Could your next job interview be with a robot?

Each week, we spotlight a cool innovation recommended by some of the industry's top tech writers. This week's pick is an artificially intelligent interviewer.

A Russian startup has created a new way for companies to interview job seekers, said Peter Holley at The Washington Post. "Her name is Vera." She can talk to 1,500 candidates each day — a task that "would take most recruiters months" — and send customized follow-up emails. "Her secret? Not being human." Vera is a piece of AI software that refines its conversational skills through machine learning.

Some 200 companies, including Ikea Retail Russia, are already using the bot, which calls applicants and conducts an eight-minute conversation to gauge their interest and suitability for the job. The interview can take place on phone or video, and candidates can ask Vera questions; her creators say she responds accurately 82 percent of the time. One thing that has surprised her inventors: "Candidates are often more willing to offer candid criticism about job openings with Vera than with human recruiters."

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