What Is an AI Interview? Everything Candidates & Employers Need to Know

If you've applied for a job recently, you might have received an invitation for an "AI Interview." If you're an employer, you've likely heard competitors talking about how AI is speeding up their hiring. But what is an AI interview, really? Is it a robot judging your face? Is it a chat bot? This guide breaks down exactly how AI interviews work, the different types, and how to succeed—whether you're the one hiring or the one applying.

What Is an AI Interview?

An AI interview is a screening process where a candidate interacts with artificial intelligence rather than a human recruiter for the initial stage of the hiring process.

The Growth of AI in Hiring: Adoption has exploded. Accelerated by the remote-work shift during the pandemic, AI interviewing is now a standard practice. Statistics suggest that over 40% of large companies utilize AI in their hiring funnels. It's most common in industries like Tech, Retail, Healthcare, and Customer Service where volume is high.

How Do AI Interviews Work?

While each AI interview platform works slightly differently, the general process follows these steps:

1. Invitation — You receive a link to complete an AI interview, typically via email after applying for a job.
2. Setup — You access the interview on your computer or phone. For video interviews, you may need to test your camera and microphone.
3. Questions — The AI presents questions one at a time. These are usually behavioral questions, situational questions, or role-specific queries.
4. Responses — You answer via video recording, audio, or text chat depending on the platform format.
5. Analysis — The AI analyzes your responses using natural language processing, comparing your answers against job criteria.
6. Scoring — The system generates a score or ranking, often with evidence-linked summaries showing why you scored as you did.
7. Review — Hiring teams review AI-generated shortlists and decide which candidates to invite for human interviews.

Types of AI Interviews

1. Video Analysis AI

The candidate records video answers. The AI analyzes facial expressions, tone of voice, and keywords. Platforms like HireVue and myInterview use this format.

Note: This format is becoming less popular due to privacy and bias concerns. Many candidates find it stressful, leading to high abandonment rates.

2. Conversational AI (Chat)

The candidate chats with an AI via text. The AI asks follow-up questions based on the candidate's answers, probing for depth just like a human would. This is the modern standard used by platforms like Theia (ISA).

Pros: Lower anxiety than video; mobile-friendly; higher completion rates (90%+).
Cons: No visual cues; relies entirely on written communication skills.

3. Phone/Voice AI

Some AI interviews are conducted via phone call, where an AI voice asks questions and records your spoken responses. This format is common for high-volume hourly hiring.

Pros: Familiar phone format; no camera required.
Cons: Less interactive than chat; may feel robotic.

How to Prepare for an AI Interview (Candidates)

If you've been invited to complete an AI interview, here's how to make the best impression:

Before the Interview

• Research the company — Understand their mission, values, and what they're looking for. This helps you tailor your answers.
• Review the job description — Know the key requirements and prepare examples that demonstrate those skills.
• Practice the STAR method — Structure behavioral answers as Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• Test your technology — If it's a video interview, check your camera, microphone, and internet connection ahead of time.
• Find a quiet space — Choose a location free from interruptions with good lighting (for video).

During the Interview

• Be Specific: AI loves details. Don't just say "I'm a good leader." Give an example using the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Don't Rush: If it's a chat interview, take a moment to structure your thoughts before typing.
• Use Keywords: The AI is listening for industry-relevant terminology. If you're in sales, use terms like "pipeline," "closing," and "quota."
• Avoid the Robot Trap: Don't try to "trick" the AI. Modern Natural Language Processing (NLP) can detect if you're copy-pasting generic answers. Be authentic.
• Treat it Seriously: Hiring teams will review your responses. Take it as seriously as you would a human interview.

Common AI Interview Questions

Unlike a static form, a good AI interviewer adapts. However, you can expect questions in these categories:

Behavioral Questions

• "Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker. How did you resolve it?"
• "Describe a project that failed. What did you learn?"

Situational Questions

• "If a client requested a feature we don't support, how would you handle the conversation?"
• "What would you do if you realized you were going to miss a deadline?"

Role-Specific Questions

• "How would you prioritize these three competing tasks?"
• "Explain [Technical Concept] to someone without a technical background."

Culture Fit Questions

• "What type of management style helps you do your best work?"
• "What are the top three things you look for in a workplace?"

For Employers: Why Switch to AI Interviews?

If you're an HR leader reading this, the benefits are clear:

1. Speed

Reduce time-to-shortlist from weeks to under 24 hours. AI interviews can screen hundreds of candidates simultaneously, 24/7. No scheduling coordination, no recruiter bottleneck.

2. Fairness

Every candidate gets asked the same questions in the same way, reducing unconscious bias. This consistency is impossible to achieve with human screeners who may vary in their assessments.

3. Scale

Interview 1,000 candidates as easily as you interview 10. AI doesn't get tired, doesn't have scheduling conflicts, and maintains the same quality at any volume.

The Bottom Line: AI interviews aren't replacing humans; they're replacing the repetitive screening work that humans hate. This allows recruiters to spend more time building relationships with the best candidates.

Ready to implement AI interviewing? Learn more about ISA, our AI interview platform, or see how we compare to other AI interviewers.

Frequently Asked Questions About AI Interviews

Are AI interviews recorded?

Yes. For video AI interviews, your video and audio are recorded. For chat-based interviews, the text conversation is saved. This allows hiring teams to review responses and ensures consistent evaluation. Companies should disclose recording in their privacy notice.

Can I fail an AI interview?

AI interviews typically don't have a simple pass/fail outcome. The AI scores your responses and ranks you against other candidates. You may be screened out if you don't meet minimum qualifications (knockout questions), but most AI interviews produce a score rather than a binary result.

How long do AI interviews take?

Most AI interviews take 15-30 minutes to complete. Chat-based interviews tend to be faster (10-20 minutes) while video interviews may take longer if you need setup time between questions.

Can I redo an AI interview?

This depends on the platform and employer settings. Some allow retakes for technical issues; others only permit one submission. Check the instructions or contact the employer if you experience problems.

Is AI interviewing legal?

Yes, AI interviewing is legal in most jurisdictions, though regulations vary. Some states (like Illinois) require disclosure that AI is being used. The EU AI Act classifies some AI hiring tools as high-risk. Reputable platforms build in compliance features.

Do companies only use AI interviews?

No. AI interviews are typically used for initial screening only. Candidates who score well move on to human interviews with recruiters and hiring managers. AI doesn't make final hiring decisions—it helps identify who to interview further.

Summary

AI interviews are becoming a standard part of the hiring process. For candidates, they're an opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications on your own schedule. For employers, they're a way to screen efficiently while ensuring fair, consistent evaluation.

Candidates: Prepare as you would for any interview. Research the company, practice structured answers, and treat the AI interaction professionally.

Employers: AI interviewing can transform your screening efficiency. Consider factors like interview format (video vs. chat), pricing model, and candidate experience when choosing a platform.

Learn More

AI Interview Platform • Best AI Interviewers 2025 • Interview Analytics Guide • More Articles