AI is changing the face of … well, almost everything. But let’s talk recruitment.
If you’re interviewing online (Zoom, Teams, etc), how confident are you that you’re seeing the real candidate?
Best case, your interviewee is using a tool like Copilot, ChatGPT, or an AI teleprompter to generate flawless answers in real time. Worst case, you’re looking at a deepfake – and the person on screen isn’t even who they claim to be.
Either way, it’s a version of the old ‘bait and switch’: the person who turns up on day one might be very different to the one who impressed you during interview.
Are you hiring a person… or a performance?
Recruitment has always relied on more than just words. Tone, body language, and subtle pauses during the interview reveal authenticity, confidence, and how someone thinks on their feet. But when AI provides instant answers, candidates no longer need to think for themselves. They can sound more fluent and confident than they truly are, which risks hiring someone who performs well in the interview but struggles on the job.
Spotting the red flags
If a resume or interview seems too good to be true – it probably is. Here are some warning signs to watch for during online interviews:
- Overly scripted answers (responses flow with no natural pauses, reflection, or examples; overuse of buzz words)
- Minimal eye contact (candidates constantly glance away, possibly reading AI prompts)
- Perfect resumes (conveniently tick every box with no gaps or growth curve)
- Technical glitches (lag between lips and voice or strange lighting/filters may hint at deepfake use)
Recruitment is still about people
Technology is here to stay, but recruitment is still about people. The best hires aren’t always the ones with flawless delivery – they’re the ones who show adaptability, honesty, and the ability to grow. That’s why incorporating an in-person interview stage, behavioural deep-dive questions (AI can polish an answer, but it can’t replicate lived experience) or practical assessments is more important than ever, backed up by verification tools.
At Top Office Group, we’ve been recruiting long before AI, deepfakes, and digital tricks entered the scene. For over 35 years, we’ve partnered with South East Queensland businesses to find genuine talent – whether it be for short-term temporary needs or permanent placements, across both white-collar and blue-collar roles. If you’d like support navigating this new landscape, we’d love to help. Reach out on 07 3812 2920 or email recruitment@topoffice.com.au.