Your next job interview could be with an AI bot. Are you ready?

Imagine sitting down for a job at your drop company, and instead of the hiring manager, you come face-to-face with an AI-powered bot. That’s the reality more job-seekers are facing as companies turn to AI interviewers to screen applicants faster.

But while it might save time for HR, many candidates say it’s a red flag for company culture.

Job-seekers say the experience feels cold and robotic

For professionals already dealing with the emotional toll of job hunting, facing a faceless machine can feel like the final straw. One experienced candidate ended their AI interview within minutes, calling it impersonal and off-putting.

Another job-seeker, who went through three different AI-led interviews, described them as awkward and one-sided—especially when the bots couldn’t respond to questions about the company or role.

Both felt strongly that without a guaranteed human follow-up, the process simply wasn’t worth their time.

Skipping the bot could mean skipping the job

Some candidates now avoid companies that rely on AI for interviews altogether. To them, it raises concerns about how much a company truly values its people.

If even the hiring process is being outsourced to bots, they wonder what other aspects of the workplace might be automated next. For these job-seekers, it’s not just about efficiency—it’s a signal that the organisation may lack empathy or long-term commitment to its employees.

HR loves AI—but not all bots are created equal

From the company’s side, AI is a practical solution. Short-staffed HR teams dealing with hundreds of applicants for entry-level roles now rely on AI tools to handle initial screenings.

Platforms that offer such services claim their bots can interview 100 people and surface the best 10 to hiring managers, who then take over the human part. Some bots are admittedly better than others—while many use awkward cartoon avatars, newer ones aim for a more natural voice-only experience.

AI interviews are here to stay

Even with rising complaints, AI isn’t going anywhere. Hiring managers say it helps streamline the chaos.

But job-seekers argue it strips away the human connection that’s already scarce in today’s job market. Until there’s a middle ground—like a clear promise of human interaction later in the process—more candidates may keep hitting “leave call” the moment a bot shows up.