A Comparative Study of Applicants’ Reactions to AI Interviews and Synchronous Video Interviews

Artificial intelligence (AI) and online communication tools are being increasingly used in the recruitment process, especially in interviews. This trend has led to a surge in research examining applicants’ reactions. However, despite their theoretical and practical importance, limited research has explored how rejected applicants respond to AI interviews (AIIs) compared to synchronous video interviews (SVIs). Drawing on applicant attribution-reaction theory, this study examines how rejection through AIIs compares to SVIs in shaping applicants’ reactions. It hypothesizes that applicants rejected via AIIs show more negative reactions compared to those rejected via SVIs. However, their reactions are expected to remain similar before the rejection results are announced. Additionally, the study explores whether the status of the interviewing organization moderates the impact of AII and SVI on applicants’ responses. Using mock interviews with 124 college students, this study investigates these hypotheses. The results show that, before the announcement of rejection results, there were no significant differences in the perceptions of fairness between AII and SVI groups. However, once rejection results were announced, applicants interviewed through AIIs reported lower perceptions of fairness, reduced acceptance of the rejection outcome, and a weaker intention to recommend the organization compared to those interviewed through SVIs. The organization’s status did not moderate the effects of the interview types on the rejected applicants’ reactions. The results suggest that reactions to rejection are shaped more by applicants’ attribution processes, influenced by preconceived notions and biases about interview technologies, than by their actual experiences during the interview.