Job Search: Would you interview a robot?

Dusseldorf. When Felix Müller* dialed into the online interview for a position at a Swedish food company, he didn't see a person on the screen, but an avatar. The virtual recruiter asked him “standard questions”: “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” And: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” The avatar's mouth moved when he spoke, but it didn't seem authentic, Müller remembers. It was like talking to a “phone bot” like those we know from customer hotlines.

The first German companies are now also using AI recruiters like Müller's experience for initial interviews with applicants. The advantages for companies: AI recruiters can interview hundreds of applicants at the same time, at any time of the day or night. They never get tired or sick, they don't sleep, and they speak several languages ​​fluently. They help to telephone large numbers of applicants and save HR managers time and money.

But how does it feel for job seekers when the first contact with the company is not human? Are AI interviews potentially scaring away the most qualified applicants? Do companies ultimately pay for greater efficiency with their reputation?