AI-Powered Interviews: Key Pre-Screening Criteria
Learn how AI-powered interviews assess candidates and how to provide effective responses based on pre-screening criteria.
hiringcycle.ai Team13.03.2025

What Are Pre-Screening Criteria? How to Answer These Questions in AI-Based Interviews?
Nowadays, recruitment processes are undergoing a major transformation, with technology-driven digital changes redefining human resources operations. Traditional face-to-face or phone interviews are increasingly being replaced by AI-powered text-based recruitment. Companies now assess not only candidates' technical competencies but also their suitability for the job position through a detailed analysis process.
In this new generation of assessment methods, AI algorithms analyze candidates' responses not only for accuracy but also for structure, language use, and compliance with predefined criteria. Therefore, having the necessary qualifications for a position is as important as expressing them effectively and correctly.
If you have applied for a job and have been invited to an AI-powered text-based interview, knowing how this interview is evaluated, which elements stand out, and how to succeed will give you a significant advantage.
So, what exactly are pre-screening criteria, and how can you provide effective responses in these interviews? This guide covers all the details.

What Are Pre-Screening Criteria?
Pre-screening criteria refer to the fundamental requirements that employers examine to determine a candidate's suitability for a position. During AI-powered text-based interviews, these criteria are analyzed to evaluate whether the candidate is a good fit for the role.
- Education & Certifications: Do you have the necessary degree or certifications for the position?
- Experience & Technical Skills: Do you have the required work experience or specific skills?
- Language Proficiency: Do you meet the required language proficiency level for the position?
- Location & Work Model: Is your location and preferred work model (remote/hybrid) suitable for the position?
- Salary Expectation & Work Permit: Are your expectations aligned with the employer's budget, and do you meet the work permit requirements?
- Cultural Fit & Motivation: How well can you adapt to the company culture and business model?
- Technical and Small Projects: Have you previously worked on a similar project, and what experience have you gained using a specific technology or methodology?

How Are Criteria Evaluated in AI-Powered Text-Based Interviews?
The evaluation of criteria in AI-powered text-based interviews is based on predefined competencies and hiring standards of the company. The assessment process typically consists of the following stages:
Keyword and Concept Matching:
- Candidate responses are compared with job requirements and competencies.
- Specific phrases, keywords, and concepts are evaluated based on how well they match the job description.
Content and Relevance of Responses:
- Responses are analyzed for clarity, consistency, and alignment with the job description.
- Incomplete, vague, or irrelevant answers may receive low scores.
Length and Level of Detail:
- Short or superficial answers may receive lower scores, whereas clear and detailed responses are rated more positively.
- However, excessively long or off-topic details may also have a negative impact.
Logical Consistency:
- The consistency of arguments and examples within the response is evaluated.
- Contradictions or logical errors that disrupt coherence may be penalized.
Language Use and Clarity:
- The use of clear, fluent, and professional language is a key criterion.
- Spelling mistakes, grammar issues, or disorganized sentence structures can lower the evaluation score.
This process is conducted systematically based on predefined criteria, ensuring an objective measurement of candidates' competencies and job suitability. Since the evaluation covers not only open-ended answers but also multiple-choice, ranking, and date-selection questions, candidates are advised to prepare for different question formats.
Common Questions and Effective Response Strategies in Pre-Screening Criteria
- "Do you have the required education or certifications for the position?" Response: "Yes, I graduated from X University with a degree in Y, and I hold a Z certification. To enhance my skills, I have also completed A and B training programs."
- "How many years of experience do you have in the relevant field?" Response: "I have worked in this field for X years. I spent Y years at Company A and Z years at Company B, contributing to various projects."
- "Do you have proficiency in English or another foreign language?" Response: "I have advanced proficiency in English and actively use it in my professional life."
- "Is your location and work model suitable for the position?" Response: "I live in Istanbul and am open to hybrid/remote work models. I can easily adapt to the company's working model."
- "What is your salary expectation?" Response: "My salary expectation is in the range of X - Y. However, additional benefits and opportunities offered by the company are also important factors for me. I would like to consider performance-based bonuses, training opportunities, and career development prospects."
Conclusion
AI-powered text-based interviews objectively and data-drivenly assess candidates' suitability for a position. Therefore, providing clear, concise, and job-focused answers is a critical factor for success.

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