Have you been interviewed by a ‘bot yet?
If you’ve applied for jobs recently, there’s a good chance you’ve already come across AI video interviews or will do soon.
Many Australian employers are now using recorded video interviews as part of the recruitment process, particularly for graduate programs, government roles, large organisations, and high-volume recruitment campaigns.
For many people, they feel awkward, impersonal, and much harder than a normal interview. The reality is, they require a completely different interview approach and preparation strategy.
What Is an AI Video Interview?
An AI video interview is usually a pre-recorded interview where you answer questions through a platform rather than speaking directly with a person.
You might be:
- given a question on screen
- provided preparation time
- required to record your answer within a time limit
- asked to complete several questions in one sitting
Some platforms also use artificial intelligence to assist with:
- ranking candidates
- analysing communication style
- identifying keywords and competencies
- assessing confidence, clarity, and structure
- comparing responses across applicants
In many cases, a recruiter or hiring manager still reviews the interviews manually afterward..that is if you passed the ‘bot screening.
Which Australian Companies Use AI Video Interviews?
Video interviewing is now common across:
- graduate programs
- government recruitment
- banking and finance
- consulting firms
- retail and customer service
- aviation
- healthcare
- large corporate organisations
Some companies and organisations known to use recorded or digital interviewing platforms include:
- Deloitte Australia
- PwC Australia
- KPMG Australia
- EY Australia
- Qantas Careers
- Woolworths Group Careers
- Commonwealth Bank Careers
- many Australian Government graduate and bulk recruitment programs
Some organisations use platforms such as:
Why Employers Are Using Them
From an employer perspective, video interviews help:
- reduce screening time
- manage large applicant volumes
- standardise interview questions
- compare candidates more consistently
- progress recruitment faster
The problem is that many strong candidates perform poorly simply because they are unfamiliar with the format. I regularly see highly capable professionals undersell themselves in recorded interviews because they:
- sound over-rehearsed
- panic under time pressure
- ramble without structure
- fail to answer the actual question
- appear flat or disengaged on camera
- rely on generic AI-generated answers
What Employers Are Actually Looking For
Most employers are not expecting perfection. They are usually assessing:
- communication skills
- confidence and professionalism
- clarity of thought
- ability to structure responses
- relevance to the role
- self-awareness
- examples and evidence
- engagement and authenticity
Strong answers usually feel:
- natural
- structured
- relevant
- specific
- concise
How to Prepare For AI Interviews Properly
1. Practice Speaking Out Loud
Reading answers silently is not enough. Recorded interviews often feel very different once the camera starts. Practice answering questions verbally while timing yourself.
2. Use a Clear Structure
One of the biggest mistakes people make is talking in circles.
A simple structure helps:
- brief context
- what you did
- outcome/result
- relevance to the role
3. Do Not Memorise Scripts
Over-rehearsed answers usually sound robotic. Employers want natural communication, not a performance.
4. Prepare Your Environment
Simple things matter:
- good lighting
- quiet room
- neutral background
- camera at eye level
- stable internet connection
5. Expect Behavioural Questions
Many questions will assess:
- teamwork
- communication
- conflict resolution
- adaptability
- problem solving
- leadership
- customer service
Prepare examples in advance.
6. Avoid Generic AI Answers
This is becoming a major issue. Recruiters are seeing more applications and interview responses that sound polished but generic. If your answers sound vague, over-written, or unnatural, it can work against you. AI can absolutely help with preparation, but your responses still need to sound like you.
It’s Worth Remembering…
AI video interviews are not going away.
In fact, they are becoming more common across Australian recruitment processes, especially in graduate program, government, and large-scale hiring. The good news is that most candidates are still poorly prepared for them. With the right preparation, structure, and coaching, it is possible to stand out quickly and communicate far more effectively on camera.
If you have an upcoming interview and want professional interview support to prepare properly, I can help you:
- structure stronger responses
- prepare for behavioural questions
- improve confidence and delivery
- avoid common mistakes
- tailor your preparation to the specific role and employer
If you’d like to feel more confident and prepared before your interview, learn more about my Interview Coaching service and how I can help you present your experience clearly and confidently.
