More companies now use AI for the first technical round. If you're an engineer applying for jobs, or a hiring manager thinking about adding one, here's what an AI coding interview actually looks like.
1. The interview adapts to your answers
Instead of a fixed question list, the AI interviewer asks follow-up questions based on what you say. If you mention a trade-off, expect to be asked why you chose it. Explaining your reasoning matters as much as the final code.
2. You write real code, not quiz answers
Good platforms give you a live coding environment with test runs, closer to day-to-day work than multiple-choice questions. You'll usually be able to run your code, see failing cases and fix them during the interview.
3. Everything is recorded and reviewable
Hiring teams get a transcript, a recording and scores for technical and communication skills. That means they can see how you approached the problem, not just whether you finished.
4. Humans still make the final call
For senior or specialist roles, many teams add a technical interview with a human domain expert after the AI round. The AI handles scale; people handle judgment.
Tips for candidates
- Think out loud. Your explanation is part of the evaluation.
- Test edge cases before you say you're done.
- Treat follow-ups as a chance to show depth, not as a trap.
- Ask about the format beforehand: language, time limit, whether you can run tests.
Tips for hiring teams
- Use the same structured questions for every candidate in a role, so scores are comparable.
- Review the recording, not just the score, before rejecting someone close to the bar.
- Keep a human step before the offer.
If you want to see how the process works end to end, here's a plain-English guide on how AI interviews work.
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