Job interviews are known for making even the most confident people nervous. However, being prepared can make all the difference in how the applicant presents himself/herself and how comfortable the individual looks in the interview chair. While practicing answering classic questions about things like career goals and experience can be a very good method in the lead-up to the big day, there’s a new topic taking centre stage in interviews across all industries: artificial intelligence (AI).
Whether one likes it or not, AI is transforming the 21st-century socio-economic order and, most importantly, how people work. From helping us work smarter to providing valuable insights, AI tools have become part of our daily professional lives.
As these technologies continue to evolve and shape the workplace, employers are also showing eagerness in knowing how candidates understand and use AI. So, standing in 2026, if you are going for interviews, be prepared for this new yet essential question: “Tell me how you have recently used AI at work or home.”
Automation, AI-driven decision-making, and machine learning tools have transformed industries, and businesses are interested in learning whether their employees can work with and take advantage of these technologies.
As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, interviewers will want to hear that you understand the newest trends, tools, and platforms in the industry and how you might use AI to streamline a process, become more productive, or make better decisions. You do not need to be an AI software engineer, but you should be familiar with how to utilise the most common AI tools. The test is all about your ability to apply AI to make processes more efficient, improve productivity, or enhance decision-making.
Decoding Interviewers’ Mindset
The “AI Question” is increasingly being asked by interviewers because they want to see if the candidates have an understanding of and feel comfortable with AI. Artificial intelligence is transforming various industries, including healthcare, marketing, finance, and customer service.
Employers are seeking candidates who can adapt to using AI tools. They want to see whether the person they want to hire is comfortable with emerging technologies, such as how AI can help streamline workflows, enhance customer experiences, and even develop new solutions to age-old problems.
Companies that recognise the value of AI want to hire employees who not only know how to apply AI but also can think creatively about how to use it to bring more value to their roles and to the organisation as a whole. Thus, your answer can demonstrate your technical competence, creativity, and critical thinking about how you can apply AI in your work.