We Asked 4 Recruiters for the 1 Interview Question They Want to Hear Right Now

Heather Bien
·4-min read
<span> Credit: <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/katyc?utm_source=yahoosyndication&utm_medium=referral-distro" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Katy Cartland;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Katy Cartland</a></span> <span class="copyright">Credit: <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/katyc?utm_source=yahoosyndication&utm_medium=referral-distro" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Katy Cartland;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Katy Cartland</a></span>

The best job candidates are those who’ve done their research. But research doesn’t just mean looking into the latest news stories on a company, knowing the nuances of the role in question, or understanding the latest campaigns a particular team has launched.

It also means staying up-to-date on the latest workplace trends and having a finger on the pulse of where the industry is going. Asking the hiring manager the right questions shows you’re aware of the landscape of the industry beyond what’s happening on the company’s social media or the specific day-to-day requirements of the role, and demonstrates that you see the bigger picture. A question like this could even make the hiring manager pause and think about the impact, which is something they may not have time for on a daily basis.

As I talked to hiring managers about the current hiring landscape and what they’re hearing from candidates, they all agreed there’s one question right now that does all of the above. “The interviewee should ask a question about how the company currently thinks about [artificial intelligence],” says Marisa Pereira, vice president of people and organization at Storyblok. “This is the candidate’s opportunity to share how they believe AI can influence or shape the role they are applying for in the future.”

Here’s what the other hiring managers and career experts had to say about the most important thing to ask in an interview right now.

Show You’re Willing to Embrace New Technology

“Asking about AI in a job interview can be a way to demonstrate that you’re up-to-date with current trends and willing to embrace new technologies to creatively solve problems, drive value, and support your work,” says Marissa Morrison, VP of people at ZipRecruiter.

She suggests asking about AI in a way that shows you have an understanding of its possible relevance to your role. Try questions like, “I’ve seen that AI is becoming increasingly integrated into the day-to-day of [industries/roles]. Has the team used AI tools to boost productivity or streamline time-consuming work? Are there any specific uses that have helped your team focus on more strategic work?”

Not only does this show you’re looking ahead and exploring ways to work efficiently, it also gives you insight into how the company views AI in general. 

What if the company hasn’t thought through their AI strategy? Even better. “This is an opportunity to showcase your adaptability and innovative problem-solving skills and signal that you’re not only keeping up with industry trends, but also ready to contribute your perspective on how emerging technologies can shape the future of the role,” Morrison says.

A young woman is using a laptop and working in the living room while smiling and enjoying in a cozy environment.
Credit: Getty Images | blackCAT Credit: Getty Images | blackCAT

Approach with Curiosity

Blake Ricciardi, senior technical recruiter at Customer.io, recommends candidates start simple when they ask about AI. “I’ve had some really pleasant conversations in interviews when candidates ask questions about the company’s adherence, or aversion, to AI tooling,” Ricciardi says.

He recommends approaching the topic with curiosity and an open mind. Ask how specific teams you’ll work with are currently using AI. Are they currently implementing AI tooling or products? Have they solved for any gaps using AI? What is their process around empowering employees to use AI?

Ricciardi says when candidates have asked him these questions, it’s often led to “a rabbit hole of information” around the company’s stance on using AI, which can give you a deeper understanding of how the company works as a whole.

But he also points out an important caveat to keep in mind if you’re going through an interview process where you may be submitting code, completing any take-home assessments, or turning in hypothetical marketing campaigns. “Reach out directly to your recruiter and ask what the limitations and restrictions are for using AI during the interview process.”

Demonstrate a Baseline Understanding

“At this point, every professional should have a baseline understanding of how AI works and the AI adoption patterns in their industry and function,” says Phoebe Gavin, career and leadership coach at Better with Phoebe. Asking about AI is an opportunity to demonstrate this — but you need to be able to back it up with your own knowledge and context.

Gavin recommends that candidates ask questions that focus on how AI can improve their job performance rather than expressing fear. She suggests asking questions like, “As a [role] leader, what’s your perspective on using AI to support [specific function]?,” “Does the company have a policy on using AI tools for work-related tasks?” or “Do you use any AI tools in your day-to-day, and if so, do you have a favorite?”

Remember: Listening to the answers is just as important as asking the questions. Gavin explains that the hiring manager should be prepared to answer these questions with a clear stance. “These answers provide insight into whether the company is aggressive or conservative in AI adoption and allows candidates to gauge if the company’s AI stance aligns with their own.”

Further Reading

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space

We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need

See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room

Latest stories

  • ‘Retiring at 55 was the biggest mistake of my life’

    Claire Davies had always enjoyed working. She loved the variety, social connection, camaraderie and sense of purpose. So making the decision to retire at 55 wasn’t straightforward.

  • UK pension changes to be announced by Rachel Reeves this week

    The Chancellor is expected to use her first Mansion House speech in the City of London to 'spell out the next phase' of Labour's plan

  • Reeves’s tax raid risks pushing more workers into retirement crisis, warns pensions boss

    Rachel Reeves’ National Insurance raid risks pushing more workers into a retirement crisis, the boss of a major pension firm has warned.

  • Empty Nesters Beware: Avoid This Costly Retirement Pitfall

    Saving for retirement is a lifelong undertaking. It involves keeping your retirement goals in mind as you have children, get different jobs and move from place to place. However, a recent study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College … Continue reading → The post Empty Nester? This Avoidable Mistake Could Jeopardize Your Retirement appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.

  • Why Labour is killing the part-time job

    Stephen Burns took time out of his holiday in Greece to watch the Chancellor’s maiden Budget live.

  • Bradford site could be new Northern 'hub' for haulage company

    A HAULAGE company is eyeing a Bradford site for one of its Northern hubs – new documents have revealed.

  • Down 16%+, here’s 2 unloved FTSE 100 shares for savvy investors to consider!

    These FTSE 100 shares have slumped in the past six months. Royston Wild thinks long-term investors should pay them close attention. The post Down 16%+, here’s 2 unloved FTSE 100 shares for savvy investors to consider! appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

  • As German industry struggles, is it overlooking services sector?

    STORY: The German economy use to be described as Europe's growth engine.But it's underperformed euro zone peers since 2018.It's now facing further pain as car giant Volkswagen plans to shut factories at home.Adding to the woes, Germany's governing coalition collapsed last week, capping months of wrangling over budget policy and the direction of the economy.According to Reuters interviews with 12 executives, entrepreneurs and economists, it is overlooking an untapped growth potential in its services sector. The sector – which ranges from hospitality to finance and IT – is growing faster than the country's manufacturing industry. And while the segment is smaller compared to that of other European economies, it already makes up the bulk of Germany's economy.Services grew 1.6% in the first half of this year from a year ago.While manufacturing contracted by 2.8%.And the services sector represented 70% of Germany's gross domestic product last year.But business leaders say a suffocating bureaucracy and a culture of heavy regulation is stifling the creation of new companies and new jobs.They say this is particularly true for small and mid-sized businesses.Together, they make up over half of Germany's workforce.Overregulation is also exacerbating a labor shortage.Half of companies active in Germany's services sector say they struggle to find workers, according to a recent report. Many services sector professions, including lawyers and doctors, require specific legal standards and certificates to practice. But in Germany the requirements appear to be stricter and affecting a wider range of jobs.

  • Workers to lose £2,000 a year in retirement under Labour NI raid

    Rachel Reeves’s National Insurance raid on businesses could cost workers up to £2,000 a year in retirement, figures suggest.

  • Asda plots more job losses after 500 staff made redundant without consultation

    Asda is plotting more job cuts just days after it made almost 500 staff redundant without a consultation period.

  • Can You Guess How Much the Average Retiree Spends Per Month? Hint: It's Likely More Than You'd Think!

    If you're thinking about retirement, one question that likely looms large is: "How much will I actually need each month?" While everyone's lifestyle and budget needs vary, there's plenty of data on average retiree spending to help give you a ballpark figure. Understanding these typical expenses can be a great way to prepare for what's ahead. Don't Miss: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement — How do you compare? $100K Sitting In A CD Account, Should I Move Money In

  • Barcodes to disappear as Morrisons, Amazon and Walmart look at new tech

    Retailers and experts say the old technology will be replaced by new labels already being tested in 48 countries

  • I've worked in childcare since I was 16 and now I'm a nanny. I worry I won't be hirable as an older man.

    Max Kalogirou has worked with kids since he was 16. Now he's a nanny, but he doesn't know what will happen to his career as he grows older.

  • FTX sues Binance and its former CEO for $1.8 billion

    Collapsed cryptocurrency company FTX is suing Binance and its former CEO Changpeng Zhao, alleging that $1.8 billion was "fraudulently transferred" by FTX management to Binance and its executives. The lawsuit relates to Binance's sale of its stake in Sam Bankman-Fried's FTX, which it acquired in 2019 but then negotiated to sell back to FTX in July 2021. According to the lawsuit, FTX's Alameda Research division directly funded the share repurchase using tokens which had a then fair market value of $1.76 billion.

  • Brad Pitt Wins Key Arguments in Miraval Fight with Angelina Jolie, Case Proceeds Toward Trial

    A source close to Brad Pitt tells PEOPLE the court ruling "is a clear victory for Brad" in his lawsuit against Angelina Jolie over a French winery they co-owned

  • Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd (BOM:500245) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Production ...

    Despite increased production and strategic investments in renewable energy, Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd faces margin pressures due to high input costs and market competition.

  • Nurses quitting profession early puts health reforms in England at risk, says union

    Numbers leaving within 10 years of registering rose by 43% between 2021 to 2024, finds Royal College of Nursing

  • Disney's streaming strategy needs a 'complete rethink': Expert

    Disney (DIS) is set to report earnings before the bell on Thursday. LRT Capital Management founder and managing partner Lukasz Tomicki joins Morning Brief Hosts Seana Smith and Brad Smith to discuss his worries about the company and the changes required of its streaming business. Tomicki says, "Disney is really a combination of several businesses rolled into one. And you have one really wonderful business in ESPN, and that's, unfortunately, a business that continues to be a melting ice cube." He adds, "The margins are shrinking and the number of people paying continues to go down," explaining that the landscape is more competitive as people have many options to watch sports as costs associated with running the business, namely acquiring rights to the content, continue to go up. Disney CEO Bob Iger has said that Netflix (NFLX) is "the gold standard when it comes to streaming" and what Disney+ strives to be. Tomicki tells Yahoo Finance that he thinks Netflix-level results are "possible," but "it requires a complete rethink of how you create content and what is the definition of great content." He explains that the company needs shows like Netflix's "Too Hot to Handle," saying, "What matters is that people keep watching and are hooked to your platform and are willing to pay for it, so the thinking has to change. It is possible, but we're not seeing much of that change at Disney yet." To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Morning Brief here. This post was written by Naomi Buchanan.

  • India to summon Amazon, Flipkart executives as regulatory scrutiny grows, source says

    India's financial crime agency will summon Flipkart and Amazon executives as it steps up an investigation into alleged foreign investment law violations, days after raiding some of the e-commerce firms' sellers, a senior government source said. The planned action signals growing regulatory scrutiny of Walmart-owned Flipkart and Amazon when their sales are rapidly growing in India's $70 billion e-commerce market. An Indian antitrust investigation also found the two companies breached laws by favouring select sellers, Reuters has reported.

  • 3 US Stocks Estimated Up To 31.4% Below Intrinsic Value

    As the U.S. stock market continues to reach record highs, fueled by a post-election rally and optimism surrounding potential policy changes, investors are keenly focused on identifying opportunities that may still be undervalued amidst this bullish environment. In such a thriving market, finding stocks trading below their intrinsic value can offer significant potential for growth as these companies may not yet reflect their full worth in the current pricing landscape.