What to Expect
The HR screening interview is typically the first step in the hiring process. Here’s what you’ll experience:- Duration: ~30 minutes
- Format: Conversational, back-and-forth dialogue with the AI interviewer
- Focus areas: Your background, motivation for the role, cultural fit, availability, and high-level qualifications
- Tone: Professional but relaxed — think of it as an initial recruiter call
What’s Being Evaluated
| Area | What the AI Looks For |
|---|---|
| Relevance | Does your experience align with the role’s requirements? |
| Communication | Can you articulate your background clearly and concisely? |
| Motivation | Do you have genuine interest in the company and position? |
| Fit | Do your expectations (salary, location, start date) match what’s available? |
| Professionalism | Are you engaged, prepared, and presenting yourself well? |
The AI does not evaluate your appearance, accent, or background environment. It focuses entirely on the substance of your responses.
How to Prepare
Before You Start
- Research the company. Visit their website, read their mission, and understand what they do. The AI may ask why you’re interested — generic answers stand out (in a bad way).
- Review the job description. Know the key requirements and think about how your experience maps to each one. Have specific examples ready.
- Prepare your story. Have a clear, concise summary of your career arc — where you’ve been, what you’ve accomplished, and why this role is the logical next step.
- Test your setup. Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection. See our Technical Requirements page.
- Find a quiet space. Minimize background noise and distractions. Treat this exactly like a video call with a recruiter.
What to Have Ready
- Your resume (for your own reference — the AI already has your application details)
- A few questions about the role or company
- Notes on salary expectations, availability, and start date if applicable
What to Ask the AI
The AI interviewer isn’t just evaluating you — it’s also there to help you understand the role. Here are things you can and should ask:- “Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities?”
- “What does the team structure look like?”
- “What are the next steps after this interview?”
- “Is there anything about my background you’d like me to elaborate on?”
- “What qualities are most important for success in this role?”
What NOT to Ask the AI
The AI has specific boundaries. These are things it cannot or will not help with:Don’t Try To…
- Ask for the “right” answers. The AI will not coach you on what to say. Questions like “What answer are you looking for?” won’t get you anywhere.
- Ask for your score or evaluation. The AI cannot share how you’re performing during the interview. That information goes to the hiring team after the interview is complete.
- Request hints or leading information. “Can you give me a hint about what skills they want?” — the AI won’t reveal evaluation criteria beyond what’s in the job description.
- Ask about other candidates. The AI has no information about other applicants and won’t engage with comparisons.
- Ask the AI to skip questions. The interview flow is structured by the hiring team. The AI needs to cover all required areas.
- Try to manipulate or “jailbreak” the AI. Attempts to get the AI to behave outside its interview role are flagged and noted in your evaluation.
Things That Don’t Help
- Excessively flattering the AI (“You’re the best interviewer I’ve ever talked to!”)
- Asking unrelated personal questions (“What’s your favorite movie?”)
- Testing the AI’s limits instead of engaging with the interview
- Giving one-word answers hoping the AI will fill in the gaps