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The AI Interview Technique

  • Writer: xazaviar
    xazaviar
  • May 27
  • 2 min read
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Why one-shot prompts keep failing

Most users treat a generative model like a search box. They issue a single request, get an answer, then polish the parts the model missed. Research presented at ICLR 2025 shows that models trained to ask clarifying questions outperform standard systems on open-domain tasks [1]. Journalism outlets have echoed this finding; The Guardian calls question-driven prompting “the simplest way to cut hallucinations in half” [2]. In short, quality rises when the model pauses to learn before it writes.


What is the AI Interview?

The AI Interview flips the workflow. Instead of cramming every detail into your first message, you instruct the model to interview you. It asks targeted questions—one at a time—until it reaches a confidence threshold.

Ask me 5 questions, one at a time, to better understand the task I am assigning you and ensure a 95 % confidence in your ability to complete it.

Why it works

  • Surfaces hidden assumptions you did not think to mention.

  • Creates a reusable discovery transcript for future sessions.

  • Signals to the model that “I need more information” is preferable to guessing.

A Medium deep-dive on prompt engineering confirms that iterative inquiry raises factual accuracy and relevance [3].


Running an AI Interview (three phases)

1 Discovery

The model opens with broad questions about goals, constraints, and success criteria. Answer in full sentences; short replies starve the model of nuance.

2 Drill-down

Follow-up questions probe edge cases, subjective preferences, or conflicting priorities. Expect the model to challenge you. This is where blind spots surface.

3 Confirmation

The model paraphrases what it has learned. Correct any misunderstandings before you green-light the main task.


Ready-to-use prompt variations

Find a brand voice

I am trying to discover my brand voice. Ask me 10 questions, one at a time, so you can learn what my brand voice is and what my brand values are.

 Start a location-independent business

You are an entrepreneurial coach with 20 years of experience.  Interview me with 10 direct questions, one by one, to uncover my strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots before we brainstorm viable solo businesses.

Design a goal-aligned daily routine

I want to craft a daily routine that will move me toward my goals. Ask me 5 questions, one at a time, to reach 95 % confidence you can deliver the right plan.

Common pitfalls and quick fixes

  • Batching questions: Asking for all questions at once saves seconds but costs depth.

  • One-word answers: Treat each question like a mini-brief. More context now means fewer revisions later.

  • Skipping the recap: The confirmation step is where errors get caught. Do not rush past it.


Next step: try a live demo

Curious how an AI Interview could streamline your own projects? Book a free 15-minute session and I’ll run a live interview with your real-world prompt, then hand you a tailored template pack you can use the same day.


Sources

[1] Zhang, M. J. Q., Knox, W. B., & Choi, E. Modeling Future Conversation Turns to Teach LLMs to Ask Clarifying Questions. ICLR 2025.

[2] Hern, A. “AI prompt engineering: learn how not to ask a chatbot a silly question.” The Guardian, 29 July 2023.

[3] Balarabe, T. “Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT: The Art of Talking to AI.” Medium, Feb 2025.

 
 
 

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