According to CNET, LinkedIn is launching a new AI interview prep tool that creates personalized mock interviews for Premium subscribers. The feature uses existing job postings to generate role-specific questions and provides feedback after the session. Product lead Sharon Gao explained they developed the tool to help job seekers who previously had to pay for coaches or courses. The AI analyzes transcripts and gives specific suggestions, like telling users when they’re being too verbose. It’s rolling out soon in English exclusively to Premium subscribers, but only for jobs where LinkedIn’s algorithm considers you a medium to high match.
The surprisingly realistic AI interview experience
Here’s the thing about interviewing with AI – it’s getting uncomfortably close to the real thing. The CNET reporter described the experience as “surprisingly realistic,” complete with that familiar interview anxiety. The AI asks five questions pulled directly from job descriptions, waits for your answer, then responds in about 30 seconds. It basically feels like using ChatGPT’s voice mode, but specifically tailored to job interviews.
And honestly? That’s both useful and slightly terrifying. We’re already seeing AI conducting real initial screening interviews at some companies. Now job seekers need to practice not just for human interviewers, but for AI ones too. It’s like preparing for a test where you don’t know if the grader will be human or machine.
The feedback that actually helps
The most valuable part isn’t the interview itself – it’s what comes after. The AI analyzes your transcript and gives specific, actionable feedback. Instead of just saying “be more concise,” it shows you exactly how to rephrase your rambling answer. That’s way more helpful than generic advice.
Think about it: how many times have you been told to “improve your communication skills” without any concrete examples? This tool actually shows you alternative responses. For early-career professionals or people without mentors, that kind of specific guidance could be genuinely useful.
The AI hiring dilemma we can’t ignore
Look, let’s be real about the current job market. As The Atlantic perfectly described it, today’s job market is hell. AI screens resumes, AI writes cover letters, and now AI conducts initial interviews. It’s an arms race where job seekers need AI tools to compete against AI hiring systems.
So is LinkedIn’s tool part of the problem or part of the solution? Basically, it’s acknowledging the reality that AI is already embedded in hiring. Instead of fighting it, they’re giving job seekers a way to practice for this new normal. But it does make you wonder – are we optimizing humans for AI systems rather than the other way around?
Who actually benefits from this?
This seems perfect for recent graduates or career changers who lack interview experience. It’s also great for people without professional networks to practice with. But I’m skeptical about how well it works for specialized roles or senior positions where interview questions are more nuanced.
The tool only works for jobs where LinkedIn thinks you’re a good match, which raises another question: what happens when the algorithm is wrong? If LinkedIn’s matching system doesn’t see you as qualified, you can’t even practice for that role. That could accidentally reinforce existing biases in the platform’s recommendations.
Still, as AI tools go, this one seems relatively harmless and potentially helpful. It’s not solving the fundamental problems with AI in hiring, but it might help individual job seekers feel more prepared. And in today’s market, any confidence boost is probably welcome.
