AI is changing the way many companies work and interview.
More employers may value your AI know-how. That means you need to ask questions too.
Jeff Hyman, a recruiter with nearly 30 years of experience, told Business Insider that it’s worth assessing whether a company is actually integrating AI or just talking about it most of the time.
You’ll want to know details such as what tools will be available to you, as well as broader ideas such as how employers are thinking about AI. It is important to frame your questions in a way that conveys your enthusiasm while getting as many clues as possible. as much as possible. Here are some questions you should ask:
their approach
First, you might ask about your company’s AI strategy for 2026. Hyman said that’s an appropriate time period to ask because he recognizes that technology is changing so rapidly that it’s difficult to see too far into the future. It may also help you understand whether companies are thinking about AI as a means to drive growth or primarily to reduce costs.
Next, Hyman suggests asking how the teams you join use AI on a daily basis. Listen to vague answers. That’s because it could indicate an employer is in the early stages of its AI journey, he said. That’s not necessarily a red flag, but it’s important to know what’s going on, Hyman said.
Erin McGough, who founded and runs career education platform AdviceWithErin, says it’s also wise to understand whether companies are betting too heavily on AI or taking a more cautious approach.
Asking about a company’s approach is a way to find out whether they’re “immersed in AI” and think technology will change everything, or whether it’s having little impact on their business, she told Business Insider.
their tools
One of the clearest signs of how serious a company is about AI is the tools actually available to employees and how much access they have.
Hyman said candidates should treat AI access the same way they once evaluated basic technology in the workplace. Years ago, you might have wondered whether to buy a laptop or a phone for work. Now, it’s natural to ask whether and which tools you can access for paid AI tools, or do you have to rely on free versions on your own?
“Companies that sell cheap are really showing that they’re trying to get something for free,” he said. “They want to profit from AI, but they are not willing to invest in it.”
When it comes to using AI, ask whether its use is monitored or restricted, says Katie Mooney, leadership coach and co-author of the upcoming book Up! The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise.
It’s also wise to ask who makes decisions about those tools. Does your boss control it or do you have a say? This could include questions about allocating tokens like data plans for AI use.
“Ask about their flexibility when it comes to your preferences, because if they’re forcing you to use something that feels weird or you don’t like, that’s important,” McGough said.
their expectations
Beyond access, McGough says he wants to understand whether his boss values the extent to which he uses AI.
Because it’s still new to many companies, many are scrambling to “just want to use it,” she says.
It’s okay to ask about their expectations for creating new procedures that incorporate AI. This type of work can increase “additional cognitive labor,” McGough said.
“Are you also expected to actually understand how to implement AI in your job?” she said.
However, Hyman said people should be careful about how they ask questions about the use of AI. He says he doesn’t want to appear resistant to technology.
“The message you want to send, and the underlying message is, ‘Charlie, you’re going to need to keep me, because I have a lot of ideas about how to make AI happen,'” Hyman said.
To that end, he said, come to the interview with specific ideas about how you’ll use AI in the role.
“Even if your boss has already thought about it, at least they know you’re thinking about it,” Hyman says.
their training
Finally, in any interview, both parties are evaluating each other. So don’t be afraid to ask how your company can help you grow with AI.
“You need to ask yourself, ‘Will my company provide comprehensive training resources and support for implementing AI into this role? Or will I have to fend for myself?'” says McGough.
Some companies will want you to do the work of figuring out how to use AI, she says, while others will want you to stay within firm boundaries.
Finally, asking open-ended questions gives the person running the interview room a chance to explain their approach.
Mooney suggests asking questions like, “How is AI impacting your job or business?” “How does this affect workplace management?”
Do you have a story to share about your interview experience? Contact this reporter at: tparadis@businessinsider.com.