5 AI-Powered Interview Hacks Grad Students Are Using Right Now (Are You)?

It was Spring of 2011. I was a fresh college graduate, eager to land my first real job. Every interview invite felt like a golden opportunity.  

But the process was far from golden. I’d be up early in the morning, rushing to get ready, printing résumés, and navigating bus routes in unfamiliar neighborhoods. By the time I arrived—sweaty and stressed—I’d find myself waiting in a long queue with 50 other candidates.  

Often, I’d realize within minutes that the role or the company just wasn’t the right fit for me. All that effort only to go home, drained and disheartened. 

Fast-forward to today, and thankfully, much has changed. 

Virtual interviews have transformed the hiring landscape. They offer flexibility, save time, and allow both candidates and employers to focus on what matters. Most companies now reserve in-person meetings for the final stages, once mutual interest is clear. But virtual interviews require a different kind of preparation that goes beyond a good résumé and a polished LinkedIn profile.  

That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) can become a secret weapon. By using modern AI-driven tools with timeless strategies shared by interview professionals, there are ways to prepare better and show up as your most confident and authentic self. According to HR Grapevine, by 2025, 83 percent of employers plan to utilize AI for the initial review of résumés. Additionally, nearly 70 percent of employers expect to integrate AI into their recruitment processes with little or no human intervention.  

How can AI be a Game-Changer for Interview Preparation? 

In February 2025, AIResumeBuilder.com surveyed 1,000 recent job seekers and found 46 percent of job applicants used ChatGPT to write application materials, and 37 percent utilized it to help with interviews. Candidates who used ChatGPT were more likely to get interviews and offers. In this blog, we share several tips to use AI tools as your mentor in interview prep. 

5 AI-Powered Interview Hacks for Recent College Graduates

2. Practice Like It’s Real, with Role-Specific Questions. 

Instead of answering random questions, you can tailor your practice by asking AI to simulate interviews for a specific role or industry. That way, your answers are relevant and focused, and you get a feel for what recruiters might actually request. 

Example: If you’re applying for a marketing analyst position, AI can simulate questions about campaign metrics, customer segmentation, and digital tools. 

4. Use AI to Research the Role and Industry (Always Cross-Verify). 

Generative AI is excellent for summarizing company websites, extracting key mission statements, and highlighting recent industry trends. It gives you a great starting point, but don’t just rely on it entirely. It can help you scan the company’s social media to help you understand their communication strategy, but always double-check with the company’s official site, recent press releases, or trusted business sources. 

Example: AI might summarize a company’s recent acquisition. You can then follow up by reading the full article to understand its strategic impact. 

Mastering the Virtual Interview: Expert Tips from St. John’s Employer Relations Director

After exploring the smart ways AI can help you prepare, I also spoke with Amberly Jaycox, Director of Employer Relations at St. John’s University, about the things you should keep in mind before, during, and after an interview. While AI can give you a major edge, your environment and communication still play a huge role in how you’re perceived. 

Here’s what she recommends: 

• Create a Distraction-Free, Interview-Ready Setup: First impressions matter—even on video. A clean, well-lit space shows you’re serious and professional before you even speak.
• Lighting and Background Tips for a Professional Look: Sit facing natural light or use a desk lamp to brighten your face. Keep your background neutral—think clean walls or a virtual blur filter to eliminate distractions.
• Ensure a Quiet Space with Stable Internet: Always check your connection ahead of time. Use headphones or a headset to minimize background noise and silence all notifications before you log on.
• Communicate Clearly and Stay on Point: When answering, be concise and stick to the question. Avoid rambling, speak confidently, smile, and make virtual eye contact—just as you would in a face-to-face meeting.
• After the Interview: Following Up the Right Way: Send a Thank-You Message Using AI. Mention one specific topic you discussed in the interview and how it excites you. Reinforce your interest without sounding desperate. Keep it short and genuine. 

AI as Your Interview Wingman, Not a Crutch 

AI is a powerful tool—but it’s just that: a tool. When used wisely, it can help you show up better prepared, more informed, and calmer under pressure. But at the end of the day, employers want to see the real you: your ideas, your values, and your voice. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the common mistakes to avoid in AI-based interview prep? 

• Over-relying on AI-generated answers
• Failing to adapt your tone and language
• Not customizing research for the specific role
• Using AI during the interview
• Sounding too scripted or formal 

How can AI help me tailor my résumé and cover letter for specific jobs? 

Use GPTs like Master Interview in ChatGPT to tailor your résumé to a job and create a customized cover letter. 

Will using AI make my answers sound robotic? 

Only if you copy them word-for-word. Use AI to brainstorm and refine, not to speak for you. 

Is it cheating to use AI in interview prep? 

Not at all, so long as you’re learning and not depending on it to replace your thinking.