AI in the interview: A new challenge for recruiters

In a recent conversation with a colleague, I learned about a candidate they had who was reading real-time AI-generated responses during their video interview. It sparked me to ask, is that a thing? It seems it is a growing concern among recruiters and hiring managers. While concrete statistics are lacking, some experts estimate that up to 25% of tech job candidates may already be utilizing AI to formulate their interview answers.

This trend poses significant challenges for interviewers. Detecting AI-generated verbal responses is difficult, as they can’t be easily scanned like written text. So, my recruiter friends, try these tactics to figure out if your candidates are using this new tool — and ensure you’re getting real responses:

1) Ask more probing follow-up questions – and ask about specific accomplishments or items from their resume.

2) Focus on personal experiences. Here’s one of my favorites: Tell me about the last mistake you made and how you recovered from it.

3) Beef up your observation of non-verbal cues: Pay close attention to body language, eye movements, and other visual cues that can help identify if a candidate is reading from a script.

4) Ask about the candidate’s preparation process: Directly inquiring about how the candidate prepared for the interview can provide insights and potentially reveal the use of AI tools.

And most importantly, stay informed about AI technologies! By implementing these tactics, recruiters can better navigate the challenges posed by AI in the interview process and ensure they’re identifying the most qualified and genuine candidates for their organizations.