Candidate Perception of AI Video Interviews

What AI Video Interviews are and Why they matter

AI video interviews are those in which candidates use video to record their answers to a predetermined set of questions. AI technologies are then used to process, score, or review these recordings. They could be real-time with AI assistance or asynchronous (recorded at the candidate's convenience).

In 2026, early-stage screening will frequently use AI video interviews, particularly for high-volume positions where manual screening becomes a bottleneck. Compared with traditional live calls, companies using these tools frequently report faster screening throughput and more consistent evaluations.

Adoption does not, however, always result in favorable candidate perception, and the data reveal conflicting opinions.

Candidates Appreciate Flexibility and Speed

One of the most frequent comments made by job seekers is that AI video interviews provide a lot more flexibility. Candidates can finish interviews whenever it's convenient for them, whether it's early in the morning or late at night, rather than having to coordinate schedules with recruiters across time zones. This lessens frequent sources of annoyance.

Reports indicatehigh engagement and a willingness to use these tools whenever it is convenient for them.

This flexibility is especially important for candidates who:

• I am currently employed and cannot take many hours off work
• Live in different time zones
• Manage other responsibilities like caregiving or studying

When candidates feel the process respects their time, that perception translates intobetter experience scores and fewer drop-offs mid-process.

Many Candidates Say AI Video Is Fairer Than Resumes Alone

There aren't many resumes. Instead of actual ability, they frequently rely on formatting, good fortune, and keyword alignment. Many applicants tell recruiting teams that it feels more equitable to be able to "speak for themselves," even in a recorded format, rather than just read a document. Every candidate is asked the same questions during structured AI video interviews, which eliminates the variability that sometimes occurs during in-person interviews.

By capturing verbal responses, tone, thought process, and communication ability, AI video interviews allow candidates to show who they are, not just what’s on their resume.

Additionally, when AI systems are transparent and understandable, many candidates find them to be "useful and easy to use," according to research on applicant perceptions of AI tools in hiring . This sentiment, that chance to showcase personality and thought process, is one of the core reasons many candidates are receptive to recording video rather than waiting for phone or live calls.

Human Interaction Still Matters

Some data indicates that a considerable percentage of candidates still prefer human interaction in the hiring process, even though many candidates enjoy the flexibility and structure. According to research, up to 68% of applicants say they would rather interact with people than AI at some point during the hiring process, and a sizable minority say they might quit if they are made to interact with AI without any justification.

This reflects a broader tension in AI adoption that, while automation brings speed and efficiency, many people see AI systems as impersonal, especially if there is no clear explanation about how their video responses will be used or who will ultimately evaluate them.

The trade-off here looks like this:

• AI video interviews reduce friction and scheduling pain
• Human interaction builds connection and trust

The candidates who find AI video interviews unsettling often cite concerns about fairness, anonymity, and lack of immediate feedback.

Statistics on Candidate Engagement and Perception

Several external data points help illuminate broader sentiment about video interview formats in general:

• Around 8 in 10 job seekers say video interviews can be as stressful or more stressful than in-person interviews, pointing to the emotional component of digital hiring.
• Candidates often believe video interviews help them stand out more than resumes alone because they get a chance to express themselves beyond text.
• Some research also highlights that the way the AI interface is designed can affect engagement and satisfaction levels. Interfaces that feel robotic or opaque tend to produce lower satisfaction than those that feel intuitive and respectful.

Taken together, this data paints a nuanced picture. It’s that candidates value aspects of AI video interviews, especially convenience and fairness, but they also value personal interaction and clarity.

What Improves Candidate Experience Most

The factors that significantly shape whether candidates like AI video interviews are:

• Clear instructions before the interview
• Explanation of how the responses will be used
• Assurance that humans will review outcomes
• Timely follow-up communication

When hiring, teams communicate what to expect, how long it takes, what will be evaluated, and who will see their responses. Candidates report much better experience scores.

This suggestion is about transparency, a universal trust principle.

Are AI Video Interviews Here to Stay?

They are, indeed. AI video interviews will continue to be used by companies looking to process large numbers of applications quickly because they meet specific operational objectives:

• Quickly screen hundreds of applicants
• Make early interviews standard.
• Early detection of richer candidate signals

But whether or not candidates support them depends more on how they are implemented than just whether they exist. Transparent communication, continuous feedback loops, and human oversight all contribute to better candidate experiences.

Final Thought

AI video interviews represent a major change in the way talent is assessed. They provide the flexibility, speed, and structure that traditional interviews frequently lack. Many applicants sincerely value these advantages, particularly when the procedure is transparent and considerate of their time.

However, technology is just one aspect of the problem. Candidates' perceptions of AI interviews Solutions are influenced by the human experience, which includes clarity, respect, feedback, and personal connection. In addition to hiring more quickly, hiring teams that achieve this balance with the help of platforms like Xumane Recruit that emphasize transparency and a candidate-centric experience will also be well-remembered by applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions