Taking the AI interview
Read this before you take your AI interview — it explains how to access it, what to expect, and how your interview is used.
What the AI interview is
The AI interview is a recorded, conversational video interview you take online. It is scheduled for about 15 minutes, with a few minutes of grace at the end so you can finish your last answer. An AI interviewer asks you questions about your background and expertise, and automated tools help evaluate your answers afterwards.
Most interviews are conducted in English, but some roles interview in another language. Your interview welcome page tells you which language to expect, and you answer in that same language. If you're unsure, check the welcome page before you begin.
Before you start
- Use your interview link, signed in with the account you applied with. The interview opens from a unique link (from the Take Interview button on your Applications page, or from your interview invitation email). For your security, the link only works when you're signed in to SME Careers with the same account you applied with, and its code is removed from your browser's address bar once the page opens. Refreshing the page in the same tab keeps working. If you open the interview page without a link, you'll see "Interview Link Required" — go back to your application and use the button there.
- Use a desktop computer with a current version of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Mobile devices are not recommended.
- Find a quiet place with a stable internet connection. Use headphones to reduce echo where you can.
- Check your microphone and camera. The interview runs a technical check before starting; allow browser access to your microphone and camera. Close other apps that use them (Zoom, Slack, etc.) so they don't block access.
- Set aside uninterrupted time. This is a real interview, so give it your full attention.
The welcome page shows the position you're interviewing for, including the pay rate where one is set, the role description, and key responsibilities. Review these before you start.
Consent and recording
Before the interview begins you'll see the Interview Consent & Data Processing Notice. Its main points:
- Your interview is recorded (audio and/or video).
- AI systems generate summaries and an initial assessment; people make the final decisions.
- If you complete an interview stage successfully, your recording and profile may be reused to match you to future roles, subject to human review.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can request an accommodation or an alternative interview format before beginning.
- For legal, privacy, or compliance concerns, contact [email protected].
Read the full notice, tick the confirmation box, and select Proceed to Interview to begin.
During the interview
The interview opens with a warm-up question and then moves on to role-specific questions about your skills. Speak naturally and answer as you would in any professional interview. The AI pauses for about 5–6 seconds after you finish speaking so it doesn't cut you off, so take your time. Concrete examples from your own experience carry more weight than general statements. If you don't know something, say so rather than guess.
Keep an eye on the on-screen timer, labelled Scheduled Interview Time. When the scheduled time is up you may briefly see Time exceeded with a short overflow counter while the interviewer wraps up, so you can finish your current thought without being cut off. The interview then closes automatically.
Answer on your ownDon't use Google, ChatGPT, notes, or any other outside source during the interview. This is detectable and results in disqualification. Your interview is recorded and reviewed by both automated and manual checks.
When the interview finishes, you'll see a thank-you screen and can optionally leave feedback about the experience. Feedback is used only to improve the process, never to evaluate you.
If something goes wrong
Interview Already Completed
Each interview link works once. You'll see "This interview link has already been used and cannot be accessed again." If you already finished, check your Applications page for the result. If you were cut off mid-interview, contact support. If you've used all your attempts for a job, see Interview results and retakes.
We couldn't find this interview for your account
You'll see this under Unable to Load Interview if you're signed in with a different account from the one you applied with, or the link isn't valid. Sign in with the account you applied with and open the interview from your dashboard or Applications page.
All interview slots are currently busy
The pre-start checks also confirm there's capacity to run your interview. If every slot is in use, wait a little and try again later.
Connection or service errors
During the pre-start checks, refresh the page and try again. If it persists, contact support.
What happens next
Your interview goes into review and your application status changes to Interview under review. You'll be notified once it's evaluated. For what the outcomes mean, see Interview results and retakes.
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Updated 27 days ago