More employers now use “AI interviews” for early screening: a recorded video interview, or sometimes a conversation with an automated interviewer, where software helps the employer review candidates. The term covers very different tools, and not much is visible from the candidate’s side, which makes them feel mysterious. This guide explains what they generally are, what you can control, and how to prepare.
What an AI video interview usually is
Most fall into one of two kinds:
- A recorded interview reviewed with software help. You answer preset questions on camera (see one-way video interviews). Software may transcribe your answers or help recruiters sort and search them. People usually make the hiring decisions.
- A conversational interview with an automated interviewer. A voice or avatar asks questions, sometimes with follow-ups based on your answers.
What is assessed, and how much weight software carries, depends on the employer and the tool. Vendors describe their own products on their websites, and employers are increasingly asked to explain their use of these tools.
What you can control
Whatever the tool, good answers have the same qualities:
- Relevance: you answer the question that was asked.
- Structure: a clear beginning, middle and end; the STAR method for experience questions.
- Specifics: real examples, tools, numbers and results.
- Clarity: a steady pace, a clear voice, and finishing within the time.
- A working setup: good light, clear sound and a stable connection, so nothing is lost.
These are exactly what human interviewers look for too. Preparing for an AI interview is preparing for a good interview.
What you do not need to change
Your accent, your appearance, your skin tone, your natural facial expressions and how animated you are do not determine whether you are competent or honest. You do not need to perform a particular face, force constant smiling, or imitate a different accent. Speak clearly at a comfortable pace and focus on what you say.
If a tool or an employer seems to judge you on characteristics like these, that is a problem with the process, not with you.
Your right to ask
It is reasonable to ask the recruiter, politely:
- Will a person review my interview?
- What is the recording used for, and how long is it kept?
- Can I ask for an adjustment, for example extra time, if I have a disability or need it?
Asking these questions does not count against you. Many employers publish answers in their candidate privacy notices.
How to prepare, step by step
- Read the invitation carefully: number of questions, time limits, retakes, deadline.
- Prepare your core answers: introduction, motivation, two or three STAR stories, and role-specific points from the job description.
- Set up your space: camera at eye level, light in front of you, quiet room. See the video interview setup guide.
- Practise on camera with a timer, answering without stopping, then watch it back.
- Use the platform’s practice question if there is one, to check your camera and microphone.
Do not try to game it
Advice online sometimes suggests stuffing answers with keywords or memorising scripts. It tends to backfire: keyword-heavy answers sound unnatural to anyone who reviews them, and memorised scripts fall apart with an unexpected question or follow-up. Clear, specific, honest answers are the best strategy for both software and people.
Frequently asked questions
Do AI interviews reject candidates automatically?
It depends on the employer and the tool. Some use software only to organise recordings for people to watch; others use it more directly. You can ask the recruiter how decisions are made.
Can I practise with an AI interviewer?
Yes. The practice room is a free mock interview with a virtual interviewer: paste a job description, and it asks questions written for that role, with follow-ups, while you answer on camera. Your recordings stay on your device.
Should I look at the camera or the screen?
Look at the camera when you are making a point, as you would look at an interviewer’s eyes. Glancing at the screen now and then is natural.
Practise until it feels ordinary
The best preparation for any AI interview is many short practice answers on camera. Start with the 3-question warm-up, then paste your job description for a full mock interview. If nerves are the main obstacle, read calming interview nerves first.