Could your next job interview be with a robot?

Meet Vera

Vera.

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.

(Image credit: Courtesy Vera)

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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