After completing the Meridial Expert Marketplace language assessment, I assumed the next step would take a while. So when an email arrived about two weeks later inviting me to complete an AI interview, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. I’ve done plenty of interviews in my life, but an AI‑powered interview? That was new territory.
What follows is my honest experience — not the questions, not the scoring, just the human side of what it felt like to sit in front of an AI interviewer and show up as myself.
The Invitation Arrived When I Least Expected It
The email came with a simple message: it was time for the next step. No long instructions. No complicated setup. Just a link and a reminder to allow up to 30 minutes.
I didn’t do any special preparation. The only thing I had been practicing — long before this interview — was speaking on camera. I’d been working on:
- Looking directly into the lens
- Talking naturally about my experience
- Getting comfortable hearing my own voice
That practice paid off more than I realized.
A Surprisingly Human Experience
When the interview began, I immediately noticed two things:
- A picture of the “interviewer” on the screen
- A warm, human‑sounding voice asking the questions
That combination made the experience feel far more personal than I expected. It didn’t feel robotic or stiff. It felt like a real conversation — just with someone who never blinked.
The AI Actually Listened
One thing that stood out was how responsive the AI was. This wasn’t a list of preloaded questions. It followed my answers.
When I mentioned that I build websites, the AI didn’t move on. It asked follow‑up questions about that experience. It picked up on details and invited me to expand on them.
That told me something important:
They’re evaluating how you communicate, not how well you memorize answers.
How I Approached the Interview
I didn’t try to sound perfect. I didn’t rehearse. I didn’t overthink.
Instead, I focused on:
- Speaking clearly
- Staying calm
- Highlighting the experience I’ve gained across multiple industries
- Explaining why I’d be a strong fit for the platform
I treated it like a conversation with someone who genuinely wanted to understand my background.
And honestly? That mindset made the whole experience easier.
Short, Simple, and Respectful of My Time
Even though the email said to allow 30 minutes, the entire interview took about 15. It didn’t drag on. It didn’t feel repetitive. It was straightforward and to the point.
I also appreciated what didn’t happen:
- I wasn’t asked for a driver’s license
- I wasn’t asked for a Social Security number
- I wasn’t asked for any sensitive documents
Those requests should only come after acceptance — not before. The fact that Meridial hasn’t asked for anything unnecessary gives me confidence in the legitimacy and professionalism of the process.
Each Step Is Building My Confidence
I’ll be honest: assessments and interviews used to make me nervous. But something shifted during this process.
With each step — the assessment, the AI interview — I’ve walked away feeling more confident than when I started. I’m learning that I can show up well on camera. I can speak clearly about my experience. I can adapt to new interview formats.
And that confidence is carrying over into other opportunities too.
Where Things Stand Now
At this point, I’m waiting for the next stage. From what I understand, each step brings me closer to earning my way onto the platform.
So far, the process has been:
- Fair
- Efficient
- Respectful
- Focused on real skills
If you’re preparing for your own AI interview, here’s my best advice:
Show up as yourself. Speak naturally. Trust your experience. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be present.
If you haven’t read it yet, you can also check out my full breakdown of the first step in the process: My Meridial Expert Marketplace Assessment Experience