Big Interview - Detailed Review
Job Search Tools
Big Interview - Product Overview
Big Interview Overview
Big Interview is an AI-driven job interview preparation tool that helps job seekers improve their interviewing skills through a combination of educational content, hands-on practice, and AI feedback.Primary Function
The primary function of Big Interview is to prepare individuals for job interviews by simulating real interview environments. It offers a self-guided, self-paced program that includes recorded video lessons, AI-based virtual practice sessions, and mock interviews. This setup allows users to practice and receive immediate feedback on their performance.Target Audience
Big Interview is targeted at a wide range of individuals, including students, alumni, and anyone preparing for internships, co-ops, full-time jobs, or graduate school. It is particularly useful for graduate students, doctoral students, master’s students, international students, and new students, as well as alumni looking to enhance their career prospects.Key Features
Video Lessons and Courses
The program includes over 90 video lessons and courses that cover interview basics, industry-specific questions, and workplace-readiness competencies such as communication skills, self-confidence, and negotiation.AI Feedback and Coaching
Users can record their answers and receive immediate AI feedback on various aspects such as eye contact, vocabulary use, pace of speech, and the use of filler words. This feedback is provided by AI models trained on current hiring practices.Mock Interviews
Big Interview offers mock interviews that are specific to the user’s industry, job, and experience level. These simulations help users practice their responses and receive feedback to improve their performance.Additional Tools
The platform includes tools like a resume builder, answer builder, and practice tools to help users prepare comprehensively for their interviews.Accessibility
Users can access Big Interview using their university email or alumni credentials, making it easily accessible for students and alumni.Conclusion
Overall, Big Interview is a comprehensive tool that combines educational content with AI-driven feedback to help job seekers prepare effectively for their interviews. Big Interview - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Big Interview is crafted to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for a wide range of users, including job seekers, university students, and career counselors.
Customized Dashboard
Big Interview features a customized dashboard that serves as a central analytics page. Here, users can track engagement metrics, top active users, and the most practiced interview questions. This dashboard is fully customizable, allowing users to request specific reporting features from the Big Interview Customer Success (CSM) team.
Easy to Use
The platform is designed to keep the learning curve low. For universities and career centers, Big Interview offers an initial onboarding call and regular weekly Quick Start training sessions to ensure staff and students can quickly get familiar with the system. This approach helps administrators and students to start using the mock interview service without much hassle.
Mock Interviews and AI Feedback
One of the key features is the ability to conduct mock interviews. Users can record their responses, and the AI Feedback tool provides immediate feedback on various aspects such as filler words, vocabulary, tone, rate of speech, and even eye contact through the Eye Tracking Calibration tool. This feedback is delivered in a way that feels like working one-on-one with an expert career coach.
Answer Builder
The platform includes an “Answer Builder” tool that helps users craft compelling answers using the STAR framework (situation/task, approach, results). This tool guides users in creating strong stories for behavioral questions and solid responses to common interview queries like “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your greatest weaknesses?”.
Industry-Specific Questions
Big Interview offers curated sets of questions for over 1,000 professions across more than 200 industries. Users can practice industry-specific questions, which helps in preparing for the actual interview. Additionally, users can create and record their own questions and add them to the sequence, making the preparation highly relevant to their needs.
Additional Resources
The platform also provides resources for writing persuasive cover letters, which includes a curriculum that explains the importance and structure of a cover letter. There is a comprehensive Student Guide and Help Section, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions section, to assist users in getting started and resolving any issues they might encounter.
Overall User Experience
Users have generally reported positive experiences with Big Interview. The platform is described as “user-friendly” with a “vast question library sorted by industry.” Students appreciate the relevance and currentness of the curriculum, as well as the virtual interview feature that allows them to prepare and receive feedback on their answers.
Conclusion
In summary, Big Interview’s user interface is designed for ease of use, with a focus on providing immediate and actionable feedback through its AI-driven tools. The platform’s customization options, industry-specific questions, and additional resources make it a comprehensive and engaging tool for job interview preparation.
Big Interview - Key Features and Functionality
Big Interview Overview
Big Interview is a comprehensive job search tool that leverages AI to help individuals prepare for interviews, improve their resumes, and enhance their overall job search strategy. Here are the main features and how they work:
Interview Preparation
Big Interview offers extensive resources to prepare users for job interviews. Here are some key aspects:
- Mock Interviews: Users can engage in virtual mock interviews that simulate real interview scenarios. This feature includes over 1,000 practice questions across more than 200 industries, helping users get familiar with the types of questions they might face.
- AI Feedback: After recording a mock interview, the AI Feedback feature analyzes the video and provides immediate feedback on various aspects such as use of filler words (“ums”), vocabulary, tone, rate of speech, and even eye contact through the Eye Tracking Calibration tool.
- Answer Builders: Using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Approach, Results), Big Interview helps users build strong answers to behavioral and other common interview questions. This tool guides users in organizing their thoughts and creating compelling stories.
Resume Optimization
Big Interview includes tools to optimize resumes for better performance in the hiring process:
- ResumeAI: This AI-driven tool scans resumes to assess readability, credibility, and compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). It provides actionable insights to improve the content and formatting of the resume. Users can upload their resume and receive feedback against a specific job description.
- Resume Builder: The platform offers pre-built templates for over 100 career paths, along with examples for various occupations. This helps users create a resume that effectively showcases their qualifications and experience.
Cover Letter Guidance
Big Interview also provides resources to help users craft persuasive cover letters:
- Cover Letter Curriculum: This feature explains the importance of cover letters, how to structure them, and what to include to increase the chances of getting past the initial screening and securing an interview.
Practice and Feedback Tools
- Practice Questions: With over 1,000 practice questions, users can prepare for interviews by practicing their responses to industry-specific, competency-based, and behavioral questions.
- Playbooks: Big Interview offers playbooks that provide readymade solutions to common interviewing challenges, such as zero experience in the field or language barriers.
Accessibility and Support
- Student Guide and Help Section: For users who need more assistance, Big Interview provides a detailed student guide and a help section with frequently asked questions. There is also an accessibility knowledge base for users with specific needs.
- Faculty Resources: The platform allows faculty and staff to create customized assignments and provide feedback to students, making it a valuable resource for educational institutions.
By integrating AI into these features, Big Interview provides users with personalized and immediate feedback, helping them improve their interviewing skills, optimize their resumes, and increase their confidence in the job search process.
Big Interview - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of Big Interview
Big Interview, an AI-driven job search tool, has been evaluated in various studies and user feedback, highlighting its performance and accuracy in several key areas.
Interview Preparation
- Big Interview is highly effective in preparing students and job seekers for interviews. It offers a vast database of interview questions specific to various industries, experience levels, and job roles, which helps users anticipate and prepare for common and role-specific questions.
- The tool allows users to practice mock interviews, record their responses, and receive feedback from its AI system. This feedback includes criteria such as pace of speech, um counter, vocabulary, filler words, power words, pause counter, negativity tone, length, authenticity score, volume, and lighting.
User Feedback and Accuracy
- Users have reported high satisfaction with the accuracy of the feedback provided by Big Interview’s AI tool. Students found the feedback to be accurate and helpful, with a mean score of 5.61 out of 7, indicating strong confidence in the tool’s assessments.
- The AI score breakdown provides personalized feedback and a tailored action plan, suggesting areas for improvement, which users found very helpful.
Learning and Engagement
- Big Interview is not only liked by users but also enhances their learning experience. Students reported learning more using Big Interview compared to traditional written review questions or research projects, with significant statistical differences indicating the tool’s effectiveness.
- The tool is also found to be easy to use, with users appreciating its user-friendly interface and the fun, interactive way it approaches interview preparation.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Scope of Use
- The current studies and implementations of Big Interview have primarily focused on interview preparation and exam preparation. There is a suggestion for exploring additional use scenarios, such as using the tool for group development projects or other business-related activities.
Comparative Studies
- The existing research has only examined Big Interview in isolation. Future studies could benefit from comparing Big Interview with other AI-based interview preparation tools to assess its relative effectiveness.
Peer Review Capability
- While Big Interview has the capability for peer review, this feature was not utilized in the studied implementations. Incorporating peer review could potentially enrich the learning experience for users.
Institutional and User Preferences
- There were some differences in user preferences based on the mode of instruction (face-to-face vs. online), suggesting that the tool’s effectiveness might vary depending on the educational setting. However, overall, the tool was well-received across different user groups.
In summary, Big Interview performs well in terms of user engagement, learning outcomes, and the accuracy of its AI feedback. However, there are opportunities for expanding its use cases, conducting comparative studies, and leveraging its peer review capabilities to further enhance its effectiveness.
Big Interview - Pricing and Plans
Plans and Pricing
Interview Pro
- This plan offers lifetime access to all the features of Big Interview for a one-time payment of $299.
- It includes unlimited access to over 90 video lessons, a resume builder, an answer builder, and a practice tool with AI feedback.
90-day Interview Accelerator
- This is a 3-month subscription plan aimed at accelerating your interview preparation.
- The cost for this plan is not specified on the provided sources, but it is mentioned as an alternative to the lifetime membership.
Free Access for Students and Alumni
- Many universities offer Big Interview as a free resource for their students and alumni. For example, students and alumni of Creighton University, the University of Central Arkansas, and James Madison University can access Big Interview without any cost using their university credentials or a specific organizational code.
Features Available in Each Plan
Lifetime Membership (Interview Pro)
- Access to over 90 video lessons on interview preparation.
- Resume builder.
- Answer builder to craft responses to behavioral questions.
- Practice tool with AI feedback to analyze your practice efforts.
- Access to new courses and features as they are added.
- Ability to practice and record mock interviews, save them, and share for feedback.
90-day Interview Accelerator
- While the specific features are not detailed, it is implied to include similar resources as the lifetime membership but for a limited duration.
Free University Access
- Virtual mock interviews for various experience levels and industries.
- A database of thousands of interview questions with tips on how to answer them.
- The ability to rate and share your interview answers for feedback.
- Comprehensive video training curriculum covering job landing, job offer negotiation, and workplace transition.
- Interview Answer Builder for crafting answers to behavioral questions.
- Option to practice and record tough interview questions, save them, and review later.
Additional Notes
- Big Interview offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you do not see results from using the platform.
- For those not affiliated with universities offering free access, the lifetime membership or the 90-day subscription are the available options.
Big Interview - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Big Interview can be integrated into learning management systems like Canvas using the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard. To do this, you need to follow specific steps outlined in their documentation, which includes obtaining a CONSUMERKEY and a SHAREDSECRET. You then add Big Interview as an external application in Canvas by pasting the provided XML configuration.
Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration
For organizations, Big Interview supports Single Sign-On (SSO) using SAML 2.0 and Shibboleth. This allows users to log in seamlessly without needing to remember additional credentials. To set up SSO, you need to provide Big Interview with your metadata file, and they will configure the necessary endpoint URLs for the integration.
Mobile App Compatibility
The Big Interview mobile app is available for both Android and iOS devices, downloadable from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, respectively. This app allows users to access career preparation tools on the go, including watching video lessons, practicing interview questions, and tracking progress. Users must first register on the desktop version of Big Interview, unless their organization uses SSO.
Browser Compatibility
For the best experience on desktop devices, Big Interview recommends using the most recent versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. Ensuring your browser is up-to-date and granting the necessary permissions for camera and microphone access is crucial for smooth functionality during practice interviews and video assignments.
System Requirements
Big Interview is compatible with a wide variety of devices and browsers. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended to use supported browsers and ensure your device meets the specified system requirements. This includes proper setup of camera and microphone permissions, especially if you are using features like the Eye Tracking Calibration tool.
By supporting these various integration and compatibility features, Big Interview ensures that users can access and utilize its job interview preparation tools across different platforms and devices, enhancing their preparation and confidence for job interviews.
Big Interview - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
For any issues or questions, users can contact Big Interview’s support team directly. Here are the ways to get in touch:
- You can email the support team at support@biginterview.com for assistance with any queries, including upgrading or canceling your subscription.
- There is also a chat function within the Big Interview platform where you can get immediate help.
Additional Resources
Big Interview provides a wide range of resources to enhance your interview preparation:
Mock Interviews and Feedback
- The platform offers virtual mock interviews that simulate real interview scenarios, allowing you to practice and improve your responses. You can record these interviews and review them later to identify areas for improvement.
- Users can share their interview videos with others (such as professors, family members, or mentors) to get feedback on their performance.
Question Database and Answer Builder
- Big Interview includes a database of thousands of interview questions, along with tips on how to answer them. This helps you prepare for common and behavioral questions.
- The Answer Builder tool guides you in crafting answers to behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation–Task–Action–Result).
Video Training Curriculum
- The platform features a comprehensive video training curriculum that covers all aspects of the job search and interview process, including resume writing, negotiation, and the first 90 days on a new job.
Resume and Negotiation Tools
- Big Interview offers tools to help with resume writing and negotiation strategies, ensuring you are well-prepared for all stages of the job application process.
Industry-Specific Resources
- The platform provides industry-specific interview questions and tips, such as those for customer service roles, which include general, behavioral, and situational questions.
By leveraging these resources, users can significantly improve their interview skills and confidence, making them better prepared for real job interviews.
Big Interview - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Big Interview
Comprehensive Interview Preparation
Big Interview offers a wide range of tools to help users prepare for job interviews. It includes practice with mock interviews, access to common interview questions, and sample answers to these questions. This helps users, especially those with limited experience, become familiar with the types of questions they might face.Customizable and Flexible
The platform allows users to practice at their own pace and convenience. You can select different levels of difficulty and record and review your responses multiple times, which helps in building confidence and improving delivery.Objective Feedback
Big Interview provides clear, measurable feedback on technical aspects such as pace of speech, vocabulary sophistication, and the presence of verbal tics. This objective data helps users fine-tune their responses and improve key areas that might otherwise go unnoticed.Efficient Use of 1:1 Sessions
For career counselors, Big Interview frees up valuable time by allowing students to practice basic interview skills and fix minor mistakes before their one-on-one sessions. This enables counselors to focus on providing personalized guidance, networking advice, and mentorship.Career Development Tools
The platform is not just limited to interview preparation. It also includes lessons on salary negotiation, a resume writing course, and a professional resume builder. Additionally, it offers tips on finding better jobs and advancing in your career.Proven Results
Big Interview has been shown to help users find jobs faster, typically within 4-5 weeks with 2-3 fewer interviews compared to those who do not use the platform.Disadvantages of Big Interview
Limited Nuance Detection
The AI used in Big Interview struggles with detecting more subjective elements like answer relevance and authenticity. This can lead to misleading feedback if the context of the responses is not fully captured.Overemphasis on Metrics
Focusing too much on optimizing AI scores can make answers feel robotic or overly scripted, which may detract from the authenticity valued by admissions committees or interviewers.Generic Interview Tips
While Big Interview is excellent for general job interviews, it may not provide specific guidance tailored to certain fields, such as medical school interviews. This lack of tailored advice could result in missed opportunities to craft responses that resonate with specific admissions panels.Accessibility Issues
Big Interview is primarily accessible through university or college logins, making it inaccessible to those outside of an academic setting. This limits its use for individuals who are not affiliated with a participating institution.Cost
While the platform offers various pricing plans, including a 30-day money-back guarantee, the cost might still be a barrier for some users. The plans range from $39 for one month to $299 for lifetime access. By considering these pros and cons, users can make an informed decision about whether Big Interview aligns with their job search and career development needs. Big Interview - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Big Interview
- Comprehensive Mock Interviews: Big Interview offers a wide range of mock interview questions across over 1,000 professions and 200 industries, along with sample answers and tips on how to craft effective responses.
- AI Feedback: The platform provides AI-powered feedback on mock interviews, analyzing aspects such as filler words, vocabulary, tone, rate of speech, and even eye contact through its Eye Tracking Calibration tool.
- Answer Builder: Big Interview includes a step-by-step answer builder using the STAR framework to help users create strong answers to behavioral questions and other common interview queries.
- Extensive Training Materials: The platform offers short interview training videos, a cover letter curriculum, and resources for the entire job search process, including resume creation and negotiating the first three months in a new job.
Potential Alternatives
Interviewing.com
- Simple Mock Interviews: Interviewing.com is a more straightforward tool focused primarily on mock interviews. It is ideal for those who need a basic, stand-alone mock interview solution without the extensive training materials and AI feedback offered by Big Interview.
- Less Comprehensive: While it is easy to use and provides assignments and mock interviews, it lacks the detailed training and feedback features of Big Interview.
Sonora
- Automated Job Search: Sonora uses AI to analyze competencies and interests and match users to job offers. It automates the job search process but does not focus on interview preparation like Big Interview. Sonora is more about finding and applying for jobs rather than preparing for interviews.
Talentprise
- AI Job Matching: Talentprise is an AI job-matching platform that helps both job seekers and employers. While it assists in finding suitable positions, it does not provide the same level of interview preparation tools as Big Interview. Talentprise is more focused on the job matching process rather than interview skills development.
Other Considerations
- Workable and hireEZ: These tools are more geared towards recruiters and employers rather than job seekers. Workable offers features like AI-powered job posting, candidate screening, and video interviews, but it is not designed for individual interview preparation. hireEZ focuses on sourcing, engagement, and analytics for hiring at scale, which is not directly relevant to individual job seekers preparing for interviews.
In summary, Big Interview stands out for its comprehensive approach to interview preparation, including AI feedback, extensive training materials, and a broad range of mock interview questions. While alternatives like Interviewing.com, Sonora, and Talentprise offer different benefits, they do not match the breadth and depth of Big Interview’s features for interview preparation.
Big Interview - Frequently Asked Questions
What does Big Interview offer?
Big Interview is an all-in-one platform that helps you prepare for job interviews. It includes over 200 video lessons, a resume builder, an answer builder, and practice tools with AI feedback. The platform covers various industries and provides specific interview preparation for over 1,100 occupations.How much does Big Interview cost?
Big Interview offers several pricing plans:- One-month access: $39
- Three-month plan: $99
- Lifetime access: $299
What features does Big Interview include?
Key features include:- Mock Interview Practice Sets: Record your answers to industry-specific or general questions and receive feedback.
- Answer Builder: Use the STAR framework to craft compelling answers to common interview questions.
- AI Feedback: Immediate feedback on your practice interviews, including tips on vocabulary, tone, rate of speech, and body language.
- Fast-Track Module: Essential preparation for interviews that can be completed in a few hours.
- Resume Builder: Tools to help you build a strong resume.
- Cover Letter Curriculum: Guidance on writing persuasive cover letters.
Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied?
Yes, Big Interview offers a 100% refund if you don’t see results within the first 30 days of using the platform.How does the AI feedback work?
The AI feedback feature analyzes your mock interview videos and provides immediate feedback on various aspects such as:- Use of filler words
- Vocabulary
- Tone
- Rate of speech
- Eye contact
Is Big Interview available for free?
No, Big Interview does not offer a free version. However, some institutions, like UW-Madison, provide free access to their students.What types of interview questions does Big Interview prepare me for?
Big Interview prepares you for various types of interview questions, including:- General interview questions
- Behavioral interview questions
- Competency-based interview questions
- Situational interview questions
- Cultural interview questions
How can I use Big Interview to improve my interview performance?
You can use Big Interview to:- Practice answering common interview questions
- Get AI feedback on your mock interviews
- Build strong answers using the STAR framework
- Learn how to handle confrontational or unpredictable questions
- Improve your body language and speaking skills.
Are there any specific tools or resources for different industries?
Yes, Big Interview offers industry-specific preparation. It includes dedicated sets of questions and sample answers for over 1,100 professions in more than 200 industries.How does Big Interview help with resume and cover letter preparation?
Big Interview provides tools and guidance for building a strong resume and writing a persuasive cover letter. The platform includes a resume builder and a cover letter curriculum to help you stand out to potential employers. Big Interview - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Big Interview
Big Interview is a valuable resource in the job search tools category, particularly for individuals preparing for their first job interviews, especially university students and recent graduates.Key Benefits
- Access to Common Interview Questions: Big Interview provides users with a comprehensive list of frequently asked interview questions, along with sample answers. This helps users prepare and feel more confident during actual interviews.
- Learning Modules and Expert Advice: The platform offers various learning modules and tutorials where recruiters share strategies for answering difficult questions and making a positive impression. These resources are crucial for developing interview skills.
- Convenience and Flexibility: Users can practice interviews online at any time, from the comfort of their own space. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules.
- Field-Specific Questions: Big Interview allows users to practice with questions specific to their desired career field, making the practice more relevant and effective.
- Feedback Mechanism: Users can record their practice interviews and review them later or share the videos with others to get feedback on their responses and non-verbal communication.
Target Audience
Big Interview is most beneficial for:- University students, particularly those in their final years or recent graduates, who are preparing for their first job interviews.
- Graduate students, including master’s and doctoral students, who may need to refine their interview skills.
- International students who may need additional support in understanding the interview process in their new environment.