AI Deepfakes Push Employers Back to In-Person Interviews

U.S. employers are increasingly reinstating face-to-face job interviews after years of relying on video calls and automated screening tools, according to multiple business and technology reports published on Aug. 12. Companies say the shift is driven by the rapid spread of generative AI, which makes it harder to verify a candidate’s identity and assess interpersonal skills through virtual channels. Recruiters and hiring managers told reporters that sophisticated AI systems can now draft application materials, answer screening questions and even generate highly realistic deep-fake videos—undermining confidence in remote evaluation. Bringing candidates on site, they say, helps confirm credentials, observe real-time problem solving, and reduce the risk of AI-assisted misrepresentation. The return of in-person interviews marks a reversal of hiring practices that expanded during the pandemic, when virtual meetings promised cost savings and a wider talent pool. While the move adds time and travel costs for both companies and job seekers, employers argue that the additional expense is outweighed by greater assurance they are hiring genuine applicants with the soft skills needed for office and hybrid work environments.