Have You Been Interviewed by AI? Here’s How to Prepare for an AI Job Interview

In today’s job market, there’s a new gatekeeper standing between you and your dream role: artificial intelligence. From résumé scans to automated video interviews, AI is quietly transforming recruitment and chances are, you’ve already been interviewed by AI without even knowing it.

So, what does it mean to be interviewed by AI, and how can you prepare for it? Here’s everything you need to know to stay one step ahead.

What Is an AI Interview?

An AI interview uses artificial intelligence to assess candidates before a human hiring manager ever sees their application. It can take several forms:

• Video interview platforms where you record responses to questions and the system scores your answers based on tone, language, and facial expressions.

• Text-based assessments like chatbots that simulate an interview conversation.

• Game-based testing that measures problem-solving, memory, or emotional intelligence.

• Automated résumé screening using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that search for keywords and ranking algorithms.

These tools are used to screen high volumes of candidates efficiently, but that also means your performance is judged by patterns, not personality.

Signs You’re Being Interviewed by AI

If you’re unsure whether your interview includes AI, look out for:

• A one-way video interview with no live interviewer.

• Questions that seem pre-recorded or robotic.

• Timers for answering, and no opportunity for follow-up or clarification.

• A lack of human contact early in the process.

• Instructions about lighting, eye contact, or facial positioning.

How AI Evaluates You

AI doesn’t just listen to what you say—it watches how you say it. It can assess:

• Facial expressions (Are you smiling or frowning?)

• Eye contact (Are you looking at the camera?)

• Speech patterns (Are you confident and clear?)

• Language and keywords (Do your answers include job-relevant skills?)

It also screens for red flags like negativity, long pauses, or inconsistent answers.

How to Prepare for an AI Job Interview

1. Practice With a Webcam

Record yourself answering typical interview questions. Pay attention to your body language, tone, and pacing. AI prefers steady eye contact, clear speech, and confidence.

2. Master Keyword Matching

Tailor your résumé and answers to mirror the language used in the job description. Use keywords related to the role’s skills, tools, and outcomes. If the job says “project management” and “Agile,” make sure you mention those terms.

3. Keep It Concise

AI tools are often programmed to flag overly long or vague responses. Practice giving structured answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to stay clear and relevant.

4. Set the Scene

Lighting, background, and camera angle matter. AI may mark you down for poor lighting, looking away, or appearing distracted.

5. Stay Calm With Bots

If you’re being interviewed via chatbot, treat it like a real conversation. Be polite, clear, and focused. AI scores can drop if you’re too casual or vague.

Don’t Just Rehearse - Research

Find out which platforms the company uses (e.g. HireVue, Pymetrics, Modern Hire) and research how those tools assess candidates. Understanding the platform gives you an edge.

AI isn’t replacing hiring managers, but it is shaping who gets through the door. By learning how AI works, you can tailor your approach to stand out in the algorithm and land that all-important human interview.

Have you been interviewed by AI? If so, how did it go? Share your experience: we’re all still learning in this new age of hiring.