AI Interview Software Users, Beware: Expect a Surge in Probation Failures

In the era of advancing technology, the landscape of job interviews is changing every month. The introduction of AI interview software offers efficiency, convenience, and enhanced performance for both candidates and employers. However, this advancement in technology has started to show a potential rise in candidates not making probation due to unethical practices facilitated by certain AI tools.

Defining the Problem

The emergence of AI interview software, exemplified by Final Round AI - Interview Copilot, introduces a novel dynamic to the recruitment process. You may have seen their YouTube advertisements (Image A). The software offers real-time transcription, personalised assistance, and a suite of AI tools which aim to empower candidates, helping them excel in interviews. While this technology bridges the knowledge gap and mitigates interview anxiety, it also raises concerns about ethical boundaries as their advertising campaign shows how it is utilised unethically in a video interview for a role in Citibank.

As highlighted by Ashok and Sergei Levkov in the FAQ section of the Final Round AI - Interview Copilots website, the use of AI tools blurs the line between skill enhancement and cheating. While candidates may perceive it as a means to level the playing field in an era where employers utilise AI for candidate screening, it poses ethical dilemmas regarding fairness and integrity in the recruitment process.

Tactics to Combat the Issue

To address the challenges posed by AI interview software and mitigate the risk of unethical practices, several strategies can be employed:

Enhanced Transparency: Establishing clear guidelines and communicating the interview process explicitly before the interview process starts can deter candidates from resorting to unethical means. Informing a candidate that there will be an onsite/face to face technical/written interview reduces the incentive for cheating.

Customised Assessments: Designing tailored interview assessments, including onsite exams or coding exercises, makes it difficult for candidates to leverage AI tools for cheating. Custom questions that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills diminish the effectiveness of AI-generated responses. Off the shelf Leetcode questions and exercises should be avoided.

Technical Vigilance: Adopting vigilant measures during online interviews, such as requesting screen sharing and monitoring for suspicious behaviours, can help detect and deter cheating attempts. I know of one manager who asks for the candidate to share their screen and asks whether they have any other screens. If the response is “No” the manager closely observes the cursor movements throughout the interview. If the cursor disappears, it results in a rejection based on trust.

Educational Initiatives: Educating both candidates and interviewers about the ethical implications of AI interview software fosters awareness and promotes responsible usage. Highlighting the value of integrity and ethical conduct in professional interactions cultivates a culture of trust and fairness. Issuing a document to a candidate before their participation in the interview process, that outlines the company's values and their alignment with the behaviours assessed during the interview process, can establish this stance prior to the first interview.

Consequences of Cheating in Interviews

While candidates may see cheating as a shortcut to securing a job opportunity or elevating them above more qualified candidates the repercussions extend far beyond the initial interview stage. Candidates who resort to unethical practices risk facing severe consequences, including failing probationary periods after being hired.

When a candidate fails to meet the expectations outlined during the interview process, especially due to dishonesty or cheating, it reflects poorly on their integrity and professionalism. Failing probation not only jeopardises the individual's employment but also tarnishes their reputation within the industry. Just imagine having to justify the five months spent at the company and explain the reasons for dismissal, you may bend the truth to fit your circumstance but remember that a reference is just a call or email away.

For the employer, the repercussions of hiring a candidate who cheats during the interview process can be significant. Beyond the immediate impact of wasted time and resources invested in recruitment, there are long-term consequences for the company's productivity, morale, and meeting organisation objectives.

An employee who fails probation disrupts team dynamics, productivity, and may require additional training or supervision, further straining resources. Moreover, it can erode trust in the hiring process and lead to scepticism about future hires.

Cheating in interviews not only undermines the integrity of the recruitment process but also has detrimental effects on both the individual's career prospects and the company's operations and reputation. Upholding ethical standards and conducting interviews with integrity is crucial for fostering a professional and trustworthy work environment.

Conclusion

The rise of AI interview software presents both opportunities and challenges in the recruitment landscape. While these tools offer benefits in streamlining the interview process and enhancing candidate performance, they also pose ethical concerns regarding integrity and fairness.

By implementing transparent practices, customised assessments, technical vigilance, and educational initiatives, organisations can navigate the ethical complexities and unscrupulous actions by a small number of candidates who utilise AI interview software. Upholding integrity in recruitment not only preserves the credibility of the selection process but also fosters a culture of trust and professionalism.

As we embrace technological advancements in recruitment, it is important to prioritise ethical considerations and uphold the principles of fairness and integrity, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates and ensuring that termination during probations does not increase.

References:

Final Round AI. (n.d.). Interview Copilot?. Retrieved from https://www.finalroundai.com/interview-copilot

Interviewing.io. (n.d.). How hard is it to cheat with ChatGPT in technical interviews? Retrieved from https://interviewing.io/blog/how-hard-is-it-to-cheat-with-chatgpt-in-technical-interviews