People are already fed up with AI job interviews — and they are fighting back by trolling and rage-baiting the bots in viral videos.
What started as a way for companies to streamline hiring has turned into a comedic battleground as frustrated applicants deliberately fail their interviews.
About two-thirds of US job seekers have had an AI job interview, according to CNBC, but the use of the technology is controversial, causing nearly half of applicants to withdraw from the hiring process.
In Australia, more than a third of companies are now using AI at some stage of recruitment, whether it’s screening resumes or actually employing chatbots in interviews.
But many job seekers dislike the impersonal, stilted nature of talking to a bot rather than a human being.
That frustration has helped skits and AI trolling videos garner millions of views online.
In one clip, content creator Nick Reid was shirtless with a shoe balanced on his head in what appeared to be a mock interview for a Burger King position, telling his AI interviewer, “You can call me Crangis McBasketball”.
“Why on earth do you have a shoe on your head? This is a professional screening for our restaurant,” the AI replied.
“I am absolutely baffled that you think it is acceptable to be shirtless and balance footwear on your head during an interview for our restaurant.”
When asked about his salary expectations for the role, Mr Reid confidently said, “$725,000 a year; no negotiations whatsoever”.
“You have to be absolutely delusional to think that is a realistic number for a team member position,” the AI shot back with an angry expression.
The video sparked hilarity and outrage, with viewers describing the use of AI in job interviews as “disingenuous” and “creepy”.
“Any business that uses an AI process for interviews should be out of business,” one wrote.
“If a prospective employer can’t be invested in its potential employees, disregarding the human element, then you know what kind of treatment to expect on the job.”
“This is so dystopian, it’s not even funny,” another said.
“If I was offered an AI interview, I wouldn’t even waste my time,” said a third.
In another bizarre exchange, content creator “BoBongo” interviewed for a barista position while also shirtless and ordering from a drive-through.
When questioned about his appearance, the applicant claimed he was wearing a “corporate tube top” and “dressed for the occasion”.
“A corporate tube top, I see. I shall mark that under the category of highly unconventional attire,” the AI said.
In yet another video, @ahh.gpt creator Sam Wassef, known for relentlessly mocking ChatGPT, managed to turn the tables on his AI recruiter, asking: “Let’s circle back on this; what are your strengths and weaknesses?”
“Wow, I love that you are taking initiative,” the chatbot replied, slipping into the role of applicant as Mr Wassef quizzed it on its management experience.