By Bill Solosy, Managing Partner, Temporary Staffing Solutions
Artificial intelligence is changing how candidates prepare for interviews, but it is also creating new risks for employers. Over the past year, concerns have expanded beyond candidates using AI to generate answers. Organizations are now reporting attempts involving real time face swaps, voice cloning, and other people participating behind the scenes.
These tactics can make it difficult to confirm that the person being interviewed is the same person who will ultimately perform the work. Here are several ways employers can strengthen their hiring process.
Recognize the warning signs
Fraudulent candidates may struggle to explain responsibilities listed on their resume or answer basic questions that someone at their stated experience level should know. Candidates who repeatedly avoid video interviews may also warrant additional screening.
In one interview, my team noticed that a candidate appeared to be receiving answers from someone positioned off screen. The candidate’s responses did not feel natural, and there were noticeable pauses before each answer. By paying attention and asking detailed follow up questions, we identified the concern before the candidate reached the client.
One warning sign does not automatically indicate fraud, but inconsistencies should be explored before a candidate moves forward
Use video interviews strategically
Video interviews allow recruiters and hiring managers to confirm identity, evaluate communication skills, and ask follow up questions in real time.
For roles with a higher risk of AI assisted fraud, particularly remote technical positions, employers may consider asking candidates to present a photo ID during a live video interview. Verification procedures should always be consistent, secure, and respectful of candidate privacy.
Verify skills through conversation
Ask candidates to explain recent projects, describe how they solved specific problems, and clarify their individual contributions. Someone with genuine experience should be able to provide context and respond naturally to detailed questions.
Complete reference checks
Reference checks provide another layer of verification by helping confirm employment history, responsibilities, technical capabilities, and professional performance.
Combine technology with human judgment
Technology can support screening, but it should not replace experienced human review. A skilled recruiter looks beyond the resume to assess motivation, adaptability, communication style, and whether the candidate’s experience truly aligns with the position.
At Madison-Davis, we conduct video interviews and reference checks before presenting candidates to our clients. As AI and deepfake technology continue to evolve, strong verification, thoughtful interviews, and experienced human judgment will remain essential to protecting the hiring process.
Looking to strengthen your hiring process?
As hiring becomes more complex, having the right recruitment partner can make all the difference. Madison-Davis helps organizations identify and verify exceptional talent through thoughtful screening, comprehensive candidate evaluation, and experienced recruiter insight. Whether you’re hiring for a critical role or building long-term talent pipelines, we’re here to help you hire with confidence. Connect with our team today to start the conversation.
