The world keeps changing, and a clear indicator of that is the use of AI. What started out as an out-there Sci-fi concept has turned into a tool that your parents and maybe even grandparents know about and are using today. AI has had a monumental impact on the interview process. It can almost feel like a cat-and-mouse game, each side trying to outmaneuver the other. For those not in the game, it can make an intimidating process feel even more so. Today, we’ll help you think through AI and how you can leverage this tool successfully as you look to land your next role.
AI can help you prep for the interview
The bot that can kick out an anime version of yourself or tell a joke can actually be leveraged in a much more productive way when it comes to preparing for your next role. It’s a great sidekick that can polish (or even create) a resume and can be a sounding board for you as you prepare for a big interview.
What to do:
- Research the company and plug that information into AI to build a frame of reference for your preparation
- Consider leveraging AI to scan your resume and make suggestions on what to improve or what to tailor for the role that you are interested in.
- Search to see if you can find what kind of interview questions the company asks. Use those questions with AI to help with interview prep. You can even practice your answers with it! Remember that AI isn’t totally unbiased, so take its feedback with that understanding.
For those who feel like they aren’t getting the responses and answers that they are looking for, consider researching or taking a class on AI prompts. How you enter your questions and commands makes all the difference in the effectiveness of the tool. For example, a prompt of “Ask me an interview question about customer service” may get you something being more specific will help you even more. “Give me an interview question about dealing with a customer service issue at ________ company. Pretend you are the hiring leader and ask the question like you are interested in how I react under pressure to meet a customer’s needs.”
When I used those two prompts, I received a generic customer service question. When I used the second prompt and with the company as Starbucks, it gave me a tailored question and included a scenario of a busy day where I had to take care of the customer while keeping the line moving.
Understand the organization’s rules on AI
It’s easy to say that the problem with the hiring experience falls on the company. Like many simple statements, this one is more complex than it seems. Most good companies don’t want to have a complex and challenging interview process. They prefer a simple, authentic, and enjoyable process for both parties. Companies are also combating their own candidate challenges: People interviewing on behalf of someone else, candidates abusing AI in the interview process to prop up their lack of experience, and even pretending to be someone entirely to get a job. Those issues and others have caused companies to react, and the result is an even less candidate-friendly process than before.
What to do:
- Check the site for its AI policy around interviews. Companies are beginning to post their stance on the use of AI during the interview process, and some are even sharing what their own use of AI is in the process as well.
- Many companies are adjusting their interview process, going back to in-person and on-camera interviews. If that’s the case, remember to check their dress code policy with the recruiter so you can match the culture of the organization.
- In virtual interviews, be very mindful of how you are presenting yourself during the conversation. You don’t want to come off like you are using AI tools if the company forbids them for use.
Have a perspective on AI to share
While the topic of AI in the workplace is still evolving, it’s becoming a more common topic in the interview process. The interviewer may be interested in your thoughts, experience, or curiosity on the subject. It’s best to be prepared just in case.
What to do:
- They may ask you if you used AI while applying. Be honest and share how you leveraged the tool.
- Be ready to discuss the benefits and limitations of AI in the role that you are applying for and in general use that may apply to the company.
- Take time to understand how AI models work. (It’s not as complicated as it may seem)
- Show enthusiasm and curiosity about the subject. We are all learning it in real time together.
- Avoid overstating your expertise and knowledge about AI.
AI has proven that it’s not just a tech fad that will soon fade away. Use it to help you along your journey, and be prepared to share about the topic with others so that they know you are a curious and forward-thinking candidate.
Make a better tomorrow.
-ZH
