1. Do Your Homework.
   Know who you’re meeting. Understand CAA – what we do, who we work with, and what’s happening in the industry. Be able to articulate why you want this role and why you believe it’s a good fit.
2. Be a Storyteller.
   Think of four to five stories from your experiences from past internships, class projects, leadership roles, or other experiences that highlight your skills and capabilities. For added preparation, practice your stories out loud to yourself, a friend, or via recording. 
3. Craft a Standout “Tell Me About Yourself” Response.
   This is almost always the first question. Know it’s coming and prepare a 60-90 second introduction that covers where you’ve been (education and work experience), and where you’re going (why this role at CAA is your next step). 
4. Nail the First Impression and Logistics.
   Be early: we recommend showing up ten minutes in advance of an in-person interview and five minutes in advance of a virtual interview. Dress in a way that is professional and polished, but authentic to you. (Jeans and hoodies are not be appropriate for an interview. If you are having a virtual meeting, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection before the start time, find a clean and quiet space, and look at the camera, not the screen, when you’re talking.)
5. Clearly Demonstrate Interest.
   Prepare three to five thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role, the company, or the person you’re meeting. The most memorable questions are tailored to the opportunity, not pulled from a generic list.

AI can be a valuable tool as you prepare, but we expect candidates to rely on their own knowledge and experiences during the interview.

 When to Use AI

• Researching industries, companies, and market trends (while verifying information for accuracy)
• Practicing questions and refining your responses without losing your authentic voice
• Improving your resume: customizing it for each role, identifying typos, strengthening clarity and action-oriented language
• Brainstorming questions for your interviewer, then customizing them based on the role, team, and individual you're meeting with

When Not to Use AI

• During live interviews—we want to hear from you, not an LLM.
• Creating or rewriting your personal experiences. Your stories and accomplishments should be your own.
• Relying on it as a single source of research. AI-generated information may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate, so always verify and cross-reference what you learn.