1 min lesson
Run a real Cursor-native workflow
Put yourself in this case: "Cursor allows AI tools in the coding screen. What separates a passing candidate from a failing one when using them?" Give the clearest next step.
Step 1 of 2
Run a real Cursor-native workflowfluency, not a demo
Use it for boilerplate and obvious next lines.
Reject and retype when it guesses wrong - out loud.
Targeted inline edits and quick refactors.
Scope the instruction tightly so the diff is reviewable.
Multi-file scaffolding when the task spans files.
Read every generated change before you accept it.
Mention you'd encode project conventions as .mdc rule files scoped by glob, with AGENTS.md for repo-wide conventions.
Shows you use the product as a system, not a toy.
Treat the model as a fast junior pair. It produces volume; you supply the architecture and the tradeoff calls it can't make. You stay accountable for every line that ships, exactly as you would reviewing a teammate's PR.
The fastest fail is accepting a slick completion you can't explain when the interviewer asks “why this?” Practice a clean AI-assisted solve out loud beforehand so the narrate-and-reject rhythm is automatic under time pressure. If a suggestion would take longer to verify than to write, write it.