Major employers like Google, Cisco, and McKinsey have reintroduced at least one face-to-face interview round
Companies are reviving in-person job interviews, shifting away from the virtual format that dominated during the pandemic.
The main driver: artificial intelligence, which is changing hiring and making it easier for candidates to cheat online.
On Zoom, applicants can secretly use advanced chatbots to answer technical questions, while in-person meetings reduce the risks of AI-enabled impersonation scams.
Big employers lead the trend
Major employers like Google, Cisco, and McKinsey have reintroduced at least one face-to-face interview round.
Recruitment firm Coda Search/Staffing in Dallas reports that in-person interview requests among its clients have jumped from 5% in 2024 to 30% in 2025.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai says the move ensures candidates have “the fundamentals.”
AI fuels a hiring arms race
AI’s role in hiring is expanding for both sides. Applicants use AI to polish resumes and craft cover letters, while recruiters deploy AI to scan applications or even conduct interviews.
It has sparked what some call a bot arms race—with technology fueling a constant back-and-forth between job seekers and hiring managers.