Interviews
Just like recruiters use AI to evaluate recorded video interviews—by analyzing content, tone, and non-verbals—applicants can also use AI tools to succeed in interviews.
AI tools to help you practice interviewing include Big Interview and LinkedIn’s AI-powered Interview Prep. You can also use other generative AI tools for background research and to generate potential questions and responses. Keep in mind that the real work still needs to be done by you. AI can only point you in a certain direction; you still need to think about your experiences and how best to convey these during an interview. In addition to online tools, schedule an appointment with an MCS advisor via Crimson Careers, or a mock interview with an alumni volunteer via Firsthand. More guidance on interviewing is available on the MCS website.
Big Interview
MCS offers Harvard degree students access to Big Interview, an AI-powered interview preparation tool. Students may search by industry to practice interview questions and get AI-generated feedback.
LinkedIn Interview Prep
Access LinkedIn’s Interview Prep tool to record a video or write your responses to common interview questions. You have the option to practice privately, share with a connection, and/or improve with instant feedback via an AI-powered assessment.
How can you use generative AI for interview preparation?
- Conduct background research. Ask questions about the industry, market, and so forth. Keep in mind that the information may be dated and not an accurate depiction of the current reality.
- Generate potential interview questions.
- Brainstorm answers to likely questions. You can also ask follow-up questions in response to prompt responses. How might an answer change if you incorporate the company mission statement, or information about their culture?
- Evaluate your proposed answers. Type up your answers to behavioral questions in STAR (Situation Task Action Result) format (see MCS handouts for details), and ask the system to provide feedback on your answer.
- Do not memorize answers! You want to generate ideas but not a word-for-word script, as you will need to be able to adapt in the moment. Also, make sure to put your responses in your own voice, not the voice of the AI. You want to be comfortable in the interview. Keep in mind that the response you get from a generative AI model may not be accurate.
Example Prompts:
- What are some recent trends that may be affecting the [insert industry name] industry?
- What might a hiring manager/recruiter at [insert company name] ask regarding this role [insert job description], based on my experience [insert resume]?
- You’re the interviewer for this role: [insert job description]. Can you come up with 3-5 interview questions based on this job description?
- What examples from my background might help answer [insert question]?
- Here’s my resume: [insert resume text]. What should I bring up in a job interview for a position as [insert job title] at [insert company name]?
- I’m doing a [case study/technical interview/presentation] in front of [insert role of interviewer] for a job interview for [insert job title] at [insert company name]. It entails [insert specifications]. How should I prepare? What should I focus on?
- I interviewed for [insert job title] at [insert company name/industry]. We talked about [insert details from conversation]. What should I write in my thank-you note to my interviewer who is [insert role of interviewer]?
- (Source)
Offers
Generative AI can be used to research an offer, but it is important to note that the offer and negotiation process is highly individual. Keep in mind that responses may not be specific to entry-level offers. For example, some organizations offer a set compensation package that is identical to those offered to all new hires. If you use generative AI to research an offer, make sure to be very specific with your prompts, and know that results will not be 100% accurate. MCS advisors are happy to help you think through your options and assess an offer in light of your broader goals. MCS also provides access to online offer and negotiation tools. See the Negotiate an Offer page for guides, recorded webinars, and resources like Job Market Insights, which consolidates and displays data from the U.S. Department of Labor.
