To be frank, at first, the idea seemed peculiar. How could AI technology accurately determine whether I would be the right candidate? What could I do to best prepare myself for a video interview? How could I dazzle a robot? 

I have been taught the tips and tricks for real life interviews, but AI interviews seemed different. The most obvious difference is that across from you isn’t a person but a camera. The person-to-person dynamic doesn’t exist, which meant I had to learn to cater my behaviors and responses to an AI interviewer.

However, you can find comfort in the fact that what AI is trained to look for is what recruiters look for: how well you fit into the specific role they’re hiring for. Here’s what I learned:

1. Set Yourself Up for Success 

Find a quiet place to settle into. Wear professional clothing, a blazer or collared shirt. Tidy your hair. Not only does looking professional signal you’re a worthy candidate, it also will boost your confidence and put you in the right headspace. 

Ensure your face is well lit and your body is in the frame of the camera. Be mindful of your background, preferably a one-toned wall that isn’t too busy or distracting. 

Get comfortable staring at the camera and with the idea that you will be staring back at yourself. Practice in the mirror ahead of time to become aware of any mannerisms or habits you aren’t aware of before. 

2. Keep Your Answers Succinct and Detailed 

Focus on your narrative, whether that is explaining your career goals or providing information about yourself. For example, if the question is “What interests you about this position?”, your answers should emphasize why this position is perfect for you while also honing in on how it can help you further grow in your career.  

Be sure to explain why you want to work for this specific company, why you fit the job description, and why you stand out as compared to the other candidates. Remember to provide specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your qualifications and achievements.

Additionally, consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This approach helps you provide a clear and concise explanation of how you handled a particular situation and the positive outcomes you achieved. Situation: set the scene and provide the necessary details. Task: outline your responsibility in that assignment. Action: describe what steps you took. Result: share what outcomes you achieved. 

3. Talk with Emotion, but Don’t be Emotional 

Your emotions matter, even through a camera. Smiling helps to convey a pleasant countenance. Eye contact shows interest. Avoid shiftily looking away or seeming distracted. Articulate your words with a clear and positive tone. The speed at which you speak matters, don’t be too quick or too slow. You don’t want to appear too nervous or too aloof. Sit with an open posture, ready to handle any question.  

4. Keywords are Key

Before you conduct your AI interview, analyze the job description to understand what keywords the company has used in describing the role. While recording your answer, make sure to use their words specifically. If the company has mentioned they want someone with experience in healthcare, be sure to mention your expertise in that field (if you have it).

However, it’s essential to strike a balance between incorporating keywords naturally into your responses and avoiding the overuse of buzzwords. The AI interviewer and the subsequent human evaluator will be looking for genuine, thoughtful insights and contributions from you, so focus on expressing your qualifications and experiences in a way that aligns with the job requirements.

Conclusion 

The world of recruiting is evolving rapidly, and AI interviews have become an integral part of the hiring process. By following these tips, you can effectively prepare yourself to navigate the unique challenges of an AI interview and increase your chances of success.

Remember, the AI interview is only one step of the evaluation. A live person will likely make the final decision based on multiple factors, including your performance in the AI interview and other stages of the hiring process. Therefore, it’s crucial to view the AI interview as an opportunity to showcase your skills and qualifications rather than feeling overwhelmed by the absence of human interaction.

With good preparation, professionalism, concise and detailed answers, emotional engagement, and strategic use of keywords, you can impress both the AI interviewer and the human evaluator. Embrace the evolving landscape of recruitment and adapt your approach accordingly. The robots may be the gatekeepers, but your unique qualities and abilities will ultimately make the difference in securing the job you desire.

Interviewer.AI is a technology platform purposely built to support Recruiters and HR teams in finding top talent for their companies. We also work with universities to help them with admissions and coaching, helping them use technology to solve for talent and training. Our mission is to make hiring equitable, explainable, and efficient. to screen in advance and shortlist the candidates that meet the criteria set. 

Brynn Hochman is a Content Writer at Interviewer.AI. She thrives on communication and connection and ponders how the digital landscape will change with the emergence of AI technologies. She plans to go to law school to grow her critical thinking and communication skills.