AI can betray you, and I just watched it happen live, costing someone a job, mid-interview.
AI can betray you, and I just watched it happen live, costing someone a job, mid-interview.
A candidate with a strong CV, solid experience, and a commendable educational background was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants. She didn’t need shortcuts; she was qualified enough.
From the first answer, something felt off. Her responses seemed overly scripted and monotone...My Recruiter instinct radar was pinging away. Then, suddenly, her AI prompt began speaking out loud mid-interview. She panicked, and I genuinely felt for her.
Let me clarify: this is not an anti-AI post. Far from it. Every role I hire for requires candidates who already use AI in their workflows and some form of AI expertise is now essential in almost every role, but for the right reasons...not to replace personal competence.
I use AI daily, but I monitor it closely. I use notetakers to stay fully present with candidates during my interviews. I use AI to shape content for better flow. I frequently see AI-generated CVs, and when used well, they can look well organised and sharp. This is the reality we operate in now. However, your experience should be authentic. Your voice in these conversations should be your own.
An interview is not a speech, it’s a conversation about what/how/why you’ve done, you’re doing, you can do. I love it when mid interview candidates feel empowered to pause and say, "Tam, can I take a moment to gather my thoughts?" That’s confidence, self-awareness and leadership potential. If you need a moment, take it.
If you’re worried about forgetting key points, go back to basics. Use Post-its as prompts; many leave interviews thinking, "I wish I’d mentioned that!". Just remember that there will be no such thing as a perfect interview, you will always leave feeling like you missed something.
However In this case, the candidate felt she found the solution, for a perfect interview, but her AI prompt exposed her. Even if your AI remains silent, your interviewer will notice. Recruiters are scanning for red flags because our clients trust our instincts. If something feels off or misaligned, most won’t dig deeper; they’ll simply move on to the next applicant.
The bigger question is: if you secure a role based on answers that aren’t yours, what happens when you’re expected to deliver day-to-day? Use an earpiece?
Embrace AI (I do), it's amazing...but don’t let it be your voice in an interview or conversation.
Good luck to all those interviewing this week 🤞
Tam Dost at Talent Hunters