I was Interviewed for a Job By an AI

Being a freelance writer and editor means always being on the lookout for the next job. Recently, I came across a project on LinkedIn that seemed promising, so I applied, and what happened next blew me away.

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Within a few days, I opened my email and discovered I had been selected to be a part of the team working on the project. After that came the email inviting me to interview for the role. I did a happy dance and clicked the link in the email, thinking I’d be taken to one of the many pre-interview questionnaires I’ve filled out before. I was completely shocked to see the light from my laptop’s camera flick on and a screen open that looked very much like Google Meet. Since pajamas aren’t interview-appropriate, I slammed my laptop shut.?

I took a few deep breaths and read the email on my phone—this time slowly. I was being invited to a job interview that would be conducted entirely by AI. Suddenly excited to see what was going to happen during this AI-led video interview, I spruced myself up, turned on my ring light and logged back on.?

I was welcomed to the interview by a pleasant-sounding yet disconnected AI-generated male voice. After a short description of what was going to happen, the AI asked a series of questions about the roles listed on my resume and my project management skills. It even asked me to walk through a scenario where I create content from start to finish and had me explain how I could do so most effectively.?

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The novelty of the interview melted away a little as I searched my brain for the most appropriate answers. The AI took in the information I provided and used it to create new, more complex questions as the interview went on. As my answers circled back to previous points, it was clear that it captured the information and “thought” of what to ask next. There were two occasions when it obviously got “stuck” and repeated the same question more than once before correcting itself.?

When I was done, I leaned back in my chair and reflected on the experience. So much of a face-to-face interview with a person involves nonverbal communication. Subtle head nods, and other gestures can tell you if you’re on course or wandering into dangerous territory with your interviewer. To be honest, I didn’t miss it at first. It was kind of a relief to just answer the questions and be on my way. But, after thinking some more, I realized that I missed the polite small talk and stories we sometimes share during an interview, which can sometimes reveal more about who we are and what we can contribute to the position. The AI didn’t even ask if I had any questions. Then I thought of the people who typically conduct interviews and the impact this new AI-powered way of conducting business would have on them in the not-so-distant future. It was a lot to process.?

Is there a place for AI in the hiring process? Absolutely, but we have to carefully consider what that place is. It will be up to us to determine just how important the human element is and how much person-to-person interaction should remain. I came away from the experience with an even deeper understanding of the way AI will transform the way we work. Next time I apply for a position, I just may interview with an AI and I’ll be ready.?

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