AI Interview
An AI interview is a recruitment interview conducted by an artificial intelligence agent, in writing or by voice, that asks candidates structured questions and produces a summary or score for a recruiter to review.
Definition
In an AI interview, the candidate talks or chats with a software agent instead of a recruiter. The agent follows a set of questions linked to the role, adapts its follow-ups to what the candidate says, and records the conversation. Afterwards it produces a report for the hiring team: a transcript, a summary and, depending on the tool, scores against criteria defined by the company. It is usually used at the screening stage.
The format combines two older ideas: the structured interview, where everyone answers the same questions, and the asynchronous interview, where the candidate answers whenever they like. Because no scheduling is needed, every applicant can be interviewed, not only those selected from a CV. Passisto Hire works this way: candidates have a spoken conversation from a secure link in their browser, and recruiters receive a report per candidate.
What matters is how it is used. The AI should assist, and people must make the decisions: a report is an input for a recruiter, never an automatic rejection. Criteria should relate to the job, candidates should be told that they are speaking to an AI and how their data is used, and the process should be checked for bias on a regular basis. In the EU, personal data rules such as GDPR apply, and some countries regulate automated decisions in recruitment, so check the rules that apply where you hire.
Key points
- An AI agent asks structured questions and produces a report; it does not replace the hiring decision.
- It is typically used for screening, so that every applicant can be interviewed.
- Questions must be tied to the job and be the same for everyone.
- Tell candidates they are speaking to an AI and explain how their data is used.
- Review the process regularly for bias and follow local rules on automated decisions.
Example
A logistics company receives 150 applications for 10 warehouse positions. Each applicant gets a link and has a ten-minute spoken conversation about availability, safety habits and teamwork. The recruiter reads the reports of all 150, listens to the extracts she finds unclear, and decides herself which 25 candidates to invite to site visits.
Frequently asked questions
Does an AI interview replace the recruiter?
No. It handles the repetitive first conversation and prepares a report, but people review the results and make every hiring decision. The final interview and the offer remain human steps.
Is an AI interview legal?
In most countries it is allowed, but data protection rules such as GDPR in Europe apply, and some jurisdictions add rules on automated decision-making or on informing candidates. Check the rules that apply in your country, and ask your legal team before deploying it.
How should candidates prepare for an AI interview?
The same way as for any interview: read the job description, prepare concrete examples of your work and answer honestly. Check that your microphone and connection work, and find a quiet place, since there is no need to perform for a camera.
Related terms
AI conversations, human decisions
Passisto holds structured voice conversations with candidates, employees, clients and students, and turns them into reports your team can act on.