Briton turns down job interview because he would be interviewed by AI

Writer Richard Stott backed out of a copywriting job interview when he learned he would be interviewed by an artificial intelligence (AI) instead of a human.

Considering such an approach as disrespectful to candidates, he decided to withdraw his application, which sparked a debate about the role of AI technology in the recruitment process, writes the BBC.

“I didn’t like it, so I told them that if a live interview wasn’t worth their time, then the role wasn’t worth mine, and I backed out,” Stott said.

Stott shared his concerns on social media, where, he says, he received "unanimous support" from people who agree that interviews with AI "are not a good idea."

“I felt disrespected that they weren’t willing to spend time talking to candidates. When you come into a company or a team, personality is important and you can’t quantify it with data, so it seems counterintuitive for AI to take that away.”

Luke Bottomley, director of recruitment firm James Ray Recruitment, said artificial intelligence is becoming "increasingly important" in business, but when it comes to the human element, he doesn't think it will replace it.

He explained that using AI in the selection process would mean companies would "lose out on potentially exceptional candidates."

"A face-to-face interview gives you the opportunity to get to know the individual and what they can bring to the role, which you can't achieve through a robot," he said.

Hayfa Mohdzaini, senior technology advisor at CIPD, human resources, said employers need to find the right balance between AI and human interaction during recruitment and take into account candidate preferences so as not to miss out on great talent.

She pointed out that while a chatbot can be cost-effective, it can discourage some candidates.

"Employers should notify candidates in advance when artificial intelligence will be used and explain how it will benefit them," she advised.