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User Guide

Everything you need to know to use InterviewWhisperer effectively.

Getting Started

1. Install the App

  1. Download the DMG file from your purchase confirmation
  2. Open the DMG and drag InterviewWhisperer to your Applications folder
  3. Launch the app from Applications
  4. If macOS shows a security warning, right-click the app and select "Open"

2. Activate Your License

  1. On first launch, you'll see the Terms of Use — read and click "I Agree"
  2. Enter the license key from your purchase confirmation (format: WHISP-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
  3. Click "Activate License"
  4. Your key is saved locally — you won't need to enter it again

3. Set Up Your Context

  1. Enter your name in the "Your Name" field
  2. Upload your resume (PDF, DOCX, or TXT)
  3. Optionally upload the job description for even more personalized answers
  4. Click "Continue" — you can always update these in Settings later

Using During an Interview

Audio Questions (Behavioral, Technical Q&A)

The app automatically listens to your system audio and detects when the interviewer asks a question. When it detects a pause in speech:

  1. The question is transcribed in real-time
  2. The answer streams in word-by-word — you see the first words in about 1 second
  3. Full answer typically completes in 1-2 seconds

Manual submit: Press Cmd+; to manually submit the last 30 seconds of audio. Use this if the auto-detection missed a question.

Screenshot Analysis (Coding Problems)

For coding interviews, LeetCode problems, or anything visual on screen:

  1. Press Cmd+W to capture a screenshot and get a streaming AI vision answer
  2. For multi-page problems, press Cmd+W again to queue additional screenshots, then one final Cmd+W to submit them all together

Text grab (no screenshot needed): When the interviewer pastes code or a prompt into the shared editor, press Cmd+Shift+A to capture the visible text directly — faster and more accurate than OCR. Repeat to buffer multiple chunks, then Cmd+Shift+Return to submit, or Cmd+Shift+X to clear.

Staying Hidden

The overlay is invisible to screen shares by default. Additional controls:

  • Cmd+I — Toggle invisible mode (adjusts opacity and click-through)
  • Cmd+H — Hide the UI completely (answers still generate in background)
  • Cmd+` — Quick toggle window visibility
  • Cmd+Alt+Arrows — Move the overlay window to position it where you need it

Customization

Answer Length

Press Cmd+Shift+M to cycle between modes:

  • Brief — 1-2 sentences. Best for quick yes/no or factual questions.
  • Normal — 2-5 sentences. Default. Good for most interview questions.
  • Detailed — 5-10 sentences with examples. Best for "tell me about a time" or system design.

Font Size

Cmd+] to increase, Cmd+[ to decrease. Persists across sessions.

Theme

Cmd+Shift+T toggles between dark and light themes.

Clear Responses

Cmd+Shift+C wipes all answers. Useful between interview rounds.

Export Session

Cmd+Shift+E saves all questions and answers as a markdown file. Great for reviewing after the interview.

All Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
Cmd+;Submit audio — streaming AI answer
Cmd+WScreenshot → streaming AI vision answer. Repeat to queue multiple, final press submits.
Cmd+Shift+AGrab visible text from the focused window (no screenshot / OCR)
Cmd+Shift+ReturnSubmit text buffer
Cmd+Shift+XClear text buffer
Cmd+IToggle invisible mode
Cmd+HToggle UI visibility
Cmd+`Toggle window show/hide
Cmd+RReset window position
Cmd+Alt+ArrowsMove window
Cmd+Up/DownScroll responses
Cmd+Shift+MCycle answer mode (brief / normal / detailed)
Cmd+Shift+CClear all responses
Cmd+Shift+EExport session as markdown
Cmd+Shift+TToggle dark/light theme
Cmd+]Increase font size
Cmd+[Decrease font size
Cmd+Shift+QQuit app

Pro Tips

Before the Interview

  • Upload both your resume AND the job description for the most personalized answers
  • Launch the app and let it warm up for 10 seconds before the call starts
  • Position the overlay where you naturally look (near the camera) so eye movement seems natural
  • Test that screen sharing hides the overlay — share your screen in a test call first

During the Interview

  • Don't read answers word-for-word — use them as talking points and paraphrase naturally
  • For coding problems, screenshot the problem first, then code while referencing the solution
  • Use Cmd+Shift+M to switch to "Brief" mode for rapid-fire questions, "Detailed" for behavioral
  • If an answer seems wrong or off-topic, press Cmd+; to re-submit — sometimes re-transcribing helps

After the Interview

  • Press Cmd+Shift+E to export the session — review what was asked and how you answered
  • Use the exported markdown to prep for the next round with the same company
  • Clear responses with Cmd+Shift+C before your next interview

Troubleshooting

No answers appearing?

  • Make sure your system audio is working (the app listens to system output, not your mic)
  • Try pressing Cmd+; to manually submit audio
  • Check that the "Starting up..." indicator has disappeared (backend needs ~5 seconds to start)
  • If you see an error, click the Retry button

Answers are slow?

  • The first answer may take 3-5 seconds as connections warm up — subsequent answers are faster
  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection
  • Switch to Brief mode (Cmd+Shift+M) for shorter, faster answers

Can't close the app?

Press Cmd+Shift+Q to quit. The app runs without a dock icon, so Cmd+Q may target another app.

License key not working?

  • Make sure you're entering the key exactly as shown (format: WHISP-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
  • Check your internet connection — the key verifies with our server
  • If your subscription expired, renew at the website to reactivate

Need more help? Contact support@ellislabs.io