Precision in Hiring: How Generative AI is the Strategic Tool You Need in Interviews

Do you remember someone in class (maybe you) asking “Can we use a calculator on this test?” I have clear memories where we were allowed their use and I was able to focus more on the problem at hand instead of making a simple math mistake. Lately, my social media and LinkedIn feeds have been inundated with job seekers sharing tips on how to use Generative AI (GenAI) for interviews, as well as interviewers giving tip to try and identify whether or not someone is using a ChatGPT type of program during the interview. GenAI is the new calculator and I encourage people to embrace its use in interviews.

Remember how careful attention to detail can make or break a project in our fast-paced tech world? It’s similar when we’re hiring new talent. Just like using a tool that saves you from simple errors, incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT into interviews helps us see a candidate’s skills more clearly. It’s not just chasing the latest trends. It’s about smartly using what’s available to get a real sense of a candidate’s abilities, much like how we strategize in leadership to bring out the best in our teams.

The Strategic Need for GenAI in Interviews:

Just like you wouldn’t hesitate to grab a calculator for a tough math problem, why not use GenAI tools in interviews? This lets us really see how candidates handle tech to tackle real challenges they’ll face on the job. It’s about being smart with our time and making sure we’re bringing on folks who truly fit what’s needed in their roles.

Think about how traditional interviews can sometimes box in a candidate’s true potential. By ditching those old constraints and letting candidates use advanced tools right in the interview, we get a live demo of their skills and how they think on their feet. Integrating GenAI into our process doesn’t just streamline things—it ensures we’re matching the real demands of the job with people who can rise to the occasion.

Real-World Applications and Insights:

I know some folks are still on the fence about it, but the upsides of using GenAI in interviews really speak for themselves. Take ChatGPT, for example. It lets candidates show off their problem-solving chops right there and then, using the same tech they’ll actually use on the job. This doesn’t just make interviews smoother; it gives us a real peek into how they’ll perform down the road. Based on what I’ve seen, when candidates can use tools they know inside out—like GenAI—they’re not just quicker; they’re sharper, more efficient. Why put limits on that?

Tackling Challenges with Innovative Approaches:

Integrating GenAI doesn’t come without challenges. The key is to craft scenarios that test a candidate’s ability to think beyond the machine-generated solutions. For example, presenting candidates with tasks where GenAI tools provide incomplete or incorrect solutions can be insightful. Discussing their thought process and alternative strategies reveals much about their adaptability and problem-solving skills.

An example of this approach is to ask them a general design type of question (i.e. Design Netflix queue management system). If they type it into a GenAI system it will spit out an optimal solution based on the prompt. However, this is the interviewer’s time to dive in on follow up questions that ensure they understand what they are producing:

  • How would you approach this problem?
  • What techniques or strategies would you employ to mitigate the scaling challenges (or would you) / What fails first in this scenario with 10,000 rps?
  • Explain your thought process and the trade-offs involved in your proposed solution.

Looking Forward: The Evolution of Technical Hiring:

The tech world doesn’t stand still, and neither should our hiring practices. We’ve come a long way from the days of scribbling on whiteboards to now watching candidates code in real-time from anywhere in the world. It’s pretty clear that using GenAI is quickly becoming the norm, not just in day-to-day work but in how we find our next star players too. For companies that jump on this early, it’s a game-changer—they attract the best and also build a culture that’s all about pushing the envelope and working smarter. If you’re still on the fence, think about this: it’s better to lead the pack than to lag behind wondering what you missed.

Conclusion:

Through over 2500 technical interviews, my approach has always been about practicality and precision. By viewing GenAI as an essential tool rather than an optional add-on, we can transform how we evaluate technical talent, ensuring that our hiring practices keep pace with technological advancements. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to lead this charge, ensuring our teams are equipped with the best tools for success.