AI Interviews: What They Are and How They Work

By Kimberli Lowe-MacAuley
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For a long time, your main objective during an interview was to make a good impression on a recruiter. In today’s world, there’s a new element to consider: impressing an algorithm. Many companies have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) interview technology to streamline the hiring process and make it more efficient.

But what does that mean for you as a job seeker? Truthfully, it can mean various things, including some benefits and a few drawbacks. But with the proper preparation, you can still make a winning impression during your AI interview.

What Are AI Interviews?

At a high level, AI interviews use artificial intelligence to assess job candidates. The purpose of an AI interview is to drastically reduce the time and effort human recruiters must put into the hiring process.

Generally, you’ll answer automated questions before a screen, and AI algorithms will analyze your responses. AI is primarily used during the first round of interviews, narrowing down candidates that recruiters and hiring managers will then interact with personally.

— Benefits of AI Interviews

The main advantage of AI Interviews is that it makes the recruitment process quicker and more efficient. Employers can quickly sift through applicants to find the best candidates more accurately. With popular jobs receiving hundreds of applications, screening applicants by hand creates a significant bottleneck in the hiring process.

And it’s not just employers who benefit from a quicker hiring process. As a job seeker, you’ll know whether to move on to other opportunities or dive deeper into company research and interview preparation. Additionally, AI Interviews are purported to help eliminate bias and contribute to a fairer hiring process. That’s because AI is programmed to focus on qualifications and avoid preconceptions associated with human-based assessment.

Not only that, but your interview process won’t be hijacked by misaligned schedules. AI doesn’t take vacation or sick days, or lunch, for that matter. So, you’ll often be able to schedule the interview at a time that works with your schedule.

— Drawbacks of and Concerns About AI Interviews

Despite the potential benefits, AI interviews have some drawbacks. Even with the best of intentions, AI has the risk of perpetuating human biases and violating antidiscrimination laws.

AI systems don’t think for themselves. Instead, they learn from existing data and mimic human behavior, which can contain inherent biases. As a result, automated hiring tools can inadvertently reinforce discriminatory hiring practices, rather than eliminate them.

Another concern is the interpretation of human emotions by AI systems. For example, the AI could misinterpret an interviewee’s facial expressions, body language, or vocal inflections. Where a human recruiter might consider cultural differences, disabilities, or even facial scarring, for example, AI could potentially lead to unfair judgments and decisions.

Beyond ethics and diversity, privacy and data security are also essential concerns when using AI in hiring processes. Unauthorized parties could access candidates’ sensitive information and recorded interviews if proper security measures are not in place.

Regardless of the drawbacks, AI looks to be here to stay and will continue to improve. According to SHRM, 83% of U.S. employers already utilize some form of automation in their hiring process. You’ll likely find it part of your interview process as a job seeker at some point in the not-too-distant future. Dig deeper to understand how AI interviews work and how to best prepare for upcoming interviews.

How Do AI Interviews Work?

Currently, there are two main types of AI interview platforms. Each has some key components and features that will affect your experience.

— Types of AI Interview Platforms

• AI assessments: These systems analyze video interviews using AI technology, assessing candidate responses based on verbal and nonverbal cues.
• Conversational HR chatbots: In these interviews, an AI chatbot facilitates the interview process by guiding candidates through a series of questions and tasks. Candidates are screened without the need for human involvement in the initial stages.

— Components and Features of AI Interviews

• Automated question generation: AI interview systems can generate questions based on the job requirements, ensuring consistency and relevant content for each candidate.
• Real-time analysis: AI algorithms analyze candidate responses, both verbal and nonverbal, in real time. This can include measuring response time, speech patterns, and facial expressions.
• Predictive analytics: AI interview platforms may use predictive analytics to match candidates with jobs based on their behavior and responses during the interview.
• Employee performance tracking: By integrating AI interviews with existing performance management systems, employers can track the success of new hires and refine their recruitment processes.

How Do You Prepare for an AI Interview?

Thorough preparation can significantly increase your chances of success. In this way, AI interviews don’t vary from regular interviews. However, a few tips can bring you success specific to your AI interviewer.

— Research the Company and Review the Job Description

As with any interview, you’ll better understand the company culture, values, and mission by diving into your research. You can tailor your responses during the AI interview to align with the company’s goals and demonstrate your knowledge of the organization.

— Prepare for Common Questions

AI algorithms analyze your responses for personality traits and language proficiency. Work to align your tone and responses with targeted keywords, as AI evaluates your answers based on programmed guidelines.

For technical roles that involve software development or data analysis, be ready to engage in puzzles or coding challenges as part of the interview process.

— Familiarize Yourself With the AI Platform

Look for clues about the AI tools used in your interview by reading fine print or email communications. Then, research the specific AI the company uses before your upcoming interview. Research online, read reviews or articles about it, and try to find any available sample questions or practice interviews. Some AI interviewing platforms also offer demo versions or tutorials you can use to better prepare for your upcoming interview.

— Practice Speaking Clearly and Concisely

You’ll have fewer nerves if you’re confident in what you will say. You’ll also likely get a higher score if you’re concise and speak clearly. One way to practice for an AI interview is to record yourself answering common interview questions on video or in front of a mirror.

Identify verbal or visual habits that may distract from your message, such as saying “um” or “like” too often. This can also help you refine your body language and facial expressions to convey confidence and professionalism.

— Test Your Internet and Technology in Advance

Don’t let technical issues overwhelm you during the interview. Test your equipment ahead of time so you’ll be able to focus on creating a positive impression. Remember that you’ll likely need all of your audio and visual equipment. Verify your microphone and camera are working and your internet speed is sufficient.

If you do experience technical issues during the interview, don’t panic. Try to troubleshoot the issue quickly and calmly, and communicate what’s happening. You can say something simple like, “I’m sorry, it looks like my connection is unstable. Can we pause for a moment while I try to fix it?”

— Plan Your Attire

Even though the interview is virtual, it’s still important to dress appropriately. Resist the urge to only dress for the interview from the waist up. You never know when you may need to stand up or move around during the interview. Not only that, but dressing professionally can help you feel more confident and put-together.

Master AI Interviews

AI can add a level of complexity to your job search, but the principles that help you stand out during a human-led interview will also help you stand out during an AI interview. Fully research the company and the job, infuse your communications with keywords from the job ad, and prepare thoroughly for the interview. Combine those three habits to help you pass your next interview with flying colors, regardless of whether the interviewer is human or not.



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