Can you use AI in an interview to generate answers to the interviewer’s questions?
Using AI to prepare for an interview is generally acceptable. Using AI in real time during the interview itself— uch as through hidden prompts or AI copilot tools—is often considered to be a form of misrepresentation, violating employer policies.
Although using AI tools to prepare before an interview is widely accepted, using AI for real-time assistance during an interview—such as hidden teleprompters, AI copilots, or live answer generators—is increasingly treated by employers as a form of misconduct. Many companies now explicitly prohibit real-time AI assistance during interviews.
The concern of recruiters and hiring managers isn’t about preparation, it’s about misrepresentation. If AI is supplying answers in the moment, the employer isn’t able to evaluate the candidate’s communication skills, thinking process, or judgment. And those gaps often surface later on the job.
“Fine, so I won’t use AI in an interview. End of story, right?”
Not quite. As usual, the cheaters are making things difficult for everyone else: now, you not only need to avoid cheating, but also to avoid giving the impression that you’re cheating.
For years I’ve told job seekers that they can put notes on their computer screen for quick reference during video interviews. There’s nothing wrong with that, since your notes are simply reminders of your own knowledge.
Here’s the catch: If the interviewer sees you looking off to the side, apparently reading something, will they think you’re parroting an answer generated by software?
Don’t be mistaken for a cheater: be careful how you use notes.
One way to avoid the impression of AI interview cheating is simply to avoid using any notes during your video interviews. But you don’t have to be that extreme.
If you use notes, keep them extremely brief. You can glance at a simple fact or figure like “2020-2024 growth 35%.” Or you could glance at the titles of a few STAR stories you want to tell–just the titles, and maybe a couple of quick facts or figures. If your notes are lengthier than that, you’ll look like you’re reading a script, whether it’s your own work or an AI’s. N
Scripted answers are boring, and their stilted delivery can easily raise doubts about your knowledge, your trustworthiness, and your ability to think on your feet.
Today, some employers use AI-detection software, screen monitoring tools, or require candidates to confirm they’re not using real-time AI assistance. Even without monitoring tools, interviewers are learning to spot delivery patterns that feel scripted. The safest approach is to prepare thoroughly, then speak from your own understanding.
If you use AI in an interview, you risk sounding like a robot.
Remember when I said AI-generated interview answers sound generic and bland? To sound like a human being and not a robot, speak in a natural way, avoiding excessive jargon. Don’t use big words where small ones would do. Give examples from your own work, and be prepared for followup questions the interviewer may ask to delve deeper into your examples.
I watched a demo of an AI “interview copilot” tool that provides scripted answers during video interviews. One interview question was, “How would you ensure effective communication with team members while working remotely?” The recommended answer began as follows:
“To maintain productivity and ensure effective comunication with my team when working remotely, I would:
“Establish clear communication channels: Set up regular virtual meetings and utilize collaboration tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams to stay connected with team members.
“Create a structured schedule: Plan out my day and set specific goals to prioritize tasks and stay focused…”
(And so on, through at least 6 more bullet items.)
Does that sound like a person talking? More like an instruction manual.
A more natural, convincing answer might answer like this:
“Regular virtual meetings are a must, and I’ve used Slack and Microsoft Teams a lot. But effectiveness has to start with me being organized. One thing I do religiously is, right before I stop work each evening, I plan the next day. That way, when I hit the desk at eight a.m., I know what to focus on.”
Why does this sound so much more human? It uses informal language, such as “a lot” and “hit the desk.” It uses the word “I” and shows feeling: “One thing I do religiously…”
Be authentic.
You know how to sound human. You do it all day. You can do it in interviews, better than any AI.
It’s fair to use artificial intelligence tools in preparing your resume and cover letters. You can even use AI tools for interview prep (although you may want to consider live interview coaching and/or an interview prep app created by a human interview coach instead).
So, can you use AI in an interview–like a ChatGPT or an AI interview copilot–and still sound real? Ultimately, the best way to sound authentic is to be authentic.
