Amazon is taking steps to ensure fairness and transparency in its recruitment process by prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools during job interviews.
According to internal guidelines obtained by Business Insider, the company is disqualifying candidates caught using AI during the interview process. The rationale behind this move is to prevent any “unfair advantage” and to assess applicants’ genuine abilities. Amazon aims to evaluate “authentic” skills, according to the guidelines.
“To ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process, please do not use GenAI tools during your interview unless explicitly permitted,” the guidelines state. “Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.”
The company has provided recruiters with instructions on how to inform candidates about these rules. It also offers tips on identifying AI use, such as looking out for candidates who appear to be reading responses or typing during questioning.
A company spokesperson told Business Insider that “Amazon’s recruiting process prioritizes ensuring that candidates hold a high bar.” Candidates are required to acknowledge that they will not use “unauthorized tools, like GenAI” during job interviews.
The policy has sparked debate among Amazon employees. On an internal Slack conversation reviewed by Business Insider, one employee noted that this is “certainly an increasing trend, especially for tech/SDE roles.” Other employees have questioned the directive, with some suggesting that using AI might be “raising the bar” for Amazon by improving interview quality. “If judged solely by the outcome, it could be considered bar-raising,” one employee wrote.
Meanwhile, some tech companies are taking a different approach by either permitting AI tools during interviews or implementing open-book technical assessments. Amazon itself is investigating potential alternative solutions. One employee mentioned that their team was “studying” the possibility of giving AI assistants to job candidates as a potential option.
