Acing Interviews in the Era of AI

Interviews have always been nerve-racking. Even before AI entered the room, most of us walked in with sweaty palms, a racing heart, and that one thought in our heads: “I hope I don’t mess this up.” Now add artificial intelligence to the mix.

You have done the right things and updated your CV. Practised answers in your head. Googled the company. Maybe even watched a few YouTube videos titled “Top 10 Interview Questions”. Then someone casually mentions, “Oh, this stage is AI-screened,” and suddenly your confidence drops.

What does AI even look for? Will it understand my accent? What if I freeze? Am I competing with a robot now?

Take a breath. You are not alone, and no, you are not already behind. AI may have changed interviews, but it hasn’t removed the human heart of hiring. Once you understand that, fear loses its grip.

At Proudtobeme, we have worked with countless young people who face this exact fear. Through our Upcoming Workshops and ILM Courses, we help young people build the confidence and skills to navigate these new challenges.

First Things First: AI Is Not the Enemy

AI shows up in interviews in different ways. Sometimes it is a chatbot asking initial questions. Sometimes it is a video interview that analyses your responses, tone, or structure. Sometimes it is software scanning your words for patterns.

Here is what is important to know: AI does not “know” you. It does not feel your passion. It does not understand your background. It does not see your potential unfolding.

AI looks for clarity. Structure. Consistency. That means you don’t need to sound robotic; you just need to be clear.

Think of AI as a doorway, not a wall. Your job is to walk through it. The real conversation still happens on the other side, with humans who want to know: Who is this person? Can I work with them? Can they grow?

This is exactly what we teach at Proudtobeme. Through our programmes, we help young people see technology as a tool, not a barrier.

The Power of Stories Over Statements

One of the biggest mistakes young people make in interviews, especially AI-assisted ones, is trying to sound “perfect.” Both AI and humans respond better to stories than to statements.

Instead of saying, “I work well in a team.”

Try: “During a digital project at our bootcamp, we disagreed on direction. I suggested we test both ideas. It taught me how listening can actually strengthen teamwork.”

AI scans for keywords such as communication, leadership, initiative, and problem-solving. If a job description highlights “problem-solving”, don’t avoid the word. Use it naturally while telling a real story.

“I identified a problem.” “I suggested a solution.” “This was the outcome.”

When you try to sound impressive, you often come across as distant. When you speak truthfully, you sound capable. This is a skill we develop with young people in our ILM Courses, where we focus on authentic communication and leadership.

The Camera Is Not Your Enemy

AI-assisted interviews are often digital, and for many people, talking to a screen feels awkward. So speak clearly. Pause. Smile when it feels natural. Let your personality breathe. AI notices consistency. Humans notice warmth.

AI can process words. It cannot replicate empathy. It cannot understand resilience the way humans do. It cannot feel emotional intelligence, curiosity, or care.

That is why stories about overcoming setbacks, collaborating with others, learning from mistakes, and supporting a team still matter deeply.

So do your research, understand the organisation, and reflect on your journey, but don’t walk into interviews pretending to be someone else. The most powerful interviews aren’t perfect; they’re honest.

At Proudtobeme, we believe in this approach. Whether you are preparing for an interview or just starting your career journey, being authentic is your greatest strength. You can learn more about our approach through our About Us page.

The Systems That Shape Employability

It is important to name the systems that make job searching so difficult for young people.

The World Bank notes that over one in five young people globally are not in employment, education, or training. The UNESCO Global Skills Tracker notes that nearly 40% of current skillsets no longer align with job market needs. This is not a problem that young people can solve on their own.

Across the UK, young people from minority backgrounds face systemic barriers to employment. Studies show that applicants with ethnic minority names need to send 60% more applications to receive the same number of callbacks as white applicants. This is not a failure of individual effort. It is a failure of systems that have not been designed to be fair.

At Proudtobeme, we believe in naming these realities because young people need to know that their struggles are not their fault. If you have been rejected from opportunities, it does not mean you are not good enough. It means the system has biases that need to be challenged.

This is why our programmes exist. Not to fix young people, but to create alternative pathways that help them navigate systems that were not designed for them.

The Role of Mentorship in Navigating Interviews

One of the most powerful ways to prepare for interviews is through mentorship. A mentor is someone who believes in you before you believe in yourself. Someone who sees your potential even when you can’t see it. Someone who walks alongside you, not to fix you, but to remind you that you are not alone.

At Proudtobeme, mentorship is at the heart of everything we do. We connect young people with mentors who understand their struggles and can guide them through the challenges they face, including interview preparation.

We have seen the impact of this work in so many ways. A young person who has never had a positive adult role model finds someone who genuinely cares. A teenager who has been told they don’t matter discovers that someone believes in them. A young person who has given up on themselves finds the courage to try again.

Mentorship is not about having all the answers. It is about being present. It is about listening without judgement. It is about offering encouragement and practical support. It is about walking with someone through their quiet beginnings.

This is why we encourage young people to find mentors and why we encourage adults to become mentors. If you have experience, wisdom, or simply the willingness to show up for a young person, you can change someone’s life. You can Get Involved today.

What We Have Learned From Young People

Over the years, we have learnt so much from the young people we work with. They have taught us what real courage looks like.

We have learned that courage is not about being fearless. It is about being afraid and doing it anyway. We have seen young people walk into interview rooms, terrified, and still show up. We have watched them fail and fall and pick themselves back up.

We have learned that hope is not about ignoring reality. It is about acknowledging how hard things are and still believing things can get better. We have seen young people who have experienced unimaginable trauma still find reasons to hope.

We have learned that resilience is not about enduring hardship in silence. It is about asking for help when you need it. It is about building a community that supports you. It is about knowing your limits and respecting them.

We have learned that young people are not problems to be solved. They are people to be loved, supported, and believed in. They have so much to offer, if only the world would give them a chance. You can read more stories from young people on our Blogs page.

The Power of Trying Again

“Every child is a story, not a statistic,” says Lola Owolabi, founder of Proudtobeme.

Sometimes, all young people need is someone to believe in them deeply and consistently. That belief creates space for a new beginning, not because the past is erased, but because the future is no longer defined by it.

We have seen this happen so many times. A young person who has been told they are worthless discovers they have value. A teenager who has given up on education realises they love learning. A young mother who has been told she will never achieve anything builds a business.

As you prepare for your next interview, ask yourself: What would confidence look like if I wasn’t so afraid of failing? What is one thing I can do differently? What if I trusted myself a little more?

We at Proudtobeme will continue walking with young people through these moments, reminding them that success doesn’t require perfection. It requires courage. And courage does not shout. Sometimes, it whispers: “Try again.”

Your Next Step

If you are a young person preparing for interviews and ready to build your confidence, Proudtobeme is here for you.

You can join an Upcoming Workshop or explore our ILM Courses to develop leadership and communication skills. You can find a mentor who will believe in you. You can build skills in digital literacy, communication, and leadership that employers actually want.

If you are an organisation or individual who wants to help young people navigate the world of work, you can Get Involved. You can volunteer as a mentor. Your belief could change someone’s life.

You can also read more blogs to hear stories from young people who have turned their lives around.