowed me to execute faster and more efficiently, directly contributing to the campaign's success."

You can do this for each of the questions you worked through.

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Ask ChatGPT for interview tips

Preparing for an interview involves more than just practicing questions and answers. ChatGPT can provide valuable tips on various aspects of the interview process, from body language to researching the company. These insights can help you present yourself confidently and professionally, giving you an edge in making a positive impression.

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ChatGPT Prompt for interview tips

"Can you give me tips on how to prepare for an [in-person, Zoom, other option] interview for a [specific role]? [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"

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9. Use ChatGPT to research the company

Understanding the company you are interviewing with is crucial for tying your experience to their objectives.

ChatGPT can help you gather important information about the company’s culture, values, recent news, and key projects. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses to show that you're well-informed and genuinely interested in the company.

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ChatGPT prompt for company research

"Can you provide an overview of [company name], including its culture, values, recent news, and key projects? [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the website and additional, specific details you have.]"

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10. Ask ChatGPT to help you write a thank-you note to the interviewer

When your interview is complete, you'll need to send a thank-you note to the interviewer, taking the opportunity to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.

ChatGPT can help. Give the chatbot some information about the position, your experience, and the interview. Then ask it to write a brief thank-you note or email. You'll likely need to tweak this letter to make sure it's relevant and personal. But after that, you're ready to send it off.

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ChatGPT Prompts for writing a thank-you note to the hiring manager

"Can you help me write a thank-you note for the [specific role] interview I just had at [company name]? Here are some details about the position and my interview: [Press Shift + Enter, then provide details about the position, your interview, and your experience.]"
"Please draft a thank-you email for my interview for the [specific role] at [company name], including a mention of a specific topic we discussed during the interview: [Press Shift + Enter, then provide the relevant details.]"

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11. Ask ChatGPT to help You write an interview follow-up email

Following up after an interview is a crucial step to reaffirm your interest in the position and keep you top of mind with the hiring team.

ChatGPT can help you write a professional and concise follow-up email that reiterates your enthusiasm for the role, highlights any key points from the interview, and addresses any additional questions or information you may have.

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ChatGPT prompts for writing an interview follow-up email

"Can you help me write a follow-up email for the [specific role] interview I had at [company name]? Here are some details about the interview and my key points: [Press Shift + Enter, then provide the relevant details.]"
"Please draft a follow-up email for my interview at [company name] for the [specific role], including a thank you for the opportunity and a summary of our discussion: [Press Shift + Enter, then provide the relevant details.]"

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The best ChatGPT prompts for job interview prep

Choose from these example prompts as you get ready for your next job interview:

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"Give me some tips on how to act at a job interview."
"I’m nervous about my next job interview. How can I present myself as confidently as possible?"
"Provide a list of common interview questions and their answers in [your industry]."
"Ask me the following questions one by one and wait for my response."
"Please give me constructive feedback on my answers to your interview questions."
"What questions could I ask my interviewer in a job interview for [position] to learn more about the company and demonstrate my enthusiasm?"
"Can you identify the key skills and qualifications from this job description for a job interview? [Press Shift + Enter, then paste the job description.]"
"Provide tips on how to research a company and its culture before an interview."
"Help me write a thank-you note for my interview at [company name] for the [specific role]."
"Give me examples of how to answer the question, 'What are your weaknesses?'"
"What should I include in a follow-up email after my interview for the [specific role] at [company name]?"
"How can I effectively highlight my achievements during the interview for a [specific role]?"
"Can you suggest ways to demonstrate my problem-solving skills during an interview?"
"What are some strategies for answering questions about my long-term career goals?"
"How can I prepare for situational questions that might be asked in an interview for a [specific role]?"
"What are some common mistakes to avoid during an interview for a [specific role]?"
"How can I best explain gaps in my employment history during an interview?"

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Land more interviews with Teal’s AI to customize your resume and cover letter

Before you can start preparing, you have to get your job interview on the calendar in the first place. Good news: artificial intelligence can help with this, too.

Use Teal's AI Resume Builder (that integrates with the Job Tracker)to prepare a customized resume and cover letter. With Teal, you can generate customized accomplishments and professional summaries so your resume closely matches the job description that you're applying for. You can also generate a personalized cover letter in seconds using your resume and a job description.

Change any details that need tweaking, ensure your experience is accurate, and feel confident submitting a top-notch job application.

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More ways to use AI in your job search

Job interviews aren’t the only part of your job search where AI and ChatGPT can help. Here are some additional ways to leverage AI for a more efficient job search:

Write a ChatGPT Cover Letter
Autofill Job Applications
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile with ChatGPT

10+ Ways to Use ChatGPT to Prepare for a Job Interview | Teal (2024)