AI Interviews for Medical Science Liaisons: What That Means for Your Next Medical Affairs Job

By Sarah Snyder

You’re not being interviewed by a person anymore for that first Medical Affairs interview. Let that sink in. 

It’s happening.

You prepared for a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) interview: notes in hand, ready to talk science, strategy, and stakeholder relationships. But instead of a director or hiring manager… a bot calls you.

No small talk. No eye contact. Just a disembodied voice asking a question you couldn’t quite make sense of. When you tried to clarify, it repeated itself. When you asked a question? The AI replied:

“Sorry. I don’t have that information. Do you have any other questions?”

Twice.

One MSL got an unexpected phone call from a robot. Another felt rushed and awkward. Another didn’t mind it- it removed pressure and bias. And one more? She actually preferred it:

“I could do it on my own time, without the stress of reading someone’s facial expressions.”

Love it or hate it, here’s the reality:

AI interviews are here for MSLs are are now part of the Medical Affairs hiring process. And MSLs need to be ready.

What Are AI Interviews for MSLs Jobs?

AI interviews are exactly what they sound like:

Instead of speaking with a human recruiter, you're engaging with artificial intelligence.

These systems ask pre-recorded or auto-generated questions and record your answers (video or audio). Your responses are then evaluated by algorithms looking at:

• Keywords
• Facial expressions
  
• Voice tone and pacing
  
• Structure of your answer
• Even sentiment
  

Some interviews are pre-scheduled. Others might show up as surprise calls. Either way, there’s no real-time feedback, no chemistry, no follow-up questions.

Just you and the machine.

Why Are Medical Affairs Teams Using AI Interviews?

AI interviews aren’t just a tech gimmick. They’re solving real (and growing) problems in Medical Affairs hiring:

• Volume: Hundreds of applicants per MSL role
• Speed: Companies want fast, standardized screening
• Bias concerns: AI can reduce visual and verbal bias
  
• Efficiency: Hiring teams can focus only on top-scored candidates
  

And with Medical Affairs growing rapidly and entry-level MSL candidates flooding the market, it makes sense that companies are turning to scalable tools.

But just because it makes sense, doesn’t mean it feels good.

Pros and Cons of AI Interviews in MSL Hiring

✅ Pros for Candidates:

• Complete it on your schedule
  
• No worrying about interview attire, body language, or bad lighting (to a degree)
  
• Some candidates feel AI removes bias based on race, gender, age, or background
  

❌ Cons for Candidates:

• Lack of human connection or feedback
• Inability to clarify confusing questions
  
• Can't showcase empathy, presence, or executive poise, key traits for MSLs
  
• Risk of being scored low for “non-standard” communication styles

One MSL told us:

“I couldn’t be myself. I felt like I was taking a quiz, not having a conversation.”

Another noted:

“It felt flat. Like everything I trained for, reading the room, adjusting tone, didn’t matter.”

How to Prepare for an AI Interview for an MSL Role

You don’t need to fear AI, but you do need to prep differently.

1. Be Clear, Concise, and Structured: Use STAR or PAR format to answer behavioral questions.
2. Watch Your Tone and Pacing: AI flags monotine or rushed responses. Speak with energy and intention.
3. Use Keywords from the Job Posting: Name-drop therapeutic areas, stakeholder types (KOLs, APPs), and relevant metrics.
4. Treat It Like the Real Thing: Even if it’s a bot, dress the part. Sit up straight. Make eye contact with the camera. Upskill your presentation skills with this course. 

We Teach You How to Master AI Interviews in the Aspire MSL Program

AI interviews are a new challenge, but like every challenge in your MSL journey, they’re one we help you prepare for.

In the Aspire MSL Program, we walk you through:

• How to speak to a machine without sounding robotic
  
• The best way to structure your answers for AI scoring
  
• How to practice under pressure with real mock interview drills
  
• What to do if you’re caught off guard by a surprise AI call
  
• How to make your voice, experience, and value stand out, even without a human face across from you
  
  

We don’t just help you land interviews, we prepare you for every type of interview. Yes, even the kind that starts with, “Please begin recording after the beep.”

Final Thought: AI Is in the Room. Don’t Pretend It’s Not.

AI isn’t replacing Medical Affairs professionals. But it is changing the way we’re evaluated. And if you’re trying to break into your first MSL role, or grow into your next one, understanding how to navigate this shift isn’t optional. It’s strategic.

Adapt. Learn the system. Beat it at its own game.

Then bring your human brilliance to the rest of the process, where people still hire people.

Been interviewed by AI? Got a weird, funny, or frustrating story?

Share with us on the MSL Mastery page.