The Job Interview Revolution: AI's Role in the Modern Hiring Process
Are job interviews a thing of the past? A TikTok video from September boldly claims that interviews are no longer authentic, accompanied by a chilling emoji. It showcases a young woman using AI assistance during a video call interview, reading responses generated by an AI app. This raises a controversial question: Is this adaptability or cheating?
The video, and many like it, reveal a growing trend. Job seekers, particularly young professionals facing a challenging AI-dominated job market, are turning to AI to navigate the interview process. But are these videos exposing a scandal, or are they just clickbait? Some, like the one featuring a woman reading from her phone, are posted by accounts promoting AI apps, blurring the line between authenticity and marketing.
AI's involvement in job searches has been a growing concern. Employers use AI to screen résumés, applicants flood HR departments with AI-generated applications, and companies employ AI agents for initial interviews. But the plot thickens. Applicants are now using AI assistants to prepare for technical interviews, prompting some companies to revert to in-person interviews.
Is this 'interview fraud' or a natural evolution? HR companies label it as fraud, but the reality is more complex. In a struggling economy, employers wield AI against prospective employees. Can we blame job seekers for fighting back?
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this fraud even widespread? TikTok suggests a rising trend, but many videos may be more about fantasy than reality. They monetize the idea of AI-assisted interviews, like the account @applicationintel promoting an AI app.
AI-interviewing services are promoted by TikTok influencers, indicating a lucrative market. But do these tools deliver? I decided to test one such service, Final Round AI, which claims to provide real-time suggestions for 'killer responses.' (The basic version is free, but the premium version costs $96 monthly.)
After setting up the 'Interview Copilot,' I chose the role of a content writer and began a practice interview. I asked for a response to a potential question: 'How would you approach writing about people using AI to cheat in job interviews?' The AI provided a lengthy, generic answer, raising ethical concerns. It sounded like a job candidate playing a role, not someone genuinely passionate about the topic.
This scenario echoes the film 'Joe Versus the Volcano,' where the protagonist's boss, Mr. Waturi, questions whether Joe can do the job despite his qualifications. Today's AI-interview tools exacerbate this issue, as anyone can get the job with automated help. But can they really do it? Students can fake their way through school, so why not fake their way into top firms?
The film also highlights the absurdity of Mr. Waturi's concern. In a hostile work environment, his emphasis on job performance seems bureaucratic. This resonates with today's workplace, where companies fear AI-assisted applicants but also want employees who use AI effectively. The line between cheating and qualification blurs.
The detachment between workers and their jobs is not new. David Graeber coined the term 'bullshit jobs' for meaningless roles. 'Email jobs' is the new internet slang for work with cryptic purposes. Cheating in job interviews with AI seems like a logical extension of this detachment. You're not just a candidate; you're playing the part.
But aren't prestigious jobs at McKinsey or high-paying engineering positions different from these 'bullshit jobs'? It's a complex issue. While these roles offer financial stability and status, the process of landing them has become a nightmare. Candidates endure AI-driven application processes, often without human interaction. In this context, any advantage, even AI assistance, becomes appealing.
Re-examining these AI-interview TikToks through the lens of empathy reveals a pattern of desperation. Some use AI to create tailored résumés, while others prepare for interviews by generating practice questions. The language of 'passing' and 'faking it' reflects a harsh reality: surviving the job market by any means necessary.
Today's job seekers use AI to navigate each stage of their careers, from college essays to job duties. The goal is to progress through the process, even if it means faking it. In a world where survival is the priority, questioning the system is a luxury few can afford. When you're struggling to pay rent and buy essentials, you'll read whatever the AI tells you to say, even if it's just to get through the next gate.
So, is AI cheating in job interviews a problem or a solution? The line between adaptation and fraud is blurry. As AI continues to shape the job market, the very nature of work and the hiring process is up for debate. What do you think? Is this a fair use of technology, or does it undermine the integrity of the system?
