Tech Giants Reinstate In-Person Interviews Amid AI Concerns

The Return of In-Person Interviews in Tech

In the tech sector, in-person job interviews are experiencing a resurgence. Nick Bloom, an economics professor at Stanford, has pointed out that the rise of artificial intelligence is prompting companies to revert to this traditional method. According to him, coding tests have become more challenging to evaluate remotely, as candidates can rely on AI to provide instant answers. This situation raises a crucial question: during an interview, are we engaging with the candidate or with an AI like Claude?

Tech companies have thus decided to bring candidates back into their offices to better assess their authenticity. Bloom, who is known for his research on remote work, asserts that AI undermines the effectiveness of virtual coding tests. "Many tech companies were hiring based on these tests, but that's no longer possible," he stated during an episode of the Financial Times' "Economics Show" podcast.

Data Supporting This Trend

Data supports this return to in-person interviews. The 2025 report on AI in recruitment by Greenhouse, which is based on responses from over 4,100 job seekers, recruiters, and hiring managers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany, reveals that 39% of American hiring managers now prefer face-to-face interviews to "verify" candidates.

The 2026 report, although based on a smaller sample and limited to the UK, Ireland, and Germany, confirms this trend. Greenhouse notes that employers are adding additional practical steps to ensure candidates' skills and fit, in response to growing concerns about AI-assisted applications and potential fraud.

Encouragement for AI Use

Paradoxically, some companies are encouraging the use of AI during interviews. Earlier this year, it was reported that Google had launched a pilot project allowing software engineering candidates to use an approved AI assistant. Similarly, "vibe-coding" startups like Cognition, Base44, and Replit have embraced AI in their technical recruitment processes.

For these employers, the use of AI should not be a barrier but rather a tool to assess skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking, in addition to cultural fit. Cisco, for example, has replaced traditional coding challenges with project-based exercises, observing how candidates navigate AI-enabled work environments. "The human element of oversight and expertise is more crucial than ever," said Scott McGuckin, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Cisco.