> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hellorecruiter.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# During the AI Interview — What Happens Step by Step

> A walkthrough of the AI interview experience — from clicking the link to completing the conversation and what happens next.

Here's a walkthrough of what happens from the moment you click your interview link.

## Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Your Interview Link">
    Open the link from your invitation email. It will load in your browser — no app download is needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Grant Camera & Microphone Access">
    Your browser will prompt you to allow camera and microphone access. Click **Allow** — this is required for the video conversation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Read the Introduction">
    The AI will introduce itself, explain the interview format, the estimated duration, and any recording policies. Take a moment to read this — there's no timer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Begin When You're Ready">
    Click **Start Interview** when you're comfortable. The conversation begins immediately after.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## The Interview Flow

The AI interviewer guides you through a natural conversation with a clear structure:

| Phase                    | What Happens                                                   | Duration |
| ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- |
| **Warm-up**              | Easy, introductory questions to help you settle in             | 2–3 min  |
| **Experience deep-dive** | Questions about your background, past roles, and achievements  | 5–10 min |
| **Skills assessment**    | Role-specific technical or competency questions                | 5–10 min |
| **Follow-up questions**  | The AI digs deeper based on your answers — this is a good sign | 2–5 min  |
| **Your questions**       | You get to ask about the role, team, and company               | 2–3 min  |

<Info>
  **Follow-up questions are a positive signal.** If the AI asks you to elaborate or give another example, it means your initial answer was relevant and it wants more detail. Don't worry — this isn't a sign of a bad answer.
</Info>

## Tips for a Smooth Experience

**Look at the camera.** Just like a video call, eye contact with the camera (not the screen) creates a better impression.

**Don't worry about pauses.** The AI is patient. Take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering — silence is perfectly fine and far better than rambling.

**Give structured answers.** For behavioral questions, use the STAR method: describe the **Situation**, your **Task**, the **Action** you took, and the **Result** you achieved. This makes your answers clear and memorable.

**If you lose connection,** don't panic. Your progress is saved automatically. Simply click the interview link again to resume where you left off. You won't lose any of your previous answers.

**If you don't understand a question,** ask the AI to rephrase it. This is a conversation — it's completely natural to ask for clarification.

## When It's Over

The interview ends with a clear closing message. You'll see a confirmation screen that your interview has been submitted successfully. Here's what happens next:

1. **AI evaluation** — Your responses are analyzed against the role's evaluation criteria
2. **Scorecard generated** — The hiring team receives a detailed summary, scores, and highlights
3. **Team review** — The hiring team reviews your results (typically within 2–5 business days)
4. **Next steps** — If you're a good fit, expect an email or call about the next round

<Tip>
  **Don't stress after submitting.** The AI evaluates what you said, not how nervous you seemed. If you answered thoughtfully and gave specific examples, you've done your part.
</Tip>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Technical Requirements" icon="laptop" href="/candidates-guide/technical-requirements">
    Having issues with camera, mic, or browser? Check here.
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQ" icon="circle-question" href="/candidates-guide/faq">
    More questions? Browse our frequently asked questions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>