Could AI Interview Software Affect Your Hiring Strategy?
It really does seem like AI is everywhere these days! We see both our clients and candidates using it as a resource during the hiring process. More recently, we’ve begun to hear about a new issue: candidates using AI software during their virtual and phone interviews.
The question is twofold: How is AI impacting the interview process, and how can hiring managers respond?
Are candidates using AI Software during your interview?
Recently, several clients have shared concerns about candidates using AI tools during interviews. One client suspected that a marketing manager was leveraging AI software during a virtual interview. When questioned, the candidate claimed they were simply referring to their notes. However, the client remained uneasy, suspecting that real-time AI assistance was involved. While the use of notes in interviews can be a gray area, the growing presence of AI in the hiring process is something we expect to see more of in the future. In this blog, we discuss our insights on this emerging trend and offer advice on how to approach it.
About AI Interview Software
AI interview software is targeted at job seekers who are looking for a tech-powered boost to their job search. In addition to providing feedback on application materials, like resumes and cover letters, more advanced AI solutions are promoted as “co-pilots” for actual interviews. These software programs can be integrated with video interview software like Zoom, Webex, and others, with options such as:
- Mock interviews with personalized feedback
- Suggested responses to potential and live interview questions
- Breaking down information on tone, topics, and more
- Real-time feedback during interviews
Some of the options for candidates include Verve, Final Round, and Sensei, while software like Bar Raiser offers similar features, but tailored to the interviewer’s side of the conversation.
How AI Can Impact Interviews
The goal of most interviews isn’t just to “test” factual knowledge, although that does play a part. It’s also about getting to know the individual candidate: how they think on their feet, how they communicate, how their approach does or doesn’t mesh with your organizational culture. Using AI to help practice and prepare for interviews is one thing, but the ability to use it during live interviews brings up an important question: are we truly seeing the candidate’s capabilities? Or are we just seeing their ability to use AI to boost their abilities and mask their weaknesses?
Besides interfering with the ability to assess candidates’ true abilities, AI software poses another potential problem: that of culture fit. If candidates are training their answers using AI, or using AI during actual interviews, you’re less likely to get a feel for their “real” selves, raising the risk of a bad-fit hire – which is costly and frustrating for everyone.
Detecting AI Interview Software
Although it’s a relatively newer technology, AI interview software may be easier than you think to detect during live interviews. For instance, candidates may pause or visibly look to the side, suggesting that they’re reading a response or receiving AI coaching.
Our suggestion: If you do not want candidates to use AI, ask candidates to “please turn off any AI programs” before beginning the interview.
The Future of Interviewing
Regardless of the pitfalls, AI “assistants” are here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. What can interviewers do to maintain assurances of quality and honesty when evaluating candidates? Consider a few of these suggested actions:
- Shifting back to in-person interviews when plausible
- Focusing on practical, hands-on methods of assessment
- Emphasizing soft skills like innovation, teamwork, and emotional intelligence
- Set parameters for AI to keep its use within relevant boundaries
In today’s tech-forward world, ensuring authenticity in candidate interviews is more important than ever. While candidates may find AI tools helpful to prepare ahead of interviews, hiring managers should be aware of the potential for these tools to be used in actual interviews and the potential issues that come with them. NW Recruiting Partners is here to help you navigate these and other challenges you face on your way to hiring the talent you need to succeed.