What to Say (and Not Say) in 2025!

The story was originally published here.

I was interviewed by an AI-powered bot. Remotely, fully automated.

The machine really did well. Sounded weird and funny. But the good news — I aced it. Later things did not move far due to visa issues.

Here, I share some experiences of interviewing with an AI-powered bot.

The year is 2025. And the job market continues to evolve, largely driven by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various aspects of business, including hiring. From AI-powered resume screening and chatbots answering initial queries to AI analysis of video interviews, the way we find and secure jobs is changing.

While this might sound daunting, it doesn’t mean the human element is gone. In fact, navigating this new landscape successfully means blending timeless interview best practices with an understanding of how AI is shaping expectations. Recruiters are using AI to become more efficient, but they still value genuine connections and are wary of AI-polished, inauthentic applications.

So, how do you impress both the algorithms and the humans in 2025? It comes down to knowing what to emphasize and what to avoid.

What NOT to Say: Timeless Mistakes & New AI Pitfalls

Many classic interview blunders remain just as damaging in the age of AI. Avoid these:

1. “I don’t have any questions.”

Why it’s bad: Shows a lack of engagement, preparation, and curiosity — red flags for any role.

Still relevant? Absolutely. Even if an AI screens your initial application, a human interviewer will expect thoughtful questions.

2. “I’m just looking for any job right now.”

Why it’s bad: Sounds desperate and suggests you aren’t genuinely interested in this specific role or company.

Still relevant? Yes. Alignment with the role and company mission is crucial, and AI tools might even screen for keywords indicating specific interest.

3. “I hated my last boss/job.”

Why it’s bad: Negative comments reflect poorly on you, not your former employer. It raises concerns about your attitude and professionalism.

Still relevant? Definitely. Professionalism and positivity are timeless virtues.

4. “I don’t know much about your company.”

Why it’s bad: Indicates a serious lack of preparation and interest.

Still relevant? Critically. With information readily available online, there’s no excuse for not doing basic research.

5. “I don’t really have any weaknesses.” / “I’m not great at time management.” (without context)

Why it’s bad: The first sounds arrogant and lacks self-awareness. The second highlights a flaw without showing growth.

Still relevant? Yes. Honesty coupled with a demonstrated effort to improve is key.

6. “So, how much does this job pay?” (as your first question)

Why it’s bad: Makes it seem like compensation is your only motivation.

Still relevant? Yes. While salary is important, lead with your interest in the role and value you can bring.

7. “I was fired from my previous role.” (bluntly)

Why it’s bad: Can carry a stigma without context.

Still relevant? Yes. Honesty is important if asked directly, but framing is crucial.

8. “I don’t really have career goals.”

Why it’s bad: Employers look for motivated individuals eager to learn and grow.

Still relevant? Yes. Ambition and a desire for development are always attractive.

9. “When can I get promoted?”

Why it’s bad: Focuses on the next step before proving yourself in the current one. Comes across as overly ambitious or entitled.

Still relevant? Yes. Show interest in growth pathways, not just immediate advancement.

New AI-Specific Don’ts:

1. “I’m worried AI is going to take over jobs like this.” / “I’m not really comfortable with AI tools.”

Why it’s bad: Shows resistance to change and a lack of adaptability — skills highly valued in 2025.

AI context: Companies are actively integrating AI; they want employees who embrace, not fear, new technologies.

2. Overstating your AI skills.

Why it’s bad: Dishonesty will likely be revealed. It’s better to be truthful about your current level and express enthusiasm for learning.

AI context: Claiming expertise you don’t have is easily verifiable and undermines trust.

3. Giving generic, keyword-stuffed answers that sound AI-generated.

Why it’s bad: While using relevant keywords for AI screeners is wise, relying only on buzzwords without substance lacks authenticity. Recruiters see through it.

AI context: With AI able to generate plausible text, genuine, specific examples from your experience are more valuable than ever.

What TO Say: Showcasing Your Value in the AI Era

Focus on positive framing, demonstrating preparation, and highlighting both your human strengths and tech-savviness.

1. Instead of “No questions”: “I’ve researched the company and I’m particularly interested in [Project X or Company Value Y]. Could you tell me more about how this role contributes to that?” OR “What would success look like in the first 6 months for the person in this role?”

Why it works: Shows preparation, genuine interest, and forward-thinking.

2. Instead of “Any job”: “I’m looking to leverage my strengths in [Skill X and Skill Y], which seem highly relevant to this role’s focus on [Task Z], as mentioned in the description. I’m excited about how this aligns with [Company Goal].”

Why it works: Demonstrates targeted interest and alignment.

3. Instead of “Hated my last boss”: “I learned a great deal in my previous role, particularly regarding [Specific Skill or Experience]. I’m eager to apply that learning to a new challenge like this one.”

Why it works: Positive, professional, and focuses on growth.

4. Instead of “Don’t know the company”: “I’ve been following [Company Name]’s work in [Industry/Area], and I was particularly impressed by [Specific Achievement or News]. I’d love to hear your perspective on how this role fits into the company’s broader strategy.”

Why it works: Shows you’ve done your homework and are thinking strategically.

5. Instead of “No weaknesses”: “An area I’ve been actively working on is [Specific Skill, e.g., public speaking or a technical tool]. I recently completed [Course/Action] and have seen improvement by [Example].” OR “Time management has been a focus for me — I now use [Tool X/Method Y] consistently to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines effectively.”

Why it works: Demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and a proactive approach to growth.

6. Instead of asking about pay first: “I’m very excited about the responsibilities of this role and the potential to contribute to your team. Regarding compensation, I’d be happy to discuss expectations. Could you provide insight into the typical salary range for this position to ensure it aligns?”

Why it works: Prioritizes the role while addressing compensation professionally later in the conversation.

7. Instead of “I was fired”: (If necessary) “My previous role ended unexpectedly due to [Brief, neutral reason like restructuring or shifting priorities]. It gave me a valuable opportunity to reflect on my skills and career direction, and I’ve focused on strengthening my abilities in [Area X].”

Why it works: Provides context neutrally and focuses on positive outcomes and learning.

8. Instead of “No career goals”: “My short-term goal is to excel in this role and contribute meaningfully to the team. Long-term, I’m eager to grow my expertise in [Relevant Area, potentially AI-related] and take on more responsibility within the company.”

Why it works: Shows ambition grounded in the current opportunity.

9. Instead of “When promoted?”: “What do career growth and development look like for someone in this role? How does the company support employees in reaching their potential?”

Why it works: Frames the question around development and opportunity, not entitlement.

New AI-Specific Dos:

1. Highlight AI Literacy & Relevant Tools: “In my previous role, I used [Specific AI Tool/Platform] to achieve [Specific Result, e.g., automate reporting, analyze customer data, generate initial content drafts], which improved efficiency by X%.” OR “I’m proficient in [Relevant Software] and actively learning about emerging AI applications in [Your Field].”

Why it works: Shows you’re comfortable with relevant technology and understand its practical application. Employers increasingly seek AI proficiency and digital literacy.

2. Emphasize Uniquely Human Skills: “While I appreciate the efficiency AI brings, I believe my strengths in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and building collaborative relationships are crucial for tackling complex challenges that require nuanced understanding.”

Why it works: Reminds interviewers of the value humans bring alongside AI — skills like adaptability, communication, and creativity are highly sought after.

3. Ask Insightful Questions about AI: “How is the team currently leveraging AI tools in its workflow?” OR “What opportunities are there in this role to learn and apply new AI technologies relevant to our work?”

Why it works: Shows informed curiosity and a forward-thinking mindset about integrating with modern tools.

4. Be Authentic and Specific: Use concrete examples from your experience (the STAR method — Situation, Task, Action, Result — is still golden). Let your personality show.

Why it works: Cuts through potentially generic, AI-polished language and helps you connect with the human interviewer. It also provides richer data if AI analysis is being used.

Excelling in AI-Mediated Interviews

If you face an AI video interview or know AI tools are analyzing your responses:

Be Clear and Concise: Get to the point. Avoid rambling. Structure your answers logically.

Speak Clearly: Enunciate and maintain a moderate pace.

Look at the Camera: This simulates eye contact and creates engagement, even if talking to software.

Show Enthusiasm: AI can analyze tone and keywords related to engagement. Let your genuine interest shine through.

Tailor Your Content: Explicitly mention skills and experiences from the job description.

The Takeaway for 2025

Job interviews in 2025 require a blend of timeless professionalism and modern tech-savviness. Prepare thoroughly, be ready to showcase both your human strengths (creativity, empathy, critical thinking) and your ability to adapt and work alongside AI. Most importantly, be authentic. In a world where AI can generate anything, your genuine experience, personality, and enthusiasm are your most valuable assets. Good luck!

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