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    The Real Story of How I Prepared for My Generative AI Interview in 2025

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    Peter Liu
    ·August 4, 2025
    ·11 min read
    The real story of how I prepared for my generative AI interview in 2025

    I remember the nerves I felt before my generative AI interview in 2025. I knew that real preparation would make all the difference. I focused on how to prepare for a generative ai interview by breaking down the core generative models, studying how each generative model works, and practicing real questions. My preparation tips included hands-on coding, reviewing different generative models, and learning from my mistakes. I also leaned on preparation tips that helped me understand how to prepare for a generative ai interview, especially when it came to tricky generative models. Facing real challenges pushed me to find smarter preparation tips and trust intelligent tools that gave me an edge.

    How to Prepare for a Generative AI Interview

    When I started figuring out how to prepare for a generative AI interview, I realized I needed a plan. The field moves fast, and the interviews can feel overwhelming. I broke my preparation into three main parts: mastering core topics and skills, building hands-on projects, and practicing coding. Let me walk you through what worked for me.

    Core Topics and Skills

    The first thing I did was list out the essential generative AI concepts. Interviewers expect you to know more than just the basics. I focused on understanding both the theory and the real-world application of generative models. Here’s what I found most important:

    • Data preparation and preprocessing, like cleaning, normalization, and handling missing or imbalanced data.

    • Knowing how to collaborate and communicate with cross-functional teams.

    • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

    • Keeping up with the latest generative AI research and advancements.

    • Troubleshooting and debugging generative models.

    • Balancing creativity with technical constraints when designing solutions.

    • Understanding the differences and applications of models like VAEs and GANs.

    • Building and fine-tuning large language models (LLMs) for specific domains.

    • Using prompt engineering techniques and guiding users.

    • Mitigating bias and ensuring fairness in AI outputs.

    • Tackling practical challenges, such as generating code snippets or designing chatbots.

    I also made sure I understood the history and evolution of AI. Many candidates confuse AI and machine learning or don’t realize that deep learning is a subset of machine learning. I learned how foundation models, like LLMs, are trained on massive datasets and fine-tuned for different tasks. I paid special attention to how generative models like transformers work, especially for next-word prediction and chatbot design.

    Tip: Don’t just memorize definitions. Try to explain how each generative model works and where you would use it. Interviewers love when you can connect theory to practice.

    At first, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of topics. I didn’t know what to prioritize or what interviewers really wanted. Reviewing recent job descriptions helped me focus on the most in-demand skills. I also talked to friends who had gone through similar interviews. Their advice helped me set clear priorities for my preparation.

    Hands-On Projects

    Reading about generative models is one thing, but building them is another. I learned that employers value hands-on projects that show both technical depth and creativity. Here are some of the projects I worked on:

    • Image synthesis using GANs. I trained a model to generate new images from scratch.

    • Text generation with models like GPT-4. I built a tool that could write short stories based on prompts.

    • AI-driven music composition. This project let me explore how generative models can create new melodies.

    • Sentiment analysis tools using NLP and classification.

    • Image classifiers with convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

    • Recommender systems that use collaborative filtering.

    • Chatbots that understand user intent and respond naturally.

    • Sales prediction models using regression and time series analysis.

    • Text summarizers that condense long documents into key points.

    I made sure to document each project well and host them on GitHub. I explained my problem-solving approach and included measurable results. Participating in open source projects and AI competitions also helped me stand out. These experiences gave me real stories to share during interviews and showed that I could apply generative models to solve real problems.

    Note: A well-documented project can make a huge difference. It shows you know how to take a generative model from idea to implementation.

    Coding Practice

    Coding is still a big part of how to prepare for a generative AI interview. Even with all the new AI tools, companies want to see that you can solve problems on your own. I practiced on platforms like GeeksforGeeks, which hosts contests such as the World Cup Hack-A-Thon and GFG Weekly Coding Contest. I also used toolkits like LangChain for building LLM applications, LlamaIndex for handling large datasets, and Chainlit for deploying user-friendly generative models.

    I learned that regular, focused coding practice makes a huge difference. Here’s a table that helped me plan my preparation:

    Experience Level

    Preparation Focus (% of time)

    Key Insights

    Junior Engineers (0-2 years)

    80% coding, 20% behavioral

    Mastery of algorithms and coding problems is essential; successful candidates solve 150-200 problems before interviews.

    Mid-level Engineers (2-4 years)

    50% coding, 25% system design, 25% behavioral

    Balanced approach; strong implementation and emergent architectural thinking expected.

    Senior Engineers (5-8 years)

    20% coding, 50% system design, 30% behavioral

    Emphasis on system design and leadership skills; neglecting behavioral prep leads to failures.

    Staff+ Engineers

    Baseline coding required; 90% differentiation from system design and leadership

    Coding remains a baseline; leadership and architectural vision dominate evaluation.

    I noticed that junior and mid-level candidates need to spend more time on coding challenges, while senior roles focus more on system design and leadership. I made coding a daily habit. I solved problems, reviewed my mistakes, and learned new ways to approach each challenge. This kind of deliberate practice helped me stay sharp and confident.

    Preparation tips: Don’t just rely on your daily engineering work. Interview coding is a skill you build with practice, feedback, and iteration.

    I also faced some common pain points. Sometimes, I felt lost in the sea of topics. I worried about not knowing what interviewers would ask or how to show my best self. Lack of feedback made it hard to improve. That’s when I started using smarter preparation tips, like mock interviews and real-time feedback tools, to fill in the gaps.

    If you’re wondering how to prepare for a generative AI interview, remember this: focus on the core generative models, build hands-on projects, and practice coding every day. This approach helped me turn my preparation into real results.

    Practice and Feedback

    Mock Interviews

    When I started preparing for my generative AI interview, I realized that just reading about models wasn’t enough. I needed to practice in a way that felt real. Mock interviews made a huge difference for me. They let me experience the pressure of answering tough generative questions on the spot. I could see where I stumbled, especially when explaining how different models work or when I had to compare two generative models.

    Here’s what I found most helpful about AI tools for mock interview:

    • They simulate real interview environments, which helped me get used to the format and reduce my anxiety.

    • I got instant, personalized feedback on my answers, so I could spot weaknesses in my communication and technical skills.

    • The practice felt stress-free because there was no judgment, just a focus on learning and growth.

    • I could practice any time, track my progress, and review my answers to see how I improved over time.

    • The questions were tailored to generative models and the specific roles I wanted.

    Practicing with these tools helped me build confidence. I learned to explain complex generative models clearly and answer questions about their applications. Each session made me more comfortable and ready for the real thing.

    Real-Time Support

    The real challenge came during live interviews. Sometimes, I would get a generative question I hadn’t seen before or feel stuck explaining how a model worked. That’s when I discovered Linkjob. This AI assistant listened to my interview in real time, understood the questions, and suggested answers based on my resume and the job description. It felt like having a coach by my side.

    Linkjob didn’t just give me generic tips. It analyzed my responses, suggested improvements, and even helped me polish my tone and pacing. This support was especially helpful for tech and finance roles, where interviewers expect deep knowledge of generative models and quick thinking. With Linkjob, I could handle unexpected questions and stay calm under pressure.

    Getting Ready for a Generative AI Interview? Don’t Just Study, Practice Smarter With Real-Time Backup.

    Linkjob is built for roles that demand deep understanding of generative AI, like prompt engineering, fine-tuning, model limitations, and ethical trade-offs.

    You can run tailored mock interviews that simulate real-world technical discussions and case questions. And when the real interview begins, Linkjob listens and delivers real-time, context-aware suggestions to help you break down complex questions, speak clearly under pressure, and showcase your true technical edge.

    Scenario and Ethics Questions

    Real-World Scenarios

    When I started preparing for generative AI interviews, I noticed that scenario-based questions came up a lot. Interviewers wanted to see how I would use generative models to solve real problems. For example, they might ask how I would design a chatbot that helps users with medical questions or how I would use generative models to create new product ideas for a company. These questions tested my ability to connect theory to practice.

    I learned to break down each scenario step by step. First, I identified which generative models fit the problem. Then, I explained how I would train and fine-tune those models. I also talked about the data I would need and how I would measure success. Practicing with dynamic, follow-up questions helped me think on my feet. Linkjob made this easy because it asked me questions based on my answers, just like a real interviewer. This back-and-forth made me more confident and ready for anything.

    Tip: When you get a scenario question, pause and organize your thoughts. Walk the interviewer through your process. Show how you would use generative models to solve the problem, not just what you know about them.

    Ethical Challenges

    Ethical questions in generative AI interviews can feel tricky. Interviewers want to know if I understand the risks and responsibilities that come with these models. They often ask open-ended questions about data privacy, bias, and the impact of generative models on jobs. I realized that interviewers look for more than technical skills. They want to see if I can balance the benefits of generative models with ethical standards.

    I always mention the importance of transparency about training data, checking for bias, and protecting user privacy. I explain how I would choose tools that support privacy and avoid spreading misinformation. Practicing these questions with Linkjob helped me improve my answers and communicate my ideas clearly. I learned to address real-world ethical issues and show that I could handle tough decisions.

    Common Ethical Topics

    How I Responded

    Data Privacy

    Explain how I protect user data and follow regulations

    Bias Mitigation

    Describe steps to check and reduce bias in generative models

    Job Impact

    Discuss how I balance automation with human roles

    Note: Interviewers care about how you solve problems and communicate your reasoning. Practicing with dynamic tools builds the confidence you need for these tough questions.

    Staying Updated

    Industry Trends

    I quickly learned that staying updated is not just a nice-to-have in generative AI—it’s a must. Every week, I see new generative models and tools pop up. If I want to stand out in interviews, I need to know what’s happening right now. Here are some of the biggest trends I keep an eye on:

    • Generative AI keeps moving from simple machine learning to advanced deep learning models like Transformers and GANs.

    • Companies in healthcare, finance, entertainment, and retail use generative models for things like personalized recommendations and predictive analytics.

    • New generative models, such as Google Gemini and ChatGPT, now handle voice, images, and text all at once.

    • I watch for challenges in large language models, like bias or hallucinations, and learn about safety filters and moderation layers.

    • I pay attention to optimization tricks for faster inference, including model pruning, quantization, and GPU acceleration.

    • Ethical issues, such as bias, job loss, and privacy, shape how generative models get built and used.

    • The global AI scene changes fast, with open-source releases, cloud computing, and new rules from governments.

    I follow news from sources like The Guardian, TechCrunch, and Reuters. I also check out guides from places like universities, which help me find the latest research and best practices.

    Continuous Learning

    I realized that learning never stops in generative AI. The best way to keep up is to build habits that make learning part of my daily routine. I join online communities like Reddit’s AI subreddits. These groups help me find new generative models, share tips, and get feedback on my projects.

    Here’s a table that shows how continuous learning helps my career in generative AI:

    Learning Habit

    What I Gain

    Career Impact

    Ongoing training

    Updated skills, new models

    Stay competitive, adapt to changes

    Just-in-time learning

    Answers when I need them

    Solve problems faster, fewer errors

    Personalized learning

    Content that fits my goals

    Learn faster, stay motivated

    Community support

    Diverse ideas, real feedback

    Grow network, spot new trends

    I see that companies reward people who keep learning. I notice more promotions, better retention, and more chances to work on exciting generative projects. I use tools like Connected Papers and Elicit to track new research and improve my training. This way, I always feel ready for the next big thing in generative models.

    Interview Day Strategies

    Mindset and Preparation

    Interview day always brings a mix of excitement and nerves. I learned that the right mindset can make all the difference. Here are some preparation tips that helped me walk in with confidence:

    • I started my morning with positive self-talk. Simple affirmations like “I am prepared” or “I can handle this” replaced negative thoughts.

    • I reflected on past successes with generative models. Remembering what I had achieved boosted my self-belief.

    • I set realistic expectations. I focused on what I could control—my preparation, my body language, and my attitude.

    • I used grounding exercises, like the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, to stay present and calm.

    • Deep breathing and quick visualization helped me relax before the interview started.

    I also made sure my environment was ready. I checked my tech setup, reviewed the job description, and had my notes on generative models nearby. I avoided memorizing answers word-for-word. Instead, I focused on understanding the core preparation tips and how to share my experience with generative models authentically.

    Tip: A day-of checklist can ease stress. I made sure I had water, a notepad, and a quiet space. I reviewed my “story bank” of experiences with generative models so I could answer behavioral questions with confidence.

    Performance Under Pressure

    When the interview began, I reminded myself to pause and breathe. I took a few seconds to gather my thoughts before answering. This helped me stay calm, even when faced with unexpected questions about generative models.

    I used these preparation tips to perform under pressure:

    1. I practiced explaining technical concepts simply, avoiding jargon.

    2. I broke down each problem, explained my thought process, and wrote clean code.

    3. I used the STAR method to structure my answers for behavioral questions.

    4. I kept my posture open and made steady eye contact, which projected confidence.

    Practicing with real-time support tools for job seekers like Linkjob made a huge difference. It listened during my interview, understood the questions, and suggested tailored responses based on my preparation and experience with generative models. This real-time feedback helped me recover quickly if I got stuck and kept my answers sharp.

    FAQ

    What should I focus on first when preparing for a generative AI interview?

    I always start with the basics. I learn how different generative models work. I practice coding every day. I build small projects. This helps me feel ready for any question.

    Can AI tools really help me in live interviews?

    Yes! I use smart free ai assistant for answering interview questions. It listens during my interview and gives me tips in real time. This support helps me answer tough questions and stay confident.

    How do I keep up with new trends in generative AI?

    I read news from trusted sources. I join online groups and talk with others who love AI. I try new projects and share what I learn. This keeps me updated and excited.