Finding a job can be very challenging. While it may not compare to the difficulties of the Great Recession in 2008 or the Great Depression, new technology and remote work have made job hunting even more competitive and frustrating. Job seekers are expressing their frustrations in some creative ways.
A man named Graham, who runs the YouTube channel Graham Dot Zip, recently shared a video titled “I Sent an AI to My Job Interview. So Did the Company.” In this video, he pretends to have an interview with a company called “Brightwell Home.” He is introduced to a friendly, yet slightly unsettling AI avatar recruiter named “Pat.” Pat welcomes Graham but quickly notices something unusual during the call, asking about another person present. Graham explains that Victor, his representative, is also an AI avatar and knows his resume better than he does.
Once they introduce themselves, Graham lets Victor take charge of the interview. The next six minutes are filled with chaos. Victor exaggerates Graham’s qualifications, describing him as a marketing manager who oversees a team of four. Graham tries to correct Victor, but it escalates into a friendly argument where they all talk over each other, while Graham attempts to clarify that he does not manage anyone.
The salary discussion also takes a strange turn. Victor claims Graham is flexible about salary and suggests $60,000. Graham interjects to say he actually wants about double that amount. However, Pat refuses to change the offer, stating they will stick to the current salary range. Graham steps away while the two AI avatars continue to negotiate, but they end up scheduling a follow-up call without his input.
As the two avatars attempt to end the call, they both insist on having the last word, leading to a round of prolonged goodbyes. When Graham returns, Pat unexpectedly informs him that the salary range has increased to $85,000-$90,000 without any discussion. Ultimately, Graham decides to withdraw his application for the position.
This scenario was created for entertainment but reflects real issues. Graham is known for his comedic, satirical videos, so this was not a genuine job interview. However, it highlights a growing trend: AI has been involved in hiring for many years. Applicant Tracking Systems have used AI to screen resumes and candidates for over a decade, and AI-driven interviews are becoming more common. Consulting firms have even started using AI avatars to simulate clients during interviews to test applicants in various scenarios.
Online tools allow job seekers to practice interviews with AI recruiters to improve their answers. Graham’s video, while exaggerated, points out a future where applicants might use AI avatars for job interviews. Many job seekers already use AI to help write their resumes and cover letters, making AI interactions part of the hiring process. Graham’s video demonstrates how two AI avatars interacting can lead to absurd and unproductive results. Yet, it also reflects a reality that is not too far off. The video has gained nearly three million views.
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Source: Upworthy, by Evan Porter