After years of focusing on virtual recruitment, Google is shifting its hiring strategies by reinstating in-person job interviews, a decision supported by CEO Sundar Pichai due to increasing concerns over the misuse of AI tools during online evaluations. Virtual interviews became the norm during the pandemic, helping companies save costs and streamline hiring processes globally. However, the widespread availability of AI technology has led to candidates using these tools to cheat in interviews, prompting Google to reevaluate its methods and bring back face-to-face assessments for fairer evaluations. This change gained traction earlier this year when employees raised the issue at an internal town hall meeting.
A CNBC report highlighted a query from an employee about reinstating onsite job interviews, suggesting that if budget constraints exist, candidates could be brought to a controlled environment. Brian Ong, Google’s Vice President of Recruiting, acknowledged the challenge posed by AI-related cheating. While online interviews reduced hiring timelines by almost two weeks, Ong pointed out that they lacked the depth and authenticity of in-person sessions. He stated, “We definitely have more work to do to integrate how AI is now more prevalent in the interview process.” The call for change has received full support from Sundar Pichai, who, in a June podcast with Lex Fridman, emphasized the need for hybrid hiring approaches in a hybrid work culture.
Pichai remarked that having some in-person interviews would benefit candidates in understanding Google’s culture. He confirmed that at least one round of in-person interviews will be mandatory for roles requiring hands-on skills, like coding, to ensure fundamental skills are assessed. Google is not the only company addressing AI-related cheating; various industries are implementing similar measures to safeguard recruitment integrity. Amazon now requires candidates to formally agree not to use AI during interviews, while Anthropic has outright banned AI usage in hiring. Consulting firms like McKinsey and Deloitte, along with tech companies such as Cisco, have also reinstated in-person interviews for specific positions, with Deloitte already reintroducing in-person sessions for its graduate hiring program in the UK.
Reports suggest that over half of job applicants at some organizations are suspected of using unauthorized AI tools in online interviews. As AI technology continues to advance, companies are concerned that virtual hiring may not accurately reflect a candidate’s true capabilities. Google’s decision represents a significant shift in recruitment practices across the tech industry, aiming to restore authenticity, ensure candidates showcase their genuine skills, and maintain the integrity of its hiring process.