What is an AI-Based Interview?

An AI-based interview uses artificial intelligence to assess a candidate’s skills, personality traits, and suitability for a specific role. Unlike traditional interviews conducted by human recruiters, AI interviews are typically automated and asynchronous, meaning you complete them at your own pace within a given timeframe. There are several common types:

• Automated Video Interviews: These involve pre-recorded questions presented by an AI avatar or text on the screen. You record your responses, and the AI analyzes your answers based on pre-defined criteria.
• Chatbot Interviews: These interviews are conducted through text-based conversations with an AI chatbot. The chatbot asks questions, and you type your answers.
• Game-Based Assessments: While not strictly “interviews,” these assessments use gamified tasks to evaluate your cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and personality traits. The AI analyzes your performance in the game to determine your suitability for the role.
• Voice-Based Assessments: Similar to video interviews, but rely primarily on audio responses. These are often used to assess communication skills and fluency.

The AI analyzes various aspects of your responses, including:

• Verbal Communication: Fluency, clarity, grammar, vocabulary, and tone.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Facial expressions, body language, eye contact, and posture (in video interviews).
• Content Analysis: The actual content of your answers, including keywords, skills mentioned, and how well you address the questions.
• Personality Traits: Some platforms attempt to infer personality traits based on your language, tone, and behavior.

The Experience: What to Expect

Taking an AI-based interview can feel quite different from a traditional interview. Here’s a breakdown of what you might experience:

Preparation and Setup

1. Invitation: You’ll typically receive an email invitation with a link to the interview platform and instructions on how to proceed.
2. Technical Requirements: The platform will likely require a stable internet connection, a working webcam (for video interviews), and a microphone. You’ll need to ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements.
3. Practice Questions: Many platforms offer practice questions to familiarize yourself with the interface and the types of questions you’ll be asked. Take advantage of these!
4. Time Limit: You’ll usually have a specific timeframe to complete the interview, often ranging from a few days to a week. Each question may also have a time limit for your response.

During the Interview

1. Question Delivery: Questions are usually presented on the screen, either as text or by an AI avatar. In some cases, you might hear the question spoken aloud.
2. Recording: For video interviews, the platform will record your responses. Pay attention to your surroundings and ensure a clean, professional background.
3. Time Management: Keep track of the time limit for each question and try to allocate your time effectively. It’s better to provide a concise and well-structured answer than to rush through a rambling response.
4. Technical Issues: If you encounter technical problems (e.g., microphone not working, video freezing), contact the company’s support team immediately. Don’t try to troubleshoot on your own, as you might waste valuable time.

After the Interview

1. Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message or email indicating that your interview has been submitted successfully.
2. Feedback (Sometimes): Some platforms provide candidates with feedback on their performance, such as insights into their communication style or areas for improvement. However, this is not always the case.
3. Waiting: The waiting period for results can vary. Be patient and follow up with the company if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe.

Preparing for an AI-Based Interview: Strategies for Success

Success in an AI-based interview requires a different approach than a traditional interview. Here are some key strategies:

1. Research the Company and the Role: Thorough research is crucial. Understand the company’s mission, values, and the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. This will help you tailor your answers to demonstrate your suitability.
2. Understand the Platform (If Possible): If the company reveals which platform they are using (e.g., HireVue, Pymetrics), research that platform. Knowing the platform’s common question types and how it analyzes responses can give you a distinct advantage.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice: Use the practice questions provided by the platform, or find similar questions online. Record yourself answering these questions and review your performance. Pay attention to your verbal and non-verbal communication.
4. Prepare STAR Method Examples: The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful technique for structuring your answers to behavioral questions. Prepare several examples from your past experiences that demonstrate relevant skills and qualities.
5. Focus on Keywords: Identify keywords related to the job description and industry, and incorporate them naturally into your answers. The AI will be looking for these keywords to assess your skills and knowledge.
6. Speak Clearly and Concisely: Avoid rambling or using filler words (e.g., “um,” “ah”). Speak clearly, confidently, and at a moderate pace.
7. Maintain Eye Contact (with the Camera): For video interviews, make eye contact with the camera as if you were speaking to a person. This demonstrates confidence and engagement.
8. Dress Professionally: Even though it’s an automated interview, dress as you would for an in-person interview. This will help you feel more confident and professional.
9. Find a Quiet and Well-Lit Environment: Choose a quiet location with minimal distractions. Ensure the lighting is good so that the AI can clearly see your facial expressions (for video interviews).
10. Be Yourself: While it’s important to prepare and present yourself professionally, authenticity is also key. Let your personality shine through and be genuine in your responses.

Addressing Concerns and Potential Biases

AI-based interviews are not without their critics. Some common concerns include:

• Lack of Human Interaction: The absence of human interaction can make it difficult to build rapport or ask clarifying questions.
• Potential Biases: AI algorithms can be biased based on the data they are trained on. This can lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes for certain candidates. Companies should be actively working to mitigate these biases.
• Technical Glitches: Technical issues can disrupt the interview process and negatively impact a candidate’s performance.
• Anxiety and Discomfort: Some candidates may feel anxious or uncomfortable being recorded and analyzed by an AI.

While these concerns are valid, it’s important to remember that AI is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used effectively or ineffectively. Companies are increasingly aware of these issues and are working to improve the fairness and accuracy of their AI-based hiring processes. As a candidate, you can address these concerns by:

• Providing Clear and Detailed Answers: Compensate for the lack of human interaction by providing thorough and well-explained answers.
• Highlighting Your Unique Skills and Experiences: Focus on what makes you stand out from other candidates.
• Asking for Feedback: If possible, ask the company for feedback on your performance to understand how the AI assessed your responses.

Conclusion

AI-based interviews are becoming increasingly common, and it’s essential to be prepared. By understanding the process, practicing your responses, and addressing potential concerns, you can navigate these interviews with confidence and increase your chances of success. Remember to research the company and the role, focus on your communication skills, and be yourself. Good luck!