Job Interview with a Chatbot
Research shows that 43% of employers will incorporate artificial intelligence into their hiring process by 2024. At the same time, however, 32% of employers said they don’t foresee AI replacing people completely in the interview process.
According to Zahira Jaser, associate professor at the University of Sussex Business School, who focuses on how humans experience technology: “The beauty of having an in-person interview, which is already a stressful experience, is that there is a human encounter. You meet a human, then you have an exchange, and if you sense a good emotion in the other person it’s a way to measure ourselves. We’re always looking for positive cues, and in this case you’re not getting any. So you have to be confident you’re saying the right thing without any cues.”3
However, if you as a job seeker logged on to a job interview and the interviewer turned out to be a chatbot, would you be prepared or would you be thrown off by the unexpected?
What Type of Chatbot Interview Should I Expect?
Chatbots can be designed to interact with candidates in various ways, depending on the company’s preferences and the complexity of the job interview process.2 Here are some possible scenarios:
- Text-based Chatbots: These chatbots would primarily interact with candidates through written communication, either via email or instant messaging platforms. Candidates would type their responses, and the chatbot would analyze the text to understand and evaluate their answers.
- Video-based Chatbots: These chatbots might incorporate video capabilities, allowing candidates to participate in a face-to-face-like interview with a virtual avatar. The chatbot could use computer vision algorithms to analyze facial expressions and body language during the interview. In this case, it would be important to be appropriately dressed, maintain eye contact, and practice the same visual cues as you would in an interview with a human.
- Mixed-mode Chatbots: Some chatbots may combine both text-based and video-based interactions. For instance, the initial screening and skills assessment could be text-based, while the final interview stages involve a video-based conversation.
- Asynchronous Interviews: In this setup, candidates can interact with the chatbot at their convenience, answering questions and completing tasks over time. This asynchronous approach allows flexibility and eliminates the need for real-time communication that might not be possible when hiring across different geographies and time zones.
- Real-time Interviews: Other chatbots may conduct interviews in real-time, where candidates and the chatbot engage in a live conversation through text or video.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Interviews: In the future, as technology advances, chatbot-based interviews might even take place in virtual reality environments, providing a more immersive experience for candidates.
The choice of the interview format would depend on the company’s goals, the nature of the job, available resources, and the desired level of automation. Text-based chatbots are relatively easier to implement, while video-based or VR-based chatbots might require more sophisticated technology and development.
It’s important to note that while chatbots can streamline parts of the hiring process, they might not fully replace human interaction in more complex interviews, especially for roles that require nuanced interpersonal skills or judgment. Therefore, chatbot-based interviews are likely to be one part of a comprehensive hiring process rather than the sole method for candidate evaluation.
T I P : Even if an AI bot interviewed you, don’t forget to send the company a post-interview thank you to demonstrate to hiring managers that you appreciate the opportunity and are enthusiastic about the position.1
1 https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/ai-interviews
2 https://www.resumebuilder.com/4-in-10-companies-will-be-using-ai-interviews-by-2024/
3 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ai-job-interview-tips-to-prepare-artificial-intelligence/