From Chatbot to Hotshot: Using AI to Nail Your Next Interview

Helen’s Success Story: AI-Powered Interview Prep in Action

Helen was on a tight timetable and a limited budget—she needed to ace her interview but didn’t have the time or money for pricey coaching sessions. Switching from retail management to HR was a big leap, and she had to make every moment count. That’s when she turned to AI for help. Using ChatGPT, she quickly analyzed her resume, generated tailored interview questions, and even created an AI-powered podcast using Notebook LM. Each morning, she listened to her personalized prep session, reinforcing her answers until they flowed naturally. By interview day, she spoke with confidence and ease—nailing the job with flying colors.

How AI Can Turn You Into an Interview Rockstar

Interviews can feel like an interrogation if you’re not prepared—like a pop quiz you didn’t study for. But what if you could flip the script and train for them like an actor rehearsing for a blockbuster movie? Enter ChatGPT, your built-in interview coach that never sleeps and never charges for extra sessions.

This isn’t just about answering random questions—this is about hacking the interview prep process like a pro. ChatGPT can generate customized interview questions, craft S.T.A.R. (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method responses, and even turn your prep into a personal AI-generated podcast with Notebook LM. Imagine commuting to work or folding laundry while listening to your own perfectly polished interview answers—it’s like an elite training montage, but for job seekers.

When you learn to harness AI strategically, it becomes more than just a chatbot—it becomes your secret weapon for nailing interviews with confidence and charisma. By pairing ChatGPT with Notebook LM, you turn interview prep from a nerve-wracking chore into a fabulously focused, fun, and engaging experience. So, let’s break it down and get you prepped like the rockstar candidate you are!

Step 1: Generating 15 Tailored Interview Questions Using ChatGPT

The key to getting quality responses from ChatGPT is crafting a detailed prompt. Instead of a vague request like, “Give me interview questions for a marketing manager role,” be as specific as possible.

Ideal Prompt for Generating Interview Questions

"I am applying for a [Job Title] at [Company Name]. The job description emphasizes [Key Skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, collaboration], and I want to tailor my interview prep accordingly. Please generate 15 interview questions based on this job description and provide S.T.A.R. method responses that incorporate specific examples from my experience, including: 1) My teamwork story – When I collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement a new process that improved efficiency. 2) A leadership challenge – When I had to mediate a conflict between team members and ensure a project stayed on track. 3) Problem-solving under pressure – When I handled an urgent compliance issue that required quick thinking and decisive action. 4) Driving results – When I spearheaded an initiative that boosted employee engagement and retention. 5) Adapting to change – When I navigated a major restructuring and helped my team transition smoothly. I want the responses to be engaging, impactful, and concise—showcasing my ability to drive results, lead effectively, and collaborate across teams. Let's make sure my answers sound natural and confident!" [Insert job description as PDF or copy and paste it here!]

For the best results, don’t just rely on a generic prompt—be as specific as possible. Including clear parameters and providing the full job description allows ChatGPT to focus on the most relevant details. This ensures that the AI tailors its responses to the exact role you’re applying for, helping you develop interview questions and answers that align with the employer’s expectations. The more context you provide, the more targeted and useful your results will be, giving you a competitive edge in your interview preparation.

Step 2: Formatting the Responses in S.T.A.R. Method

ChatGPT will generate structured answers using the S.T.A.R. framework. Here’s an example:

Sample Interview Question and S.T.A.R. Response

Question: Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult colleague to achieve a shared goal.

Response:

• Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, I was partnered with a colleague who had strong opinions and a different working style.

• Task: We had to develop a marketing campaign under a tight deadline, but disagreements on strategy slowed us down.

• Action: I scheduled a meeting to align our goals, actively listened to their concerns, and proposed a compromise that integrated both of our ideas.

• Result: Not only did we meet the deadline, but the campaign exceeded performance metrics by 20%.

Don’t rush this step—taking the time to craft a detailed prompt will make all the difference. The more specific you are, the better your results with ChatGPT. Tell your story, because recruiters remember stories—especially when you confidently convey your impact and results. Slow down and customize your prompts with your own experiences. With 15 tailored responses, you’ll have a solid foundation for handling interview questions with confidence. Review each question carefully and include detailed examples in your prompts. This not only improves the quality of your AI-generated responses but ensures they reflect your real-world experience, making your answers more authentic and compelling.

Step 3: Creating a PDF of Your Interview Prep

Once ChatGPT generates your questions and responses, you’ll want to format them into a document for easy review. Here’s how:

1. Copy and paste the responses into a Word or Google Doc.

2. Add headings and bullet points to make them readable.

3. Save or export the document as a PDF.

Step 4: Uploading Your PDF to Notebook LM for an AI-Generated Podcast

Notebook LM is a powerful AI tool that can summarize and transform written content into an interactive format. Here’s how to use it:

1. Upload your PDF to Notebook LM.

2. Ask Notebook LM to generate a podcast script based on your content.

3. Listen to the AI-generated podcast on your commute, while working out, or in the background throughout your day.

Your brain is a powerful learning machine, and with the right approach, you can train it to absorb information effortlessly—even when prepping for a job interview. "At any given moment, various parts of your brain are firing off different messages," explains materials scientist and engineer Titi Shodiya, co-host of the Dope Labs podcast alongside molecular biologist Zakiya Whatley (Schreiber, 2020). When you engage with information through an auditory format, like a well-crafted podcast or AI-driven learning tool, your brain taps into its mesolimbic pathway, also known as the “reward pathway.” This process releases dopamine, making the experience enjoyable while reinforcing memory and retention.

A 2016 UC Berkeley study found that listening to narrative-driven content stimulates multiple areas of the brain, enhancing comprehension and recall. This means that instead of dreading rote memorization of interview answers, you can immerse yourself in engaging, AI-generated career prep podcasts designed to simulate real conversations (Schreiber, 2020). Whether you're absorbing negotiation strategies, leadership insights, or common behavioral interview questions, this approach makes learning feel less like a chore and more like an interactive experience.

By using AI-powered podcast training, your brain naturally absorbs key information, reinforcing answers until they feel second nature—no more stiff, robotic responses. This method allows you to step into an interview with confidence, ready to engage dynamically rather than recite memorized lines. And the best part? You'll actually enjoy the process, turning interview prep from a stressful task into an opportunity for growth and self-improvement (Schreiber, 2020).

(Design With AI, 2024, Kirschner, 2025; Schreiber, 2020)

Step 5: Deep Dive into the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values

Nothing impresses in an interview more than your experience—except demonstrating that you've done your homework on the company. Researching the organization is a critical step that should never be skipped. To take your interview prep to the next level, make sure to include key company details in your ChatGPT prompt. This will help tailor your responses, showing hiring managers that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely invested in their mission and goals.

Ideal Prompt for Company Research

“Can you analyze [Company Name]’s mission, vision, values, and history and integrate them into my interview responses? I want to align my answers with what matters most to the company.”

This ensures that your responses don’t just highlight your skills but also demonstrate that you understand the company culture.

(Simplestic, 2024; TealHQ, 2024)

Step 6: Using AI for Career Transitions and Transferable Skills

If you're transitioning to a new career, ChatGPT can help by analyzing your resume against the job description to highlight your transferable skills. Simply upload both documents (but not including private information from your resume like your email, phone number, address, etc.) along with a well-crafted prompt, and ChatGPT will assess and identify key strengths that align with the role—ensuring you get the most relevant insights for your job search.

Ideal Prompt for Career Transitions

“I am transitioning from [Current Role] to [New Role]. Here is my resume (excluding private details) and the job description. Can you evaluate my transferable skills and generate 15 interview questions with S.T.A.R. method answers that highlight how my past experience applies to this new role?”

This approach helps career changers communicate their value effectively, making it easier to transition into a new industry.

(HBR, 2024)

Step 7: Practicing with Your AI Podcast

Once your AI-generated podcast is ready, listen to it while driving, cooking, or doing chores. This helps:

• Reduce interview anxiety.

• Reinforce memory through repetition.

• Improve fluency and confidence.

Imagine having a personal interview coach who never sleeps, never judges, and never gets tired of repeating the same advice until it finally clicks. That’s exactly what an AI-powered podcast can do for your brain—it’s like having a career guru in your pocket, available 24/7 to drop wisdom, boost your confidence, and make sure you don’t blank on the “Tell me about yourself” question.

So instead of forcing yourself to memorize canned responses, AI podcasts guide you through real-world examples, mock interview scenarios, and expert tips, reinforcing key takeaways through repetition and storytelling. It’s like having a mentor whispering insider secrets in your ear—but without the awkward eye contact.

And the best part? You can train your brain anytime, anywhere. Stuck in traffic? That’s a perfect time to refine your salary negotiation skills. Walking the dog? Why not practice answering behavioral questions? Making dinner? Learn how to subtly flex your achievements without sounding like a human LinkedIn post. By the time your interview rolls around, your responses will feel effortless, natural, and (most importantly) yours.

So go ahead—press play on that AI-powered coaching podcast, let your brain do its thing, and step into your next interview feeling like the main character. Because you are.

AI’s Limitations: Why Your Voice Still Matters

While AI is a powerful tool, it isn’t perfect. It can:

• Misinterpret nuances in job descriptions.

• Generate generic responses that need refining.

• Sound unnatural if not personalized.

That’s why it’s crucial to review all responses, tweak them in your own words, and ensure they align with how you naturally speak. AI is a guide, but your authenticity seals the deal.

Final Thoughts: The Future of AI-Enhanced Interview Prep

Using ChatGPT or Notebook LM AI-generated podcasts, you can completely transform the way you prepare for interviews. Whether you're a seasoned professional or making a bold career transition, this method keeps your prep engaging, customized, and—most importantly—effective. AI helps sharpen your answers, but the warmth, personality, and impact? That comes from you.

Remember, job searching can be exhausting, and interview prep sometimes feels like an emotional rollercoaster. Be kind to yourself during this process. Take breaks, breathe, and engage in self-care—because your confidence, well-being, and mindset matter just as much as your resume. You’ve worked hard to get here, and you deserve an opportunity that values what you bring to the table.

So, as you gear up for your next interview, let AI be your secret weapon—but don’t forget, the true star of the show is still you. Trust in your skills, believe in your worth, and walk into that interview ready to deliver an out-of-this-world, warm, and personable conversation. You've got this!

Take care out there, and keep leading with heart!

References

• Design With AI. (2024). How I used NotebookLM and ChatGPT to prepare for an interview. Retrieved from https://designwithai.substack.com/p/how-i-used-notebooklm-and-chatgpt

• Forbes. (2025). Ace your next interview with a custom career podcast from Notebook LM. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/philkirschner/2025/01/12/ace-your-next-interview-with-a-custom-career-podcast-from-notebooklm/

• Harvard Business Review. (2024). How to use GenAI to prepare for your next job interview. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2024/01/how-to-use-genai-to-prepare-for-your-next-job-interview

• Schreiber, S. (2020, September 28). Are podcasts good for your brain? Here’s what experts say. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a34100126/podcast-brain-benefits/

• Simplestic. (2024). Using ChatGPT to prepare for an interview. Retrieved from https://simplestic.com/using-chatgpt-to-prepare-for-interview/

• TealHQ. (2024). How to use ChatGPT to prepare for a job interview. Retrieved from https://www.tealhq.com/post/how-to-use-chatgpt-to-prepare-for-a-job-interview