How to use ChatGPT in interview preparation?

Interview preparation can be nerve-wracking and overwhelming, especially for those who are just starting out. 

However, with this tool, you can better prepare for interviews and increase your chances of landing a job.

Let’s explore how you can use ChatGPT in your end-to-end interview preparation.

But before we begin, let’s quickly understand this tool a bit.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot that uses natural language processing and machine learning to communicate with users in a conversational manner. It can understand the context of a query and generate its response in a human-like language.

One of the most significant advantages of ChatGPT is its ability to provide quick and accurate responses to a wide range of questions, including technical queries. 

How ChatGPT Can Help with Interview Preparation?

This fascinating tool can aid your interview preparation in more than one way.

The first and foremost on my list: Building a resume, cover letter and LinkedIn bio.

Resume building

You can legit treat this tool as a free online resume builder. You’ll get a suitable resume template for your profile and also get improvement suggestions based on your role and current responsibilities. 

This is how I asked ChatGPT to build a sample resume for myself. 

This is the ready-to-use resume template I got:

So easy, isn’t it?

Next, I wrote the following query:

“Can you write a cover letter to a Google recruiter based on the information given above?”

And ChatGPT instantly gave me a cover letter format. 

Then I posed another request. “Can you write a well-optimised LinkedIn bio for my profile based on the information given above?”

And here’s what I got.

Pretty impressive, right? 

You can customise these responses as per your requirements. Just feed this tool some insights, be clear and specific about what you’re looking for, and it’ll appear before your eyes. 

Having said that, it is NOT recommended to solely rely on this tool. 

Remember that whatever content ChatGPT creates is quite generic and only syntactically unique. In simpler words, the formation of words in a sentence might be original, but the context is not. 

So, it’s always best to get your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn bio checked by an expert, if you’re not 100% sure of the format or its content. 

Researching the Company and Role

One sure fire way to ease nerves during the process is through research. And by research, I don't mean just Googling the company name and hoping for the best. 

You need to dig deep into the company's background, culture, values, and recent news.

As a wise man once said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." So, let's say you're interviewing for a role at Amazon, you'll want to know that they started out as an online bookstore back in 1994, but now they're one of the largest tech companies in the world. 

Plus, they're known for their customer-centric approach, and their leadership principles, such as customer obsession and bias for action, are at the heart of their culture.

Now, if you really want to impress your interviewer, you could throw in a fun fact or two. 

For instance, did you know that Amazon's Jeff Bezos once wore a giant robot suit to a company conference to promote the use of robotic technology in their warehouses? Or that they're testing out drone delivery as a way to speed up their shipping times?

When it comes to the specific role you're applying for, like SDE 2 developer at Amazon, you'll want to know the ins and outs of the job. 

That means being familiar with the technical skills required, like data structures and software design patterns. 

And don't forget to brush up on the company's recent projects and initiatives, like its acquisition of MGM Studios and its ongoing work with AI.

If you are wondering how did I get all this information, of course, it is through ChatGPT. 

Here is how the conversation went - 

So, if you want to impress your interviewer and show them that you're the right fit for the job, don't skip out on the research. 

With a little preparation and the help of ChatGPT, you'll be ready to ace that interview in no time.

Brushing up on Technical Skills

In my experience, ChatGPT truly shines in the technical rounds. Let's face it, prepping for a technical interview can be overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the technical skills required for the job. 

But fear not! ChatGPT is here to provide you with all the technical knowledge and expertise you need to ace your interview. 

No matter the role you're applying for, whether it's software engineering, data science, or something entirely different, ChatGPT can help you brush up on any necessary technical skills. 

Curious about how ChatGPT assisted me with a coding exercise? Let me tell you all about it.

Practising Interview Questions

We've all been there. You've landed an interview at your dream company, and suddenly, you're hit with a realisation and you start questioning if you're even qualified for the position, or if you'll be able to answer all those tricky questions. 

That's where ChatGPT comes in. Think of it as your personal interview coach. With its vast knowledge and witty responses, ChatGPT can give you the edge you need to impress even the toughest interviewers. 

From tackling common questions to providing industry-specific insights, ChatGPT can help you stand out from the crowd. 

Here's how you can leverage ChatGPT's expertise to practise answering interview questions for an SDE2 role at Amazon.

Providing Feedback

When preparing for an interview, getting feedback on your performance is crucial to improving and identifying areas that need work. 

ChatGPT can provide you with valuable feedback by analysing your answers to common interview questions or your coding exercises. 

Here's an example of how a human can use ChatGPT to get feedback on their interview answers.

Understanding the Interview Process

For understanding the Interview Process, think of ChatGPT as your wise friend who's been there, done that, and can give you the inside scoop on all things interview-related.

‍Let's take a look at how ChatGPT can help you.

Limitations of ChatGPT

While AI-powered chatbots such as ChatGPT are becoming more advanced and prevalent in various industries, it's important to recognise their limitations. 

As per a survey, only 23% of people think AI can fully replace human support when it comes to complex and emotionally charged situations. So, it's essential to recognise the limitations of chatbots, and the benefits that mentors bring to the table.

ChatGPT's formal language and use of machine language may not always be suitable for all users. Some people may find it difficult to understand or may prefer a more conversational tone.

Moreover, ChatGPT is not completely trained, and there may be gaps in its knowledge that could lead to incomplete or inaccurate responses.

Another potential disadvantage of ChatGPT is that it is not very detailed. While it can provide useful insights and guidance, it may not have the depth of knowledge or experience that a human expert would have.

Also, ChatGPT is not a human expert, and its responses may lack the nuance and personal touch that a human mentor can provide.

Furthermore, ChatGPT just summarises information and may not be as expressive or engaging as a human mentor.

Benefits of Mentors over Chatbots:

One of the primary advantages of working with a mentor is that they can offer personalised feedback and guidance that's tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

Unlike chatbots, mentors can provide insights into industry-specific trends, communication styles, and career advancement opportunities that are specific to your situation.

With a mentor, you won't receive generic responses that don't address your specific needs.

Emotional Support and Motivation from Mentors:

Emotional support and motivation are also essential elements that mentors can provide.

A job search can be an emotional roller coaster, and having a mentor who can offer empathy, words of encouragement, and a listening ear can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

That emotional support can also help you maintain your mental well-being and confidence during a stressful job search.

Real-World Experience and Knowledge of Mentors:

Moreover, mentors bring a wealth of real-world experience and knowledge to the table.

They've faced and overcome many of the challenges you might encounter and can offer practical insights that chatbots cannot match.

With their practical advice, you can navigate office politics, develop your skills, and build a successful career in your chosen field.

Wrapping it up

To sum up, leveraging the strengths of both AI and human mentors can help you achieve your career goals. While AI provides valuable insights and guidance, human mentors offer personalised advice and support that can take your career to the next level.

For example, you can use ChatGPT to generate ideas for resume building and then use a human mentor's feedback to improve its quality.

So, if you haven't already done this, find a career mentor for yourself. Their guidance can help you unlock your full potential and succeed in your career.

Whether you're someone looking to start your career, switch to a different domain or company, or simply want to upskill yourself to climb up the ladder, working with a mentor is the most ideal thing you can do to reap the best results.

The benefits of having a mentor are immeasurable, so book your free trial call with a Preplaced mentor today and see for yourself!

Happy prepping!