How to Interview for AI Skills: A Guide for HR

Finding candidates with genuine AI skills can be challenging. But as AI rapidly reshapes the workplace, HR professionals need to know how to identify real expertise whilst balancing other priorities such as ethical compliance and team cohesion. This guide will help you understand what AI skills to look for, why they matter, and how to effectively evaluate candidates during interviews.

1. Understanding AI Skills in the Workplace

1.1 What Are AI Skills?

AI skills cover a broad spectrum of abilities that enable a person to understand, develop, and apply artificial intelligence solutions. These include a mix of technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and a grasp of AI concepts like machine learning, data analysis, and automation. Candidates with strong AI skills understand how to leverage AI to solve real-world problems and improve processes.

Key AI skills include:

• Understanding of AI concepts such as machine learning, natural language processing, and pattern recognition

• Ability to analyse and interpret data effectively

• Problem-solving skills to design and optimise AI solutions

• Familiarity with AI ethics and responsible AI use

1.2 Why Are AI Skills Important Now?

AI is no longer a niche tech topic - it’s becoming central to how many organisations operate and compete. Candidates with AI skills bring the ability to automate routine tasks, generate insights from data, and create smarter workflows. These skills help companies innovate and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business environment.

1.3 What Makes a Candidate Skilled in AI?

A candidate skilled in AI is someone who not only understands technical AI concepts but also knows how to apply them thoughtfully. Look for candidates who:

• Think critically about AI’s impact and limitations

• Communicate complex ideas clearly

• Collaborate well across teams to implement AI-driven solutions

• Show curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning in this fast-moving field

It's important to combine evaluation of technical know-how with soft skills like communication, teamwork, and ethical awareness when it comes to AI.

2. Preparing for the Interview

2.1 Crafting AI Skills-Based Interview Questions

A good way to assess a candidate's AI skills is to ask questions that reveal how they have applied AI concepts to solve practical problems in their real working life. For example you could ask:

• Can you describe a project where you used AI to improve a process or solve a challenge?

• Can you share an example where your use of AI directly improved a business outcome, like saving time, reducing cost, or increasing revenue?

• Tell me about a time when your AI solution changed how a team or department worked.

It can also be useful to test a candidate's ability to explain AI concepts in simple terms, as this indicates both their understanding and communication skills.

Remember, by using interview tools such as Evidenced, you can create interview templates for your Hiring Managers, ensuring they ask the right questions to assess candidate's skills, and allowing you to have a bookmarked transcript of the interview for asynchronous assessment.

2.2 Role-Specific Questions to Ask

Tailor your questions to the specific AI-related tasks the candidate will handle in your organisation. As well as using general AI questions, focus on scenarios or challenges relevant to the role. For example, ask how they have used AI to improve decision-making, automate tasks, or analyse data in previous roles. This helps reveal their practical experience and problem-solving skills.

Pro tip: Using real-world scenarios relevant to your company helps reveal how candidates would perform on the job.

2.3 Assessing Practical Knowledge and Problem-Solving

Scenario-based questions or case studies can help assess how candidates think through AI challenges. Try presenting them with a common problem your company faces and ask how they would approach solving it with AI.

Additionally, hands-on exercises, like asking candidates to outline a solution or strategy on the spot, provide insight into their practical skills and adaptability.

Tip: Mix technical questions with behavioural ones to get a well-rounded view of each candidate.

3. Evaluating AI Skills

3.1 Technical Knowledge and Application

Depending on the role, it may be necessary to dive deeper into a candidate's technical knowledge of AI tooling. To do this, you may want to ask questions that probe deeper into their practical understanding, such as:

• What do you consider before deciding to use AI in a project?

• Tell me about a time an AI solution didn’t work - how did you fix it?

• How do you stay current with developments in AI? Can you explain one that recently caught your attention?

Strong answers should show practical experience, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn. With realtime guidance provided by tools such as Evidenced, you can ensure that your interviewers are running structured interviews with the right questions and the appropriate follow ups.

3.2 Analytical Thinking and Creativity

Strong AI candidates don’t just apply existing solutions - they think critically and creatively to solve problems in innovative ways. They can break down complex challenges, adapt AI techniques to fit unique situations, and combine their technical skills with practical business understanding.

Look for those who demonstrate flexibility in their approach and who can explain how they’ve used creative thinking to improve processes or overcome obstacles. This ability to innovate is crucial in a field that’s constantly evolving.

3.3 Ethical Awareness and Cultural Fit

Ethical awareness is essential when working with AI, given its potential impact on society. Candidates should show a clear understanding of issues like algorithmic bias, data privacy, and transparency, and demonstrate a commitment to responsible AI practices.

Beyond ethics, cultural fit is also critical. Candidates who align with your organisation’s values surrounding AI will help build a positive environment where ethical, impactful AI can thrive.

Internally, you can use tools such as Evidenced to ensure all of you interviewers are up to date with your company's guidelines around AI, and are communicating these effectively with candidates.

Ultimately, by focusing on broad AI skills, critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and communication, you’ll be able to find candidates who are not only technically capable but also a great fit for your organisation’s AI journey.