What to expect from a Tengai interview
A Tengai interview is a bit different from a traditional job interview. You answer the same questions as everyone else, you are not judged on your appearance, and you get the chance to show what you actually know. Naturally, that can raise a few questions. How does it work, what happens to your answers, and who makes the decisions?
You are not alone in wondering. Here, we have gathered the most common questions from job seekers, with clear answers about how Tengai works and what you can expect.
How does Tengai actually work?
Tengai’s AI-interview is one step, usually pre-screening, in an organization’s overall recruitment process before companies meet candidates in person. Every single applicant gets the same chance to perform the interview and all get the same questions. That way each answer can be compared fairly.
How is AI used in Tengai?
When it comes to AI, it is important to distinguish where it is used. In Tengai, it is used to enable dialogue and interview experience, NOT to evaluate or interpret candidates' responses. The selection itself is based on clear, predefined criteria and is always made by a human. A so-called mechanical assessment that is 100% transparent.
Does Tengai’s AI make decisions or use generative AI?
Tengai is not used to make decisions about candidates. It is a structured interview step where all candidates receive the same questions, in the same order. No generative AI is used. To guarantee a fair assessment, Tengai conducts "blind interviews" and has no access to candidates' personal data before, during, or after the interview. Factors that according to a lot of research can influence hiring decisions.
In practice, the interview replaces an initial phone interview. The difference is that all candidates are given a chance, which both increases fairness and makes the process more equal. And again, the purpose is to create a more comparable basis for assessment – not to replace the recruiter's judgment. Our AI never uses facial recognition, which eliminates possible discrimination based on appearance.
How do you store information and voice recordings?
The candidate owns their own data and can delete it whenever they choose. All data is stored securely at a Swedish cloud provider and retained for up to 36 months, after which it is automatically deleted. Candidates can delete their own data at any time via Talent Hub, where they have access to their interview responses and any feedback received. Transparent and at their own access.
The retention period exceeds the statute of limitations under the Discrimination Act (2 years), ensuring that we can manage and respond to any discrimination claims if needed.
How do you use the recordings and responses?
A human recruiter listens to some of the answers when we have a short list of the best suited candidates for the specific role.
Why is it that Tengai has such a long interview?
The interview averages 18 minutes but may be longer if the candidate gives more extensive answers, and shorter depending on the candidate's responses.
It consists of verbal and interactive questions that are identical for everyone applying for the same position. After the interview every person gets both verbal and written feedback in real time.
Should it not be a short questionnaire or be part of the first step?
Tengai is always part of the first step, also called pre-screening. A first step is where all applications are invited to participate, not just a chosen few. That way all jobseekers have an equal opportunity.
Regarding only using a short questionnaire we have chosen a more engaging way which allows for a better candidate experience. An interactive dialogue where candidates choose can respond both in writing and verbally.
In summary, Tengai is built to give every candidate a fair chance, create comparable data, and reduce bias in recruitment. The result is a more accurate and inclusive hiring process.
If you have been invited to a Tengai interview and want to prepare, check out our step-by-step guide to help you perform at your best. Still have questions? Please reach out to us, we are here to help!