In 2026, the hiring conversation isn’t just evolving, it’s transforming. What used to be just a room, a handshake, and a set of prepared questions has given way to a complex ecosystem of technology-augmented assessment, practical skills demonstrations, and deeper cultural evaluation.

For recruitment professionals, in-house talent teams, and hiring managers alike, this isn’t a trend: it’s a revolution in how we identify, engage and secure the candidates who will power our organisations forward

Here’s how the interview landscape is shifting, and why playing catch-up isn’t an option.

1. AI Screening is Everywhere – But Human Touch Matters More Than Ever
Artificial intelligence now drives much of the early-stage screening process in the UK, with around 62% of HR teams using AI tools to screen candidates and many more experimenting with AI-assisted conversation prompts. But AI brings promise and risks:
Speed and scale: AI can instantly assess thousands of applicants, ensuring no talent slips through the cracks and rapidly reducing shortlists.

Candidate discomfort: Nearly a third of UK candidates report feeling uncomfortable with AI-led recruitment processes.

Perception gap: Candidates want clarity on how technology is used and insights into decision criteria.

AI should augment human judgement, not replace it. Transparency, fairness, and clear communication about how AI features into your hiring process are now baseline expectations.

2. Practical Tasks Prove Their Worth, Skills Speak Louder Than CVs
CVs alone are no longer sufficient. With the rise of AI-generated applications, employers are more than previously using practical tasks and assessments at interview stage.

Industry-wide skills testing is surging, with tests for key competencies growing significantly year-on-year, and UK employers leading markets in areas like data analysis and problem solving.

Simulations, gamified challenges, and real-world tasks are being integrated into interview rounds to evaluate how candidates perform job-relevant activities.

Comparing candidate performance on real challenges could be the real way to pick out exceptional talent.

3. Culture & Values Interviews are Replacing Traditional Q&A
Beyond skills and experience, organisations are investing heavily in culture-fit and values-based conversations.

In the healthcare, public sector and high-trust professions many have normalised values-based interviews focused on alignment with company mission and purpose. Should the Building Services sector follow suit?

Portfolio-led and culture-fit interviews that go beyond checkbox competency questions are growing in popularity.

Culture mapping can tell you who will thrive, not just what a candidate can do.

4. Structured Methods & Bias Mitigation are Non-Negotiable
As technology drives volume and speed, structured interview formats are becoming essential:

• Competency-based questions remain a cornerstone of fair hiring and are now supplemented by strengths-based and values-aligned assessments
• Diverse panels and scoring frameworks are emerging to reduce bias and promote inclusion.

In an era where passive candidates drop off for processes that feel opaque or impersonal, structure paired with empathy is a competitive advantage.

5. The Role of the Recruiter Has Fundamentally Changed
Gone are the days when recruiters were simply gatekeepers of CVs and coordinators of calendars. In 2026, they’re talent data analysts, experience designers and strategic partners. From decoding insights to advising on workforce trends and future skill needs, the best recruiters embrace technology without sacrificing humanity.

The interview format revolution is not about fads or flashy tools, it’s about better decisions, faster, and with deeper insight. To thrive:

• Blend AI efficiency with human empathy
• Design assessments rooted in real job performance
• Elevate culture and values as core evaluation criteria
• Structure every interaction for fairness, consistency and clarity

Looking for a strategic recruitment partner that embraces technology and a real human to deliver talent that will transform and grow your business? Give our team call to discuss your requirements on 01509 615290 or email us on admin@centogroup.com.