Introduction

Job interviews are stressful. You need to answer tough questions, show confidence, and prove you are the right fit. Most people walk into interviews unprepared or over-rehearsed.

AI can help you prepare better. It can generate practice questions, help you craft strong answers, and even role-play as an interviewer. But only if you use the right prompts.

You can use all the prompts on this page for free. A small reading window applies, but you still get full access to the content. Lucy+ simply unlocks unlimited reading time and more than 30,000 pro prompts.

This guide gives you 25 free prompts to prepare for any job interview with confidence.

Why Most Interview Prep Fails

Most people do one of two things. They either wing it with no preparation, or they memorize scripted answers that sound robotic.

Neither approach works. Winging it leads to rambling or forgetting key points. Memorizing scripts makes you sound fake.

The best interview prep helps you think through your experiences, organize your thoughts, and practice speaking naturally about your value.

What Makes Great Interview Prep

Great interview prep does three things. It helps you identify your strongest examples. It teaches you to structure clear, concise answers. It builds your confidence through practice.

You should prepare for common questions, but also learn to think on your feet. The goal is not to memorize answers. The goal is to be ready to talk naturally about your experience.

How to Use These Prompts Correctly

Before you use any prompt, gather this information:

• The job description you are interviewing for

• Your relevant experience and achievements

• Challenges you have overcome

• Questions you have about the company or role

Every prompt below includes instructions that help the AI generate realistic, useful interview prep content.

Top 25 Free Prompts for Interview Prep

Prompt 1: Generate Common Interview Questions

Here is the job I am interviewing for: [paste job title and description]

When to use this: When you want to know what questions to expect.

Prompt 2: Create Strong STAR Method Answers

Here is the interview question: [paste question].
Here is my relevant experience: [describe the situation, task, action, and result]

When to use this: When you need to structure answers to behavioral questions.

Prompt 3: Practice "Tell Me About Yourself"

Here is my background: [current role, relevant experience, key skills, career goals]

When to use this: When you need to nail the opening question.

Prompt 4: Answer "Why Do You Want This Job?"

Here is the job: [paste job title and key responsibilities].
Here is why I am interested: [your genuine reasons]

When to use this: When you need to show authentic motivation.

Prompt 5: Explain Career Gaps

Here is my employment gap: [time period and honest reason].
Here is what I did during that time: [skills gained, projects, growth]

When to use this: When you need to address a resume gap.

Prompt 6: Discuss Weaknesses Honestly

Here is a real weakness I have: [describe genuine area for improvement].
Here is how I am working on it: [concrete steps you are taking]

When to use this: When you need to discuss weaknesses authentically.

Prompt 7: Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Here is the job: [paste job title and description].
Here is what I want to learn: [company culture, growth, challenges, team dynamics, etc.]

When to use this: When you need smart questions to ask at the end.

Prompt 8: Role-Play Tough Interview Questions

Act as a tough interviewer for this role: [paste job title]

When to use this: When you want realistic interview practice.

Prompt 9: Explain Why You Left Your Last Job

Here is why I left: [honest reason without negativity]

When to use this: When you need to discuss leaving a previous role.

Prompt 10: Describe Your Biggest Achievement

Here is my biggest professional achievement: [describe what you did and the results]

When to use this: When you need to highlight your best work.

Prompt 11: Handle Salary Questions

Here is the role: [job title].
Here is the market rate: [salary range you researched].
Here is my target: [your desired salary]

When to use this: When you need to discuss compensation.

Prompt 12: Explain Career Change

Here is my previous field: [old career].
Here is my new direction: [new field].
Here is why I am changing: [honest motivation].
Here is what transfers: [relevant skills]

When to use this: When you are switching careers or industries.

Prompt 13: Discuss Management Style

Here is how I manage teams: [your approach, philosophy, examples]

When to use this: When interviewing for leadership roles.

Prompt 14: Handle Conflict Questions

Here is a conflict situation I handled: [describe the conflict and resolution]

When to use this: When you need to discuss handling difficult situations.

Prompt 15: Explain Overqualification

Here is why this role fits despite my experience: [honest reasons]

When to use this: When you have more experience than required.

Prompt 16: Describe Your Work Style

Here is how I work best: [environment, collaboration style, communication preferences]

When to use this: When asked about your working preferences.

Prompt 17: Practice Technical Questions

Here are the technical skills required: [list from job description]

When to use this: When preparing for technical interviews.

Prompt 18: Explain Learning from Failure

Here is a professional failure I experienced: [describe what went wrong].
Here is what I learned: [concrete lessons and changes]

When to use this: When discussing mistakes or setbacks.

Prompt 19: Discuss Remote Work Experience

Here is my remote work background: [experience, tools, productivity habits]

When to use this: When interviewing for remote positions.

Prompt 20: Handle "Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?"

Here are my career goals: [realistic aspirations aligned with this role]

When to use this: When discussing long-term career goals.

Prompt 21: Prepare for Case Study Interviews

Here is the type of business problem I might face: [describe industry and role challenges]

When to use this: When preparing for case-based interviews.

Prompt 22: Discuss Why You Want to Leave Current Job

Here is why I am looking: [honest reasons focused on growth, not complaints]

When to use this: When still employed and interviewing elsewhere.

Prompt 23: Answer Culture Fit Questions

Here is what I know about the company culture: [values, working style, mission].
Here is how I align: [personal values and work preferences]

When to use this: When discussing company values and culture.

Prompt 24: Practice Industry-Specific Questions

Here is the industry: [name of industry].
Here is the role: [job title]

When to use this: When preparing for industry-specific interviews.

Prompt 25: Create Your 30-60-90 Day Plan

Here is the role: [paste job description].
Here is my understanding of priorities: [what seems most important]

When to use this: When asked what you would do in your first 90 days.

Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid

Rambling answers. Keep responses under 2 minutes. Practice being concise.

Speaking negatively about past employers. Always stay professional and positive.

Not preparing questions. Always have 3-5 questions ready to ask.

Being too rehearsed. Practice ideas, not exact scripts.

Forgetting to research the company. Know their products, values, and recent news.

Not preparing examples. Have 5-7 strong stories ready to share.

Failing to show enthusiasm. Energy and interest matter.

Not dressing appropriately. Match or slightly exceed the company dress code.

Arriving late. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Checking your phone. Keep it off or silent and put away.

How to Make These Prompts Work Even Better

Add specific details. The more context you give the AI, the better the output.

Practice out loud. Reading answers in your head is not enough.

Record yourself. Watch or listen back to improve delivery.

Time your answers. Make sure responses are not too long.

Get feedback. Practice with a friend or mentor.

Customize for each company. Do not use generic answers.

Follow up answers with examples. Always have a story ready.

Be yourself. Authenticity matters more than perfection.

What Interviewers Look For

Interviewers assess three main things. Can you do the job? Will you fit the culture? Are you motivated to succeed here?

They listen for specific examples, clear communication, and genuine interest. They watch body language and energy level.

The best candidates balance confidence with humility. They show enthusiasm without desperation. They communicate clearly without rambling.

How to Edit AI Output for Better Results

AI gives you a foundation. But you need to personalize it.

Make it sound like you. Adjust words and phrases to match how you speak.

Add personal details. Include specifics only you would know.

Check for accuracy. Verify all facts and numbers.

Practice delivery. Say it out loud until it feels natural.

Shorten if needed. Cut anything that does not add value.

Add emotion where appropriate. Show genuine feelings about your work.

Verify company details. Make sure all research is current.

Final Interview Tips

Research thoroughly. Know the company, role, and interviewer if possible.

Prepare your materials. Bring extra copies of your resume.

Practice common questions. But stay flexible and authentic.

Use the STAR method. Structure your stories clearly.

Show enthusiasm. Energy and interest are contagious.

Listen carefully. Answer the question asked, not the one you prepared for.

Take your time. Pause to think before answering tough questions.

Follow up. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.

Be yourself. Authenticity builds trust.

Stay positive. Even when discussing challenges or failures.

FAQ

1. Can I use these prompts for free?

Yes. You can use every prompt on this page for free. The reading window applies, but the content is fully accessible.

2. Do these prompts work with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini?

Yes. These prompts work with all major AI tools.

3. Should I memorize the answers AI generates?

No. Use them as a guide, then practice speaking naturally about the ideas.

4. How far in advance should I start preparing?

Start at least 3-5 days before the interview. More time for senior roles.

5. Should I edit the AI's output?

Always. Make it sound like you and verify all information.

6. How many questions should I prepare for?

Prepare for 10-15 common questions, plus have 5-7 strong examples ready.

7. What is the difference between free prompts and Lucy+ prompts?

Lucy+ unlocks unlimited reading time and access to more than 30,000 professional prompts. The free library already includes powerful, usable prompts.

8. Can I use these prompts for phone interviews too?

Yes. The same preparation applies to phone, video, and in-person interviews.

9. What if the interviewer asks something I did not prepare for?

Take a moment to think, then answer honestly. It is okay to say "That is a great question, let me think for a moment."

10. Should I bring notes to the interview?

You can bring notes with questions to ask, but do not read from them when answering.

If you want to explore more, Lucy+ gives access to more than 30,000 professional prompts for 10 USD per month. No pressure. Most of the powerful prompts are already free in the library.