Ace Your Interview

You already know how to answer "Tell me about yourself." But do you know yourself well enough to answer it with energy, clarity, and actual human connection?

This isn't about memorizing a bunch of "perfect" responses and hoping you don’t black out halfway through your story about that one time you "demonstrated leadership in a cross-functional team." (Yawn.) This is about showing up like someone they want to work with (and someone you want to work with, too!).

Interviews aren’t just assessments. They’re emotional transactions. If you’ve ever walked out of an interview thinking, “I said all the right things... why didn’t I get the offer?”—this is probably why. 

According to behavioral science (shoutout to Science of People), people form snap judgments based on two things:

1. Competence – Can you do the job?

2. Warmth – Are you someone they want to do the job with?

The magic happens when you show both. Too much competence without warmth? You come off as a robot. Too much warmth without competence? You’re fun, but forgettable.

Whether you're exploring a career pivot or preparing for your next big step, interviews can feel like both an opportunity and a pressure test. That's why we've created this series of Kelley Alumni Interview Prep Guides—designed specifically for business school graduates navigating competitive roles across industries.

Each guide breaks down what to expect, how to prepare, and how to communicate the unique value of your business education in interviews that matter. From product management to consulting, brand strategy to finance, you'll find step-by-step insights, recommended resources, and encouragement tailored to your path. 

These aren't generic tips—they’re actionable playbooks grounded in the skills you’ve built at Kelley and beyond. Use the links below to explore prep guides by function and role. Please extend me some grace if you don't see a guide for every role on the planet; that list would be gargantuan. Pick something close to your target, and extrapolate the framework and guidance. You've got this.

There’s no shortage of AI-powered tools promising to help you “nail the interview”—and some of them actually deliver. 

While nothing replaces good ol’ human practice (or real-time connection), AI tools can be a surprisingly smart wing-person when:

• You're prepping for recorded virtual interviews where delivery matters as much as content

• You’re facing technical or case interviews and want to drill with instant feedback

• Or, let’s be honest—you’re talking to yourself in the mirror and need a less judgmental audience

I’ve tested a few of these tools so you don’t have to scroll blindly (no affiliate kick-backs here). This is not an endorsement—just sharing information. Check them out below and see what clicks for you.

Last Thought about AI:

AI interview prep tools are a mirror, not a magic wand. Use them to see yourself clearly, tighten your delivery, and practice under pressure—but don’t let them scrub out your spark. 

The goal isn’t sounding perfect. It’s sounding like you—just a version who’s done their homework and knows they belong in the room.

Interviews can feel intimidating, but they’re also invitations—to share your story, show your strengths, and connect your business education to real-world impact. These guides are here to help you prepare with clarity and confidence.

You’ve already done the hard work of investing in your education, building experience, and leading with purpose. Now it’s about telling that story well.

You’re more ready than you think. And your next opportunity? It’s waiting.