Quick Prompts Reference: Job Interview (Candidate)
When you're the one being interviewed for a job, Hedy becomes your private interview coach. These quick prompts help you answer questions confidently, showcase your qualifications, build connection with your interviewer, handle tricky situations, and leave a strong final impression - all while staying authentic and composed under pressure.
Answer Strong
When this applies: Throughout the interview when responding to any question - whether it's "Tell me about yourself," a behavioral question, or a technical inquiry. This is your core toolkit for delivering clear, structured, compelling answers.
Ideal settings: Any job interview format - phone screens, video calls, panel interviews, one-on-one meetings, or final round conversations.
💡Answer that question
What it does: Provides a structured outline with key points you should cover in your answer, including relevant examples and how to connect your response to job requirements.
When to use it:
You've just been asked a question and want to organize your thoughts quickly
The question is complex and you want to make sure you cover all aspects
You want to avoid rambling and deliver a focused, complete answer
You're not sure how to start or structure your response
Example scenario: The interviewer asks, "Why are you interested in this role?" You tap this prompt and Hedy provides bullet points covering your genuine interest in the company, how the role aligns with your career goals, and specific aspects that excite you - giving you a roadmap for a compelling answer.
What to expect: A quick-reference outline with main points to address, suggested examples from your background, and strong opening and closing sentences you can adapt.
💡Give an example
What it does: Suggests a specific example or story from your background that demonstrates relevant experience, formatted using the STAR method for easy delivery.
When to use it:
The interviewer asks for a specific example of when you did something
You're drawing a blank on which experience to share
You have several examples but aren't sure which is most relevant
You want to make sure your story is compelling and well-structured
Example scenario: Asked "Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem," you use this prompt. Hedy identifies a relevant project from your resume and structures it as a story with clear situation, actions, and impressive results you can confidently share.
What to expect: A specific example from your background formatted with Situation, Task, Action, and Result components, making it easy to deliver a memorable story.
💡Highlight my strengths
What it does: Identifies 2-3 of your key strengths most relevant to what's being discussed and provides ways to naturally weave them into your current answer.
When to use it:
You want to make sure you're selling yourself effectively during a response
The conversation has moved to a topic where you have strong qualifications
You need to pivot an answer to highlight your best qualities
You want to reinforce key qualifications without sounding boastful
Example scenario: While discussing your previous role, you realize you haven't mentioned your project management skills - a key requirement for this job. This prompt identifies that strength and suggests a natural way to bring it up in your current response.
What to expect: Specific strengths relevant to the moment with concrete talking points and achievements that demonstrate each one without self-promotion feeling forced.
💡Use STAR method
What it does: Helps you structure a behavioral answer using the proven STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) with an outline based on your experience.
When to use it:
You recognize a behavioral question starting with "Tell me about a time..."
You have an example in mind but need help organizing it clearly
You tend to ramble during behavioral questions and want a clear structure
You want to make sure your story has a strong, measurable result
Example scenario: The interviewer asks, "Describe a time you had to work with a difficult team member." You use this prompt and Hedy helps you structure a specific experience into the STAR format, ensuring you cover all components and end with a positive outcome.
What to expect: A brief outline for each STAR component tailored to the interviewer's question, helping you deliver a focused, complete behavioral response.
Showcase Value
When this applies: When you need to demonstrate why you're the right candidate for this specific role. Use these prompts to connect your experience to their needs and highlight your most impressive and relevant qualifications.
Ideal settings: Any point in the interview where you're discussing qualifications, experience, or what you'd bring to the role - especially when directly asked about your fit or when you sense an opportunity to emphasize your value.
💡Connect to their needs
What it does: Identifies the top 2-3 ways your background directly addresses what they're looking for and provides specific talking points that link your experience to their requirements.
When to use it:
The interviewer has just described a challenge or need for the role
You want to make explicit connections between your experience and their requirements
You're answering "Why should we hire you?" or similar questions
The conversation reveals a priority you haven't addressed yet
Example scenario: The interviewer mentions they need someone who can hit the ground running with their CRM system. You use this prompt and Hedy provides a way to connect your specific CRM experience directly to their stated need with language like "My three years with that exact platform means I can contribute immediately."
What to expect: Specific talking points that explicitly link your qualifications to their needs, with suggested phrases for making these connections sound natural.
💡Share achievements
What it does: Suggests 1-2 quantifiable achievements from your background that would be impressive and relevant to the current discussion, formatted with specific metrics.
When to use it:
You're discussing past performance and want to include impressive numbers
The interviewer asks about your biggest accomplishments
You want to differentiate yourself with concrete results
The conversation has moved to an area where you have measurable wins
Example scenario: While discussing your sales experience, you want to share impressive numbers but are blanking on specifics. This prompt surfaces relevant achievements like "Exceeded quota by 127% in Q4" or "Grew territory revenue from $2M to $3.5M in 18 months."
What to expect: Specific, quantifiable achievements from your background formatted with metrics that demonstrate impact and are directly relevant to the current topic.
💡Demonstrate expertise
What it does: Suggests specific points that demonstrate deep knowledge in your field - industry trends, best practices, tools, or insights that show thought leadership.
When to use it:
The interviewer is probing your technical or professional depth
You want to position yourself as a subject matter expert
The conversation touches on industry trends or best practices
You sense they want to know you really understand the work
Example scenario: Asked about your approach to data analysis, you want to demonstrate you're current and knowledgeable. This prompt suggests mentioning specific methodologies you use, recent industry developments you follow, and tools you've mastered - showing depth beyond basic qualifications.
What to expect: Specific talking points that showcase deep expertise: trends to reference, best practices to mention, or technical insights that differentiate you as a knowledgeable professional.
💡Show cultural fit
What it does: Suggests ways to demonstrate you'd fit the company culture based on their values, work style, and what they've shared about their environment.
When to use it:
The interviewer discusses company culture or team dynamics
You're asked about your work style or preferences
You want to show you'd thrive in their environment
There's an opportunity to connect on values or mission
Example scenario: The interviewer mentions they value collaboration and have a flat organizational structure. You use this prompt and Hedy suggests mentioning your preference for cross-functional projects and gives you language that shows genuine alignment with their collaborative approach.
What to expect: Specific phrases and examples that demonstrate authentic alignment with their culture, work style, and values without sounding generic or forced.
Build Rapport
When this applies: Throughout the interview when you want to create genuine connection with your interviewer. Building rapport makes the conversation more natural and helps interviewers envision working with you.
Ideal settings: Natural conversation moments, transitions between topics, before/after formal questions, or whenever the atmosphere allows for more personal connection.
💡Find common ground
What it does: Based on what the interviewer has shared, suggests potential common ground you might have - shared experiences, interests, or perspectives - and provides natural ways to bring this up.
When to use it:
The interviewer mentions something about their background or interests
You notice potential shared experiences (same school, similar career path, etc.)
The conversation feels too formal and you want to warm it up
There's a natural pause that could become a genuine connection moment
Example scenario: The interviewer mentions they transitioned from engineering to product management. You use this prompt and Hedy helps you draw a connection to your own career evolution, suggesting a natural way to share this similarity without derailing the interview.
What to expect: Potential connection points based on the conversation and authentic ways to bring them up that feel conversational rather than calculated.
💡Show enthusiasm
What it does: Suggests specific ways to express genuine interest in the role and company - what excites you about their projects, why this role aligns with your goals, or what unique value you'd bring.
When to use it:
You want to convey excitement without sounding over-the-top
The interviewer seems unsure about your level of interest
There's a natural moment to express why you want this specific role
You're wrapping up and want to reinforce genuine interest
Example scenario: The interviewer has just finished explaining a new initiative. You use this prompt and Hedy provides specific, authentic-sounding phrases that express genuine excitement about the project and how it connects to your career interests - not generic enthusiasm.
What to expect: Specific, genuine-sounding ways to express enthusiasm that are tied to concrete aspects of the role, company, or conversation - avoiding cliches or forced excitement.
💡Ask insightful question
What it does: Based on the discussion, suggests an insightful question that shows you've done research and are thinking strategically about the role.
When to use it:
There's a natural pause where a thoughtful question would fit
You want to demonstrate deeper thinking about the role
The interviewer mentions something you could explore further
You're in the "any questions for me?" portion and want to stand out
Example scenario: The interviewer has been discussing team challenges. Rather than asking a generic question, you use this prompt and Hedy suggests a thoughtful question about how success in the role is measured or what the team's biggest priorities are for the next quarter - showing strategic thinking.
What to expect: A professionally framed question that demonstrates genuine interest and strategic thinking about team dynamics, success metrics, growth opportunities, or company direction.
💡Thank them
What it does: Suggests a professional, genuine way to express appreciation for the interviewer's time or for specific insights they've shared.
When to use it:
The interviewer has shared something particularly helpful or insightful
You want to acknowledge their time and effort in the interview
The conversation is winding down and you want to leave a positive impression
They've gone out of their way to explain something or answer your questions
Example scenario: The interviewer just spent five minutes explaining the team structure and career growth paths in detail. You use this prompt and Hedy suggests a genuine, not-overly-effusive way to thank them for that transparency while reinforcing your interest.
What to expect: A professional, authentic expression of appreciation that acknowledges something specific about the conversation without being excessive or generic.
Navigate Challenges
When this applies: When you encounter tricky moments - unclear questions, gaps in your experience, difficult topics, or when you simply need a moment to think. Every interview has challenging moments; these prompts help you handle them gracefully.
Ideal settings: Any moment when you feel stuck, uncertain, or need to address a potential concern - whether it's a tough behavioral question, a gap in your resume, or an area where you're less experienced.
💡Clarify the question
What it does: Provides professional ways to ask for clarification when a question is unclear or multi-part, helping you understand exactly what the interviewer wants to know.
When to use it:
The question seems unclear or has multiple parts
You're not sure which aspect of a broad topic to address
You want to make sure you answer what they're actually asking
The question uses terminology you're not certain about
Example scenario: The interviewer asks a question that could be interpreted multiple ways: "Tell me about your leadership experience." You use this prompt and Hedy provides clarifying questions like "Would you like me to focus on formal management roles or instances where I led initiatives informally?" - ensuring you give them what they want.
What to expect: 2-3 professional ways to ask for clarification that show you're thoughtful and want to give them exactly the information they're seeking.
💡Address the gap
What it does: Provides a positive, honest way to address gaps in experience or employment history, acknowledging the gap briefly while pivoting to your relevant strengths.
When to use it:
The interviewer has noticed a gap in your resume
You're asked about experience you don't have
There's an employment gap that might raise concerns
You sense hesitation about a missing qualification
Example scenario: The interviewer asks about a year-long gap in your employment. You use this prompt and Hedy helps you frame it positively - acknowledging the gap, explaining what you learned or accomplished during that time, and pivoting to how you're ready and motivated now.
What to expect: A concise, forward-looking response that briefly acknowledges the concern, shares what you gained during that period, and redirects to your qualifications and fit for this role.
💡Pivot gracefully
What it does: Suggests ways to acknowledge an area where you're less strong while gracefully redirecting to your relevant strengths and transferable skills.
When to use it:
The conversation has moved to an area where you have less experience
You've been asked about a skill you don't possess
You need to redirect without seeming evasive
There's a weakness you want to address honestly but positively
Example scenario: The interviewer asks about your experience with a specific software you haven't used. You use this prompt and Hedy provides language like "While I haven't used that specific tool, my experience with similar platforms means I can learn quickly - in my last role, I became proficient in a new system within two weeks."
What to expect: Natural-sounding transition phrases that acknowledge the gap honestly while immediately connecting to relevant experience or demonstrated ability to learn.
💡Buy thinking time
What it does: Provides professional ways to pause and gather your thoughts without appearing unprepared, plus a framework for quickly organizing your response.
When to use it:
You've been asked a complex question and need a moment to think
You're blanking on an example and need a few seconds
The question caught you off guard
You want to give a thoughtful answer rather than rushing into a rambling response
Example scenario: Asked an unexpected question about your five-year career vision, you freeze momentarily. You use this prompt and Hedy provides phrases like "That's a great question - let me think about the best way to answer..." along with a quick framework for organizing your thoughts in those few seconds.
What to expect: Professional stalling phrases that make pausing seem thoughtful rather than unprepared, plus a simple mental framework for organizing your thoughts quickly.
Close Strong
When this applies: As the interview wraps up - the final 5-10 minutes when you want to leave a lasting positive impression, reinforce your candidacy, and set clear expectations for next steps.
Ideal settings: End of any interview round - whether it's a quick phone screen, a full interview loop, or a final round conversation.
💡Summarize my fit
What it does: Helps you craft a concise 2-3 sentence summary that reinforces why you're the ideal candidate, including your most relevant experience, enthusiasm, and unique value.
When to use it:
The interview is clearly winding down
You're asked "Is there anything else you'd like us to know?"
You want to leave a memorable final impression
The interviewer seems ready to wrap up and you want one last strong statement
Example scenario: The interviewer says, "We're almost out of time - anything you'd like to add?" You use this prompt and Hedy provides a concise, memorable summary that ties together your key qualifications, genuine interest, and specific value you'd bring to the team.
What to expect: A brief, powerful closing statement that's specific to what you discussed and leaves the interviewer with a clear picture of why you're the right choice.
💡Next steps?
What it does: Suggests professional ways to inquire about the next steps in the interview process, showing you're organized and genuinely interested.
When to use it:
The interview is ending and you want to know what comes next
You want to demonstrate proactive interest in moving forward
You need to understand the timeline for your own planning
The interviewer hasn't mentioned next steps
Example scenario: The formal questions are done but the interviewer hasn't mentioned what happens next. You use this prompt and Hedy provides options like "Could you share what the next steps in the process look like?" or "Is there any additional information I can provide to support your decision?"
What to expect: Professional, confident ways to ask about next steps that show interest and initiative without seeming pushy or desperate.
💡Timeline question
What it does: Provides professional ways to ask about their hiring timeline and decision-making process, and how to mention your own timeline if relevant.
When to use it:
You need to understand when they plan to make a decision
You have other opportunities and need to manage timing
You want to set appropriate expectations for follow-up
The interviewer has been vague about process timing
Example scenario: You have another offer pending and need to understand their timeline. You use this prompt and Hedy suggests professional ways to ask about their decision timing while mentioning your own situation if appropriate - framed as interest, not pressure.
What to expect: Questions about timing that balance showing interest with gathering practical information, plus guidance on how to share your own timeline constraints if needed.
💡Final impression
What it does: Suggests a memorable closing statement that thanks them, reinforces your interest and fit, and leaves a positive lasting impression.
When to use it:
You're literally saying goodbye and want to end on a high note
The interview has gone well and you want to seal the positive impression
You want your final words to be memorable
You're not sure how to wrap up the conversation smoothly
Example scenario: The interviewer stands up to walk you out. You use this prompt and Hedy provides 2-3 closing statement options based on the conversation's tone - ranging from warm and enthusiastic to professional and confident - so you can choose what feels most authentic.
What to expect: 2-3 closing statement options that are specific to your conversation, authentic to different communication styles, and designed to leave a memorable positive impression.