Navigating Job Interviews with Confidence Using ChatGPT
Written by: Sabrina Grebenstein
Published February 18, 2024
When I applied to Industrial Organizational master’s programs in the Spring of last year, I wanted to be realistic about my odds of being accepted. For me, this meant applying for internships. This way, if I did not get into a program, I would be gaining experience in the field that could lead to a job. At this point, I had sent my resume out to human resource internship positions posted both locally and remotely. When I started receiving requests for interviews, I knew I needed to brush up on my interviewing skills. It was at this moment that I turned to ChatGPT. I believe my improved interviewing skills are what have helped me land three internship offers, and a spot in one of the top ranked I-O programs in the country.
How did I use ChatGPT to help me land internship offers?
There are four main ways I have used ChatGPT to help me land interviews and job offers: (1) ChatGPT can be used to tailor your resume and cover letter to a specific job or company, (2) ChatGPT can help explain what an organization does in easy to understand terms, (3) ChatGPT can conduct a mock interview and provide feeedback on your responses, and (4) ChatGPT can give you sample questions to ask your interviewers at the end of the interview. This post is going to focus on how to use ChatGPT to prepare for success during your interview(s), using the prompts and feedback I received when preparing for a recent internship interview.
Step One: Use ChatGPT to help you learn about the organization
Curious how I pulled it off? Here's my secret - I kick things off by reviewing the company's website. I examine their values and mission to get a feel for what they are all about. Then I turn to ChatGPT for a rundown on their operations, to make sure I have a handle on their core business.
Example Prompt: I am applying for an internship with Hamilton County in Chattanooga Tennessee in the Economic and Community Development Department. Please give me a quick overview of relevant information I will need for my interview.
ChatGPT Output
The Economic and Community Development Department in Hamilton County, Chattanooga, Tennessee, plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing the overall well-being of the community. Here's an overview of what you might expect:
Mission and Objectives: The department's primary mission is to promote economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for residents of Hamilton County. It aims to achieve this by implementing strategic initiatives that support business development, job creation, affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and community revitalization.
Key Responsibilities: The department is responsible for a wide range of activities, including:
Attracting new businesses and industries to the area through targeted marketing efforts, incentives programs, and workforce development initiatives.
Supporting the expansion and retention of existing businesses by providing assistance with financing, permitting, and access to resources.
Facilitating public-private partnerships to stimulate investment in key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism.
Implementing community development projects to address housing needs, infrastructure upgrades, blight elimination, and neighborhood revitalization.
Collaborating with local stakeholders, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to develop and implement comprehensive economic and community development strategies.
Key Initiatives: The department may be involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and community development, such as:
Business incubation and entrepreneurship programs to support startups and small businesses.
Redevelopment of brownfield sites or blighted areas to attract new investment and create vibrant, mixed-use developments.
Affordable housing initiatives to address housing affordability challenges and promote inclusive growth.
Infrastructure projects to improve transportation, utilities, and public amenities, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Workforce development programs to equip residents with the skills and training needed to secure employment in high-demand industries.
Community Engagement: Engaging with the local community is crucial for the department's success. This may involve conducting outreach events, town hall meetings, stakeholder consultations, and public hearings to solicit input, gather feedback, and ensure that development initiatives reflect the needs and priorities of residents.
Collaboration and Partnerships: The department collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including local government agencies, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private sector partners. These partnerships are essential for leveraging resources, sharing expertise, and fostering a collaborative approach to economic and community development.
Overall, the Economic and Community Development Department in Hamilton County, Chattanooga, is dedicated to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community where businesses thrive, residents prosper, and quality of life is enhanced for all. As an intern, you may have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects and gain valuable experience in the field of economic and community development.
Step Two: Use ChatGPT to help you identify how you can contribute to the organization
Now that I have a good understanding of the department, I want to think about how I can contribute to the organization. Within that same chat-thread, I input both my resume and the job posting into ChatGPT. ChatGPT will then help me identify how I'm a good fit for the role and highlight any skills or experiences I may have overlooked.
Example Prompt: “Based on this resume [paste your resume] tell me how I am qualified for this position.”
ChatGPT Output
Based on your resume, you are highly qualified for the internship role in the Economic and Community Development Department with Hamilton County in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Here's why:
Educational Background: Your educational background in Industrial Organizational Psychology, with a minor in Psychology and a focus on Public Policy, equips you with a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, organizational dynamics, and public administration—essential skills for contributing to economic and community development initiatives.
Change Management Experience: Your experience as a Change Management Administrative Assistant and Intern at Astec Industries demonstrates your proficiency in change management principles and methodologies. You have successfully coordinated onboarding procedures, organized organizational events, managed documentation for training programs, and facilitated transparent communication channels—all critical skills applicable to economic and community development projects.
Project Management Skills: Your proficiency in project management tools and software, along with your ability to manage multiple competing tasks, showcases your organizational and multitasking abilities—skills essential for handling various projects and initiatives within the department.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with your ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels, make you well-suited for collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and residents.
Analytical Skills: Your experience in data analysis, stakeholder analysis, and assessments demonstrates your ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data to inform decision-making—a crucial skill for evaluating community needs, identifying opportunities, and assessing the impact of economic and community development initiatives.
Track Record of Success: Your track record of exceeding sales standards and contributing to sales growth in previous roles highlights your ability to set and achieve goals, drive results, and deliver tangible outcomes—qualities that are highly valued in a dynamic and results-oriented environment like economic and community development.
Overall, your combination of academic background, practical experience, skills, and achievements make you a strong candidate for the internship role in the Economic and Community Development Department. You have the potential to make significant contributions to the department's efforts in promoting economic prosperity and enhancing the overall well-being of the community in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Step Three: Use ChatGPT to help you identify questions your interviewer(s) may ask you
Now that I've got my basics down, I turn to ChatGPT to generate a list of potential interview questions. Once I've got the questions, I craft my responses and then bounce them off ChatGPT for feedback. This step has been a game-changer! Getting that feedback has really improved my communication.
Example Prompt: Please provide a list of potential questions I may be asked during the interview.
Example Prompt: Can you provide me with feedback on my response to question #7? [paste your question response]
Getting feedback on my responses has helped me understand what hiring managers are looking for. For example, ChatGPT will point out things I have done well in my response, things I can do better, and give me a sample revised response so I can see how to implement the feedback.
ChatGPT Output
Here's a list of potential questions you may be asked during your interview for the internship role in the Economic and Community Development Department with Hamilton County in Chattanooga, Tennessee:
Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
What interests you about this internship opportunity?
How do your academic and professional experiences align with the requirements of this internship?
What do you hope to gain or learn from this internship experience?
Can you provide an example of a project or initiative you were involved in that relates to economic or community development?
How do you approach problem-solving and decision-making in a team setting?
Can you discuss a time when you had to handle multiple tasks or priorities simultaneously? How did you prioritize and manage your time effectively?
How do you handle challenges or setbacks in a professional environment?
Can you describe your experience working with diverse stakeholders or community groups?
What skills or strengths do you bring to this internship role?
How do you stay informed about current trends or issues in economic and community development?
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to communicate complex information or ideas to different audiences effectively?
How do you adapt to change or uncertainty in a work environment?
Can you discuss your experience with data analysis or research methods?
How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work?
Can you share an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership or initiative in a project or task?
How do you prioritize collaboration and teamwork in your work approach?
Can you discuss a time when you had to navigate a conflict or disagreement within a team or group?
What do you see as the biggest challenges or opportunities in economic and community development in our region?
How do you envision applying your skills and experiences to contribute to the goals of our department and the community?
Be prepared to provide specific examples and anecdotes from your experiences to support your responses to these questions. Practice articulating your thoughts and experiences concisely and confidently to make a positive impression during the interview.
Step Four: Use ChatGPT to help you identify potential questions to ask your interviewer(s)
After wrapping up the interview, I always make sure to ask some insightful questions. With a little help from ChatGPT, I try to pick questions that will showcase how I'd be a great fit for both the role and the company. Usually, I aim to have at least three questions ready to roll. But here's the deal, you want to make sure these questions matter to you and could sway your decision about taking the job. Oh, and pay close attention during the interview! Asking something that's already been covered? Not a good look. It might seem like you weren't tuned in, and that's not the impression you want to leave behind.
Example Prompt: “What questions should I consider asking at the end of my interview?”
ChatGPT Output
When considering questions to ask at the end of your interview for the internship role in the Economic and Community Development Department with Hamilton County in Chattanooga, Tennessee, it's essential to demonstrate your interest in the position, gather valuable information, and leave a positive impression. Here are some questions you may consider asking:
About the Department and Role:
Can you provide more details about the day-to-day responsibilities of this internship role?
How does this internship contribute to the overall goals and objectives of the Economic and Community Development Department?
Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that the intern may be involved in?
About the Team and Collaboration:
What is the structure of the team that the intern will be working with?
How does the department typically collaborate with other stakeholders, such as local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or community groups?
Are there opportunities for the intern to participate in meetings or collaborate with other departments or organizations?
About Professional Development:
Are there opportunities for professional development or training during the internship?
How does the department support interns in learning and gaining new skills related to economic and community development?
Can you share examples of past interns who have gone on to pursue careers in economic and community development?
About the Organization and Community:
How does Hamilton County support economic growth and community development in Chattanooga?
Can you provide insight into any recent or ongoing economic development projects or initiatives in the area?
How does the department engage with the local community and residents in its efforts?
About Expectations and Success Metrics:
What are the department's expectations for the intern in terms of performance and outcomes?
How will the intern's success be evaluated during the internship?
Are there specific metrics or benchmarks that the intern will be responsible for achieving?
About Next Steps:
What is the timeline for the interview process and when can I expect to hear back from you?
Is there any additional information or documentation that I can provide to support my application?
Do you have any advice for someone starting in this internship role to hit the ground running?
Remember to tailor these questions to your specific interests and the information you would like to gather about the internship, the department, and the organization. Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the team and the community.
I've applied this strategy to both internship and grad school interviews, and I've lost count of how many times interviewers have praised how well-prepared I was. Although your resume might open the door, it's your interview skills – with a little assistance from ChatGPT – that'll land you the next interview or even the job offer! Give it a shot in your next interview, and trust me, you'll walk in feeling confident. Oh, and did I mention that ChatGPT is totally FREE?
About the Author
My name is Sabrina Grebenstein and I am a first year masters student in Industrial Organizational Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Through research, training, and consultation, my goal is to help organizations create environments where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to excel, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or background. When I am not in class, you will find me reading my latest fantasy obsession.