5 Questions to Ask About AI During a Job Interview

It is no longer a question of if or when you will use artificial intelligence (AI) on the job, but a matter of how you will be expected to use it.

AI will affect every worker within the next 10 years. Almost all business executives report that at least one AI-related project is being prioritized by their organizations in the near future. In the last year, the number of HR professionals who will be using AI grew by 20 percent, and experts predict all workers will be touched by AI within 10 years.

With AI becoming a part of our everyday lives and changing the way we work, it will be important for incoming generations of workers to know how to ask potential employers the right questions.

“Asking the right questions about AI in the workplace can show employers that you are serious about the position and eager to learn,” said Petrina Thompson, head of HR and client services at Brightside, a financial wellness benefits company. “It can also benefit you by giving you insight into the current state and future of the industry. You can use the industry insight to properly prepare by gaining the AI skills and knowledge necessary to be considered for the job roles you want.”

Asking Questions About AI Demonstrates Curiosity

Interviewers expect candidates to ask a few questions during the process. In addition to asking questions about the job specifics and expectations, add questions about AI to the list.

“Curiosity and a willingness to learn will not only benefit you in the job application processes, but also in society to continuously adapt as AI is changing the way we live and work,” Thompson said.

She recommends asking these five questions about AI during your next job interview:

1. Does your company have a clear AI policy and/or an AI strategy in place to help new hires ensure a smooth and worry-free adoption of AI technology?
2.  How do current employees use AI in their day-to-day jobs?
3. Is there an internal company curriculum that I can study to grow my AI skills and allow me to make a bigger impact at the organization?
4. Will the person hired for this role be able to use AI to transform how work is done, deliver better outcomes and drive efficiency?
5. Given that AI is changing so rapidly, how do you see the role transforming in the next six, 12 and 18 months due to the impacts AI may have on the organization?

“Asking the right questions can help illustrate to hiring managers that you are curious and exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit and, as a result, give you a better chance of landing the job,” she added.

Be Prepared for Hiring Managers to Ask AI-Related Questions

Increasingly, AI will be viewed as a tool to enhance human skills and abilities. Workers who use AI tools to automate repetitive tasks will be able to concentrate on the more intricate and creative aspects of their jobs. 

Employers, too, will have AI-related questions as part of the interview process. They will likely want to know about your AI experience but, more importantly, hear that you’re open to learning how to incorporate new technologies into a role to the benefit of the organization.

So, don’t be surprised if you’re also asked questions about AI during the interview, such as:

• What do you know about AI?
• How have you used AI?
• What about AI do you find most exciting?
• From your experience with AI, how do you see that fitting into this role?
• What AI training would you like to receive?

Stay Current with Evolving Workplace Technology

AI is transforming the world, and it will affect everyone. Whether you want to specialize in AI and technology in HR or just want to gain skills that are relevant to today’s workplace, SHRM’s Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace topic page has the resources you need gain critical knowledge about AI trends, insights and opportunities.

 If AI and technology excite you, check out SHRM’s specialty credentials—especially the Advanced Technology Specialty Credential and the Strategic Capabilities Specialty Credential. Both are provided through a partnership with the Caltech Future Skills Academy to prepare HR professionals for the adoption of new technologies in the workplace.