Nearly half of Swedish screening interviews conducted through Tengai’s AI avatar began outside standard office hours, according to an analysis by the recruitment technology provider.
The company examined 20,291 interviews between January 2025 and September 2026, using their start times in Sweden. It defined outside office hours as before 8am or from 5pm on weekdays, plus weekends.
Candidates use evenings and weekends
Overall, 44% started outside those office hours. Weekends accounted for about 15% of interviews, while 34% of weekday interviews started before 8am or from 5pm.
The data covers Tengai’s own Swedish interviews. It is not a representative measure of all job interviews in Sweden or the UK, and does not establish whether AI screening improves hiring outcomes.
“Candidates interview when life allows it. After work, after school pickup, or during lunch.”
Mathias Ahdrian, head of sales, Tengai
Tengai says its screening tool allows candidates to complete an initial interview without arranging a simultaneous call with a recruiter. Hiring teams subsequently review the information and make decisions.
Why it matters for recruiters
The finding is a useful prompt to review access to early-stage recruitment. Candidates in work or with caring responsibilities may find fixed daytime appointments difficult. Flexible scheduling, clear instructions and an accessible alternative can help recruiters address that problem without assuming every candidate wants an automated interview.
Source: Tengai press release and published analysis. Image supplied by Tengai with its announcement.
