Your next job interview might be with AI. Here's how to ace it. (2023)

MoneyWatch

By Megan Cerullo

/ MoneyWatch

Looking for a job? You may find yourself "face to face" with an artificial intelligence bot, rather than a person.

Corporate recruiters have long used AI to quickly scan job applications and whittle down the number of applicants. Now, companies are increasingly using the technology to conduct the job interview itself. This presents job candidates with a range of new challenges in what can often be a stressful situation, not the least of which is this emerging consideration: How exactly do you impress a bot?

"Employers understand that using AI can save them time, so we expect to see more of them using it in some way in the pre-screening interview process," Keith Spencer, a career expert at FlexJobs, told CBS MoneyWatch. "From the candidate's perspective it can be intimidating. You're not interacting with a human — you're interacting with AI, which can feel kind of strange."

A recent survey from Resume Builder projected that by 2024, roughly four in 10 companies will use AI for job interviews. Of that number, 15% of employers said they will rely on AI to make hiring decisions without any human input.

What is an AI job interview?

Although virtual job interviews were used before the COVID-19 pandemic, the public health crisis made the process a necessity. Now that they are more commonplace, businesses are increasingly using AI to screen candidates.

"For years human resources departments have been using AI to automatically screen for resumes and applications. Now that virtual interviews have taken center stage, it's being used as a first screening, especially in non-complex jobs where you have clear parameters," Zahira Jaser, associate professor at the University of Sussex Business School, who focuses on how humans experience technology, told CBS MoneyWatch.

There are different types of AI interviews. In an AI-assisted interview, a job candidate is presented with questions on screen in text form that they answer and submit via either text or video. A recruiter or other company staffer involved in hiring then evaluates the submission to assess if the applicant is a good fit.

"Some have just an element of artificial intelligence so the candidate is recorded and someone watches their video," Jaser said.

In that scenario, AI might help cull an applicant pool and recommend standout candidates. Notably, the technology could also inadvertently nix highly qualified job applicants, experts noted.

"The truth is it is still eliminating some candidates before a human makes the final decision," said Stacie Haller, career adviser at Resume Builder.

"Existential dread"

Then there are those interviews that are AI-led and "completely automated," according to Jaser. The experience is a little bit like videoconferencing with yourself. In CBS MoneyWatch's test of AI interview software, the platform presented text-based questions on a screen above a live video box into which the candidate spoke. Their answers were recorded and submitted for review by AI.

Your next job interview might be with AI. Here's how to ace it. (2)

In practice, an algorithm reviews and judges the candidate's video submission based on verbal data, including the words they use, and vocal data, including a person's manner of speech and delivery. In most instances, by contrast, privacy laws prohibit companies from collecting facial data.

"The candidate is in front of a screen that has questions that appear and the candidate has limited time to answer these questions," Jaser explained, adding that the experience can be jarring. "People who have sat in these interviews find it difficult because they almost all fall into an existential dread when, at a very important time in your life, you're not facing a human and you're not seeing cues coming to you."

How to impress a bot

Unlike a personal interaction with a human hiring manager either in the flesh or on a computer screen, conversational bots don't give interviewees on-the-spot feedback or other cues on how they're doing.

"The beauty of having an in-person interview, which is already a stressful experience, is that there is a human encounter. You meet a human, then you have an exchange, and if you sense a good emotion in the other person it's a way to measure ourselves," Jaser said. "We're always looking for positive cues, and in this case you're not getting any. So you have to be confident you're saying the right thing without any cues."

That said, experts offer some tips on how to ace an AI job interview.

1. Pretend you're talking to a human.Spencer of FlexJobs recommends that candidates pretend they are interacting with a human, while acknowledging that can be difficult while responding to digital prompts.

"It's like having a videoconferencing conversation with someone, but there's no one there. You don't see another face," he said of the AI interview experience. As a result, candidates sometimes inadvertently end up mimicking the software and can become robotic in their responses, which is something to avoid.

"They get more rigid, their facial expressions become more stoic and they aren't conscious of their non-verbals as much as their verbals. And AI programs are assessing non-verbals," Spencer said.

Instead, pretend you're interviewing with a person. "Maintain eye contact [with the camera], dress professionally, smile, and project confidence and friendliness," he added.

2. Mine the job description for key words — and use them.Companies instruct AI to assess job applicants based on predefined criteria related to their overall goals or a particular role they're trying to fill. So as with any job interview, it's wise to research the company and read the job description closely beforehand.

In an AI interview, though, it's even more important to use words and phrases that correspond to the duties and qualifications of the job.

"There is a good chance the AI-interview tool will be ranking you based on your use of keywords and phrases from the job description," Spencer explained. "If you're gregarious, don't rely completely on your charm. You want to have your facts straight and also have a clear understanding of the industry position, and be able to provide solid, tangible examples of your work."

3. Practice, practice, practice.The best way to become more at ease interviewing while speaking to a screen is to practice. Jaser recommends a three-step approach. Start by practicing by videoconferencing with another person. Have them ask you generic as well as tailored interview questions.

It can also be useful to use a tool like Prepper from job search site Adzuna, billed as an "AI interview coach," that generates questions related to whatever job description you feed it.

"It's incredibly helpful to have someone — or some thing — chuck you a bunch of questions to get you thinking," said James Neave, head of data science at Adzuna and one of the developers behind Prepper. "You'll know if you're prepared if you can answer those questions in a confident and accurate manner."

Next, have your interviewer turn their camera off to simulate interviewing while addressing a blank screen. Then eliminate the human factor altogether and record yourself using a videoconferencing tool. Watch and review the recording. Keep a script in mind that includes key words you want to use.

"If you learn keywords, you'll have quicker mental shortcuts to get to the info you want when the screen asks you the information," Jaser said.

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FAQs

Your next job interview might be with AI. Here's how to ace it.? ›

AI assessment filters the applications and uses machine learning to help recruiters with the initial screening - before an actual human-to-human interview takes place. AI assessment is primarily used to differentiate candidates in terms of behavior and team fit.

How does interviewer AI work? ›

AI assessment filters the applications and uses machine learning to help recruiters with the initial screening - before an actual human-to-human interview takes place. AI assessment is primarily used to differentiate candidates in terms of behavior and team fit.

How do I ace my next interview? ›

During the interview
  1. Smile and be nice. No one goes into a job interview with the intent to be unpleasant, but sometimes being nervous makes it hard to act natural. ...
  2. Be honest. Behavioral interview questions can often feel like a trap. ...
  3. Show interest and passion. ...
  4. Demonstrate your expertise. ...
  5. Take notes.

What does AI mean in interview? ›

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.

How to pass an AI interview? ›

Here are five interview tips for speaking to AI, according to experts.
  1. Treat it like a normal job interview. ...
  2. Practice your non-verbal cues. ...
  3. Remember the time limit. ...
  4. Include keywords from the job description. ...
  5. Don't forget the purpose of one-way interviews.
Jul 6, 2022

What is the advantage of AI interview? ›

AI interviews can help companies to screen a large number of candidates quickly and cost-effectively, reducing the time and resources needed for the hiring process.

How does AI affect the hiring process? ›

AI allows recruiters to use the power of data to make better decisions. AI for recruitment can assist in sourcing and screening candidates, analyzing resumes and job applications, conducting pre-employment assessments, and even predicting candidate success and cultural fit.

How do you nail your next interview? ›

5 Ways to Stand Out in Your Next Job Interview
  1. 1) Avoid talking about what you're not.
  2. 2) Tell a story about yourself.
  3. 3) Allow yourself to be vulnerable.
  4. 4) Don't hide who you are.
  5. 5) Pose thoughtful questions to your hiring manager.
Jul 1, 2022

How do I nail my next online interview? ›

15 Tips for Acing an Online Job Interview
  1. How are Virtual Job Interviews Different?
  2. Do a Test-Run With Your Computer.
  3. Pick the Perfect Spot for Lighting.
  4. Forgo Virtual Backgrounds.
  5. Remove Distractions.
  6. Log on Early and Test Setup.
  7. Sit Up and Dress Professionally.
  8. Calm Your Nerves.
Feb 6, 2023

What are 5 good interview tips? ›

Tips for a Successful Interview
  • Be on time. ...
  • Know the interviewer's name, its spelling, and pronunciation. ...
  • Have some questions of your own prepared in advance. ...
  • Bring several copies of your resume. ...
  • Have a reliable pen and a small note pad with you. ...
  • Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile.

What does AI mean in HR? ›

Artificial Intelligence is a technology that is defining new-age paradigms of operating business.it is a tool that automates and accomplishes most of the low-value HR functions so that the larger focus can be driven to the strategic scope of work.

What does AI stand for in HR? ›

Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration into human resources (HR) practices will make organizations better because these applications can analyze, predict and diagnose to help HR teams make better decisions, according to research from the International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (PDF).

How do you beat AI in job application? ›

While this might sound intimidating, some simple tips can help you beat the AI and get your resume in front of recruiters.
  • Keep it simple. ...
  • Use resume keywords. ...
  • Tailor your resume to the job description. ...
  • Use numbers. ...
  • Showcase your skills. ...
  • Use a professional email address. ...
  • Use a professional headshot. ...
  • Conclusion.
Jan 4, 2023

How to outsmart AI? ›

Minimizing student use of AI

Avoid the use of knowledge recognition and recall through the elimination of multiple-choice questions. Decrease the use of essays that focus on the regurgitation of knowledge from one source and that require repackaging the information as the substance of the assessment.

What is the test for AI to pass? ›

In this “imitation game,” as Turing originally described it, a human participant blindly asks questions to both a human and a computer. If the computer successfully tricks the questioner into thinking it's a human, then it has passed the Turing's test.

What exactly AI means? ›

Artificial intelligence leverages computers and machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind.

Does AI pose a threat to employment? ›

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been identified as a bigger threat to human jobs than automation and robots.

What percentage of recruiters use AI? ›

65% of recruiters currently use AI in the recruitment process. 67% of recruiters say AI has improved the hiring process. 96% of senior HR professionals believe AI will greatly enhance talent acquisition and retention. 95% of recruiters believe AI will help applicants with the application process.

What are the disadvantages of AI based hiring? ›

AI Con: May Be Less Accurate

AI can only function when you feed it data, so if you have bad or insufficient data, your AI may not be accurate enough for your recruiting process. There are still some relatively new areas of AI, and you may have a few errors from time to time.

Do employers interview best candidate first? ›

Some hiring managers may choose to interview the strongest candidates first. This can be advantageous for a number of reasons. By interviewing the top candidate early, employers can gauge other candidates' performances against the benchmark set by the best candidate.

How do I charm my interviewer? ›

How can I impress the interviewer with my answers?
  1. Be passionate. Have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic when talking about yourself and your career. ...
  2. Sell yourself. ...
  3. Tell stories. ...
  4. Ask questions. ...
  5. Ask for the job.
Jun 9, 2023

What to ask at the end of an interview to stand out? ›

What is your favorite thing about working for this company? Asking about your interviewer's personal experience will provide you with additional insight into the company's culture as well as allows you to create a sense of rapport with the interviewer.

Is it OK to read off notes in interview? ›

It's acceptable to bring notes with you to an interview if the notes contain the questions you plan to ask your interviewer. You might also include questions about the company that you were unable to answer through your research.

How do I sell myself in an interview? ›

When you're talking about yourself and your experience, keep the following six points in mind.
  1. Be the Solution. ...
  2. Be Specific. ...
  3. Prepare Sound Bites. ...
  4. Prepare to Talk About Your Resume. ...
  5. Be Aware of Nonverbal Communication. ...
  6. Be Positive.

How can I impress in an interview? ›

Top 9 Ways to Impress Your Interviewer
  1. Work on your handshake. Don't offer up a flimsy or sweaty hand. ...
  2. Get serious. ...
  3. Get the practice. ...
  4. Be enthusiastic. ...
  5. Ask questions. ...
  6. Tell a story. ...
  7. Show restraint. ...
  8. Be memorable.

What are the 3 rules of an interview? ›

  • Rule one – Don't ask questions about the role you should have figured out from the job advert.
  • Rule two – Don't ask questions about the company you should have found out beforehand.
  • Rule three – Don't ask questions about the company's industry that you should already know.

What makes interview unsuccessful? ›

This may be they just don't have 'enough' skills, knowledge of experience for the role in question. Or it could be that they don't have the 'right' skills, knowledge and experience for that job. The lesson here is for applicants to do their research on the role and develop their skills and knowledge if necessary.

How can I impress my interview in 5 minutes? ›

5 Tips to impress any job interviewer in the first 5 minutes of any job interview
  1. Bring your best self. ...
  2. Arrive on time or be early. ...
  3. Build rapport with small talk. ...
  4. Stand out before the interview begins. ...
  5. Drop in some remarks about the company. ...
  6. A note.
Nov 3, 2022

Will HR be taken over by AI? ›

While AI is transforming the HR industry, it is not expected to completely replace HR professionals. Instead, it will transform their roles, creating new opportunities and freeing up time for strategic work.

Which company use AI in HR? ›

InstaHyre, an AI-based hiring platform, is an example of how AI is used to screen and match candidates to suitable companies. Companies such as Amazon, PayPal, Google, and Uber use InstaHyre for hiring employees.

What is the risk of AI in HR? ›

AI can pose a risk to employee privacy if not implemented correctly. AI-powered tools may collect and analyze employee data, including personal information, performance metrics, and communication logs.

How does AI help HR recruitment? ›

AI recruiting tools enable organizations to improve hiring practices by identifying more qualified candidates and sourcing additional candidates. The platforms can also improve the candidate experience by making it easier for job seekers to apply for open positions and communicate directly with the company.

What does AI mean in job application? ›

Artificial intelligence (AI) in hiring involves the use of technology to automate aspects of the hiring process. Advances in artificial intelligence, such as the advent of machine learning and the growth of big data, enable AI to be utilized to recruit, screen, and predict the success of applicants.

Why is AI important in HR? ›

AI in HR is being used to automate many manual tasks, freeing HR professionals to focus on higher-level strategic work, thus increasing efficiency and productivity. This includes rudimentary tasks such as resume screening, scheduling interviews, and providing a personalized employee onboarding process.

Can AI check my resume? ›

To check your resume score, use the Kickresume AI resume checker, an automated online tool using Artificial Intelligence, which will test your resume for issues and give your resume a grade (or a score).

How do I protect my job from AI? ›

5 ways to protect your career against AI
  1. Be flexible. First and foremost, flexibility is paramount in a working world that's fast evolving. ...
  2. Foster your “people skills” ...
  3. Build your network. ...
  4. Continually learn about AI. ...
  5. Use AI to your benefit.
May 18, 2023

Why is AI used in hiring? ›

AI can use predictive analytics to analyze candidate data, including résumés, social media profiles and online behavior, to predict which candidates are most likely to be successful in the role. Chatbots can provide candidates with immediate help and answer their questions about the job or application process.

What does AI look for in video interview? ›

AI-powered interview software not only analyses how candidates answer questions but also looks at their facial expressions, body language, the words they use, and tone of voice. This allows employers to get a more well-rounded view of a candidate than they would from a traditional written application.

What questions are asked in shadowing AI virtual interview? ›

Interview Questions

What do you do as an intern? What can you bring to this role that other applicants cannot? What do you know about our company and the software that we develop?

How do I look at my camera during a virtual interview? ›

Maintain Eye Contact

Make it a point to look directly into the camera, rather than your computer screen. Looking anywhere else—even at the interviewer—makes it seem like you're paying attention to someone or something else. Hide your “self view” to resist the temptation to check yourself out.

Can AI manipulate people? ›

By analyzing patterns in people's online activities and social media interactions, AI algorithms can predict what a person is likely to do next. Cult leaders and dictators can use predictive models to manipulate people into doing what they want by providing incentives or punishments based on predicted behavior.

Is it cheating to be with AI? ›

Similar to contract cheating, using AI to write an assignment isn't technically plagiarism. No original work is being copied. But at the same time, it isn't the student's original work.

Can AI rate your attractiveness? ›

The AI rates attractiveness on a scale of one to 10 based on the submitted photo and pairs you with someone in the same score bracket. According to MSCHF, attractiveness ratings are predicted by a large machine learning model that was trained by OpenAI, the company responsible for ChatGPT.

How accurate is AI diagnosis? ›

The sensitivity and specificity of AI models when compared to expert opinion was 90.5% (95% CI: 86.5–93.4) and 93.3% (95% CI: 88.1–96.4). Studies that used histopathology as the reference standard reported 79.8% (95% CI: 38.2–96.2) sensitivity and 97.6% specificity (95% CI: 94.0–99.1) (Supplementary Figures).

What are the 2 parts to AI testing? ›

AI Test Generation operates across two distinct environments:
  • Production environment, in which traces are produced.
  • Test environment, in which traces are analyzed, test cases generated, and tests run.

Can AI diagnose mental illness? ›

AI is seen as a novel tool in the planning of mental health services, as well as in identifying and monitoring mental health problems in individuals and populations.

How does AI assess video interviews? ›

Some employers are using AI to assess video interviews candidates do on their own time without a human on the other side. Depending on the software, the AI can evaluate a candidate's communication skills, problem-solving skills, initiative, professionalism and attitude.

How does HireVue use AI? ›

HireVue is an interviewing platform use for these type of screenings and has an AI component wherein it analyzes the recorded response and assigns a score for each trait selected by the employer. (Eg. Communication, Teamwork, Problem Solver ).

How do employers use AI? ›

AI is not only utilized during hiring, it can also be used to evaluate and observe those already in the workplace. Companies increasingly rely on these systems to monitor everything from truck drivers' movements to call center conversations.

How do automated video interviews work? ›

Automated interview is a method of interviewing where the recruiter assess the candidate without conducting one in real-time. In real-time interviews, the interviewers or candidates are required to travel or spend a significant amount of time in setting up and completing the process.

How do I know if I passed my HireVue interview? ›

Enter your interview code found at the bottom of your invitation email to check the status of your interview.

How do you know if you aced a video interview? ›

8 Signs You Nailed Your Interview
  1. Your Interview Ran Longer Than Scheduled. ...
  2. Your Interviewer's Body Language Cues Were Positive. ...
  3. Your Conversation Flowed Naturally. ...
  4. You Were Asked Follow-Up Questions. ...
  5. They Want You to Meet Other Team Members. ...
  6. Your Interviewer “Sold” You on the Job and Company.

How does HireVue detect cheating? ›

Full-screen testing (detects if a user is using multiple screens and/or browsers) Webcam monitoring (timely snapshots confirm if the candidate is actually taking the test themselves)

What type of questions does HireVue ask? ›

Common HireVue interview questions to practice
  • Tell me a little about yourself.
  • What are your long-term career plans?
  • What made you leave your previous job?
  • Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Why do you want to work here?

What are the disadvantages of AI in hiring? ›

AI Con: May Be Less Accurate

AI can only function when you feed it data, so if you have bad or insufficient data, your AI may not be accurate enough for your recruiting process. There are still some relatively new areas of AI, and you may have a few errors from time to time.

How many employers use AI in hiring? ›

35-45% of all companies use AI recruitment.

The practice is especially popular with large companies and recruiters. For instance, 99% of Fortune 500 companies utilize AI recruitment, and 65% of recruiters do.

How do employees feel about AI? ›

In a recent Boston Consulting Group survey 62% of bosses said they felt optimistic about AI's impact on work, while only 42% of employees said they felt the same way, and 39% of employees said they were concerned.

Do I look in camera during video interview? ›

Maintain Eye Contact

Looking directly at your interviewer is essential during any interview. But some job seekers might find it challenging to know exactly where to look while they are talking during a video interview. Make it a point to look directly into the camera, rather than your computer screen.

Do I have to turn on my camera for a virtual interview? ›

Do Not Turn Off the Camera: Despite being a camera-shy person, you should not get tempted to turn off your camera during the interview call. It is indispensable for both parties to be visible during a virtual call since it can get awkward for your potential employer to be talking to a blank screen.

What to expect in a automated interview? ›

Essentially, an automated phone interview is an interview where the candidate will respond to your pre-recorded interview or screening questions. The candidate's response will then be recorded and transcribed so that your hiring team can easily view their response along with all of the other candidates' responses.

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