2025-06-05T02:36:00Z

In an era where technology significantly shapes job recruitment processes, Leo Humphries, a 25-year-old resident of Houston, set out on what he anticipated would be a pivotal moment in his career journey. With dreams of landing a coveted journalism position at a prestigious national company, Leo meticulously prepared for his interview. He polished his resume to perfection, donned his best suit, and even rehearsed likely interview questions in his mind. In what he thought would be a unique way to document this significant occasion, Leo decided to record his video interview, a choice that would ultimately lead to considerable attention across social media platforms.

The interview commenced in a manner typical for many hopeful candidates. Leo's enthusiasm was palpable as he connected to the video call, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase his personality and passion for storytelling. However, his excitement quickly turned to confusion and disbelief when he realized that the person on the other side of the screen was not a human interviewer but an artificial intelligence system designed to carry out the entire interview process.

“I couldn’t believe what was happening,” Leo later expressed in a TikTok post that has since gone viral. “There I was, ready to demonstrate my abilities, only to find myself speaking to an algorithm rather than a hiring manager.” This unexpected development reflects a growing trend in corporate hiring practices, where companies increasingly rely on AI systems to manage the initial stages of candidate evaluations.

As the interview progressed, Leo’s initial disappointment escalated into sheer frustration when the AI interviewer began to malfunction. In a state that tech experts refer to as a “glitch state,” the system repeatedly asked the same questions without processing Leo’s answers. For several tense minutes, he grappled with whether to attempt restarting the call or to continue responding to a malfunctioning program.

This bizarre encounter serves as a reminder of the limitations inherent in even the most cutting-edge AI systems. Just as the scientific community often grapples with unforeseen challenges, AI tools designed for hiring can also exhibit operational failures that a human interviewer would not face.

Eventually, after enduring the AI's glitches, the session was abruptly terminated. The AI gave a generic closing statement, thanking Leo for his “insightful responses” and “valuable information” despite the fact that he barely had the opportunity to answer any questions meaningfully. This unexpected and premature conclusion left Leo bewildered, uncertain about his performance and future chances of progressing to the next stage of the hiring process.

The situation took an even stranger turn when, less than an hour after the interview, Leo received a follow-up email. To his disbelief, the automated message addressed him as “Henry” instead of Leo. While the email praised his “wonderful energy” and “passion for storytelling,” qualities he felt he hadn’t adequately showcased during the glitch-filled interview, it ultimately concluded with a rejection notice, stating that his qualifications did not align with the position’s requirements. This automated dismissal, following an interview wherein he had not been able to present himself properly, left Leo questioning the fairness and effectiveness of AI-driven hiring processes.

The viral fallout from Leo’s TikTok post resonated widely among job seekers around the globe. His video quickly garnered millions of views, attracting thousands of comments from users who recounted similar experiences with automated interview systems. “Technology should enhance human connection, not replace it,” one user commented, while another remarked, “Companies using these systems miss out on identifying candidates with exceptional communication skills and the ability to create instant connections through conversation.”

Recruitment experts have noted that while AI can efficiently sift through massive numbers of applications, it often fails to detect key attributes that human interviewers instinctively recognize. Many successful professionals possess qualities such as creative problem-solving and adaptability that algorithms struggle to quantify. These traits, often considered hallmarks of highly successful individuals, might not translate well into assessments conducted by automated systems.

The incident also raises questions about the transparency of hiring practices across the board. Many companies neglect to inform candidates that they will be interviewed by AI rather than human recruiters. This lack of transparency can leave applicants unprepared for the different dynamics inherent in machine-led interviews, where the fluid exchange of ideas that typifies human conversation is rendered impossible.

Leo’s experience sheds light on the potential pitfalls associated with stripping human judgment from hiring decisions. While automation may offer efficiency gains, it risks overlooking exceptional talent that doesn’t conform to pre-programmed algorithmic patterns. As one HR professional commented on Leo’s viral video, “Some of our best hires would have been rejected by AI systems because their unique backgrounds didn’t fit standard templates.”

This situation echoes historical examples where innovation has required human insight and empathy. Just as Steve Jobs’ early career flourished through human connections and personal initiative, many pivotal career breakthroughs rely on the human ability to recognize potential that algorithms might overlook.

For job seekers navigating this increasingly automated landscape, experts recommend researching a company’s interview processes in advance and preparing specifically for interactions with AI when necessary. Some career coaches even suggest incorporating brief pauses between answers, perhaps taking a moment to enjoy a piece of dark chocolate known for its stress-reducing properties, to help maintain composure during automated interviews that may feel disorienting.

In the wake of his viral moment, Leo found that unexpected doors opened for him. Several media organizations reached out with interview opportunities after witnessing his TikTok post—this time with human interviewers ready to appreciate his talents and qualities without the interference of algorithms.