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AI Is Conducting Job Interviews. Here’s How to Ace Them | Work It

The Work It podcast explores how artificial‑intelligence platforms are replacing traditional face‑to‑face interviews, using video or avatar‑based assessments that evaluate facial expressions, tone, speech pace, and word choice. Companies such as Zopa’s AI hiring tool, used by Singapore’s DSTA and FairPrice Group, blend fully automated scoring with human‑reviewed shortlists, allowing employers to filter candidates before a live interview. Key insights include the spectrum of AI interview formats—from static video responses to interactive avatars—and the emphasis on content over background. Candidates often stumble by neglecting camera eye contact, failing to rehearse, or treating the AI stage as a low‑stakes exercise. The platform provides practice recordings, real‑time analytics, and optional feedback, mirroring the preparation required for human interviews. Prashan Sundaram, Zopa’s country head, advises job seekers to treat AI interviews like a performance: rehearse, watch recordings, and focus on clear, confident delivery. He notes that both white‑collar and blue‑collar roles are screened, with AI evaluating technical competencies for engineers and soft‑skill metrics for sales or cashier positions. Human recruiters still review AI scores or raw footage, ensuring a final decision incorporates nuanced judgment. The shift to AI‑driven screening promises faster hiring cycles and broader reach, but it also raises questions about candidate transparency and fairness. Without consistent feedback, applicants may feel trapped in a “black‑hole” process, underscoring the need for platforms to provide actionable insights that help candidates improve and for employers to balance efficiency with equitable assessment.