Dream Job Turns Nightmare: Houston Man Interviewed by Glitchy AI Bot

Imagine preparing meticulously for a dream job interview, only to find yourself facing a glitching AI robot instead of a human hiring manager. That's precisely what happened to Leo Humphries, a 25-year-old Houston resident, whose experience has gone viral on TikTok, sparking debate about the increasing role of AI in hiring processes.

Humphries, dressed in a suit and tie, believed he was interviewing for a news reporter position with a "large national" brand. However, it quickly became apparent that his interviewer was an AI, and not a very reliable one at that. As Humps stated, “Keep in mind this is a ‘national company,’ I applied on their website and I had talked on the phone and emailed with multiple people.”

The interview quickly devolved into a comedy of errors, with the AI voice glitching, repeating phrases, and ultimately preventing Humphries from answering a single question. He captured this debacle in his now-viral TikTok video. The interviewer stumbling over her words saying, “Talk about a time when, when, when, let’s, when, when, when.”

Adding insult to injury, Humphries later received an automated email addressed to “Henry,” thanking him for his “wonderful energy” and “passion for storytelling,” despite the fact that he hadn't had the chance to showcase any of those qualities. The email concluded with a polite rejection, stating he wasn't the right fit. Adding to the strangeness, in an automated email the company stated, “It was truly such a pleasure meeting you yesterday,” something that clearly was not the case, since the interviewer was a malfunctioning Robot.

Humphries' experience isn't unique. Other job seekers have shared similar stories of AI interview glitches and impersonal interactions, raising concerns about the dehumanization of the hiring process. As Newsweek noted, AI is already disrupting the workforce.

Experts warn that while AI can streamline certain aspects of hiring, such as resume screening, it shouldn't replace the human element entirely, especially in high-stakes situations like interviews. HR consultant Bryan Driscoll stated, "These videos are just the tip of the iceberg. Companies are rushing to shove AI into the hiring process because it seemingly cuts costs, not because it improves candidate experience...When you prioritize alleged efficiency over people, you get dehumanizing, glitchy interviews that treat applicants like data points, not humans."

The rise of AI in recruiting prompts crucial questions about personal connection, fairness, and the technology's ability to accurately assess a candidate's true potential. Is this the future of job interviews? And at what cost? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

• AI
• Human Resources
• TikTok