Amazon Cracks Down on AI Use in Job Interviews
Amazon is implementing a policy to disqualify job candidates who use artificial intelligence tools during interviews. The company is concerned about ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process and wants to assess candidates’ genuine abilities.
To maintain a fair and transparent hiring process, please refrain from using GenAI tools during your interview unless explicitly allowed,” the guidelines state. “Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.
According to internal guidelines obtained by Business Insider, Amazon has instructed recruiters to inform candidates about the rules and provided advice on how to spot AI use, such as looking out for candidates who appear to be reading responses or typing during questions.
A company spokesperson told Business Insider that Amazon’s recruitment procedure prioritizes candidates who meet a high standard. Candidates must also acknowledge that they will not utilize “unauthorized tools, like GenAI” during interviews.
Internal Debate
The policy has sparked debate amongst Amazon employees. One employee wrote in an internal Slack discussion reviewed by Business Insider, “This is certainly an increasing trend, especially for tech/SDE roles.”
Some employees have questioned the apparent contradiction within the policy. One staff member suggested AI use might actually be “raising the bar” for Amazon by improving interview quality. “If judged solely by the outcome, it could be considered bar-raising,” that employee added.
Meanwhile, tech companies are making adjustments by allowing AI tools in interviews or making technical assessments open-book. Amazon itself is considering alternatives, with one employee mentioning their team was “studying” the possibility of providing AI assistants for candidates.
The company’s move reflects a broader trend as companies try to balance innovation with the need to assess real-world skills and aptitudes.
