Atypical responses of job candidates in chatbot job interviews and their possible triggers

Abstract

Recruiters have observed increased verbal abuse and other non-standard behavior in chatbot job interviews. However, current knowledge about such behavior, which we term atypical responses, is limited. The purpose of this research is to explore and classify the atypical responses of job candidates and explain what triggers these atypical responses in two studies. Study 1 identified atypical candidate responses in chatbot job interviews by applying content analysis to transcripts of authentic job interviews (N = 6583). A multi-stage process classifies atypical responses into six categories: testing the chatbot's capabilities, verbal abuse, testing the chatbot's reactions, further conversation, sex offers, and reverse discrimination. Study 2 tested the triggers of atypical reactions in fictitious chatbot job interviews. Several triggers proved to induce atypical reactions, e.g., lower company attractiveness leads to testing of the chatbot's capabilities and reactions, and additional stress and negative well-being induce responses containing insults.