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Nowadays, the chances are you’ll face at least one question about technology, AI, or digital tools in any job interview, regardless of whether it’s for a tech role. That’s right, technology has become so ingrained in our everyday lives that even people who are interviewing for roles in marketing, sales, HR, or any other non-tech roles are still expected to have at least some grasp of how technology like AI tools apply to the workplace.
Tech Questions in a Non-Tech Role?
As industries begin to integrate with technologies such as AI at an increased pace, employers want to see candidates and employees who can use new tools to boost their efficiency, adapt to changes brought on by automation and AI, collaborate effectively in hybrid and remote working environments, and stay cyber-aware to protect company data.
The bottom line is even if you’re not working with code, you’ll still be expected to work with tech. This includes having an opinion on it (yes, really), a willingness to learn, and an understanding of the impact of technology on your field. If you’re a job seeker, this means hiring managers will want to get an idea of the depth of your tech knowledge. With that, let’s get into some common tech and AI questions you might encounter while on a job interview.
Common Tech/AI Interview Questions
“Have you used AI tools like ChatGPT in your work?”
Here, the hiring manager is gauging your curiosity and ability to integrate modern tech tools in your day-to-day work. This basic question will become more commonplace, so knowing how to answer it is crucial. Check out this example answer:
- “Yes, I’ve used ChatGPT to help brainstorm marketing copy, summarize meetings notes, and draft email templates. I always review and edit for accuracy, but it’s definitely helped me work more efficiently.”
“What are your thoughts on AI in your industry?”
This question is designed to get a read on how you keep up with trends, as well as your critical thinking about how AI is changing your field. Here is an example of a response to this question:
- “In HR, I think AI can streamline applicant tracking and performance data, but we still need human oversight to ensure fairness and avoid bias. I’m interested in how AI tools are being used responsibly.”
“Tell me about a time you had to learn a new digital tool quickly.”
What the hiring manager is looking for here is your ability to adapt, as well as your confidence in using technology. Here’s how a candidate might answer this question:
- “When our team adopted a new CRM system, I checked out tutorials and joined internal user groups to get myself up to speed. Within a month, I was training others and helping customize features for our workflow.”
“How do you stay informed about new technology?”
The purpose of this question is to determine your level of engagement with your industry, and whether or not you’re committed to continuous learning. Here is an example of an appropriate answer to this question:
- “I subscribe to newsletters and follow a few AI analysts on LinkedIn. I also try to attend webinars or online courses, especially those that are specific to [Your Industry].”
“What steps do you take to keep company data secure?”
This is a big one. As more companies in more industries begin to leverage tech like AI, cyberattacks become a real threat. Here, the hiring manager wants to gauge your cybersecurity awareness, as well as how responsible you are. Check out this example answer:
- “I make sure to use strong passwords, update them regularly, and never click links from unknown senders. I also report suspicious messages and follow company protocol for handling data.”
What If You’ve Never Used These Tools?
Let’s say you’re not very familiar with emerging tech or how AI tools work. In this situation all is not lost, as you can still express your dedication to learning and improving. If the interviewer asks you if you’ve used AI tools in your work before, you might say:
- “While I haven’t had the chance to use AI tools directly in my past roles, I’ve been exploring how they’re impacting the industry. I’ve also been experimenting with free tools in my spare time to stay informed.”
Here, your curiosity will count just as much as experience. Of course, the best way to avoid this situation is to be proactive and educate yourself on AI tools and their applications. For more on AI skills every job seeker should know, check out our previous blog here.
How to Prepare
The first thing you should do is start experimenting on your own. Try using tools like ChatGPT for your own personal projects, or even just for fun. Next, consider reading industry blogs, LinkedIn posts, or newsletters that examine your field through a tech lens.
When preparing for an interview, keep in mind any relevant soft skills such as problem solving, communication, and adaptability, as they’re becoming even more valued in light of tech integration in the workplace. As we mentioned before, even personal use of AI tools counts for something. If you’ve used AI to help save time on a project or to learn something new, mention it in your interview.
Lastly, be honest about what you know and what you’re learning. The worst thing you can do is fake it since there might come a time later when you’re required to show the “skills” you talked about, and if your deception is plain to see, it won’t be a good look. The point is, hiring managers appreciate transparency, so don’t try to pull the wool over their eyes.
In today’s job market, digital literacy is no longer a “nice to have.” Employers want to know that you’ll be able to keep up with the pace of technology in the workplace, and in the very near future, tech-related questions will be commonplace during job interviews. If you haven’t already, now is the time to start educating yourself on tech tools and how they might apply to your career.
Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.
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