Google expanded pilots of AI-related changes to software-engineering interviews during 2026, Business Insider reported on October 20. Brian Ong, Google’s vice president of recruiting, told the outlet the changes remained pilots.
One reported format is a code-comprehension interview, where candidates may use Gemini as an assistant. The interview assesses AI fluency, meaning skill in working with AI, and prompt engineering, the practice of writing instructions that guide an AI tool.
Gemini has separate roles for candidates and interviewers
The candidate-facing pilot assesses how applicants work with AI during a coding interview. Separate pilots put Gemini to work on interviewer tasks: transcribing and taking notes in some Google Meet interviews, and drafting feedback tailored to a role.
| Workflow | Reported Gemini use | Purpose |
| Candidate interview | Assistant during a code-comprehension interview | Assess AI fluency and prompt engineering |
| Interviewer support | Transcription and note-taking in some Google Meet interviews; drafting role-tailored feedback | Support interview administration and feedback |
These are distinct uses: one puts Gemini in the candidate’s hands during an assessment, while the other supports interviewers’ work. The reported interviewer tools do not change what the candidate-facing exercise is designed to assess.
What the hiring requirements cover
A Google spokesperson told Business Insider that AI fluency is required for all software-engineering jobs. The spokesperson described AI product integration as required for most roles outside entry-level positions. Those statements describe different requirements: fluency applies to software-engineering jobs, while product integration applies to most roles beyond entry level.
