In a startling revelation, the chief executive of language learning app Duolingo has disclosed that chauffeurs are covertly employed to evaluate job applicants during their journeys to interviews. This unconventional 'taxi test' involves drivers reporting on how candidates interact with them, with the feedback directly impacting hiring outcomes.
The 'Taxi Test' in Action
Luis von Ahn, the billionaire CEO, explained the rationale behind this secretive assessment during an interview on The Burnouts podcast. He stated, 'Part of the interview for us is how they treated their driver. Our belief is if they are gonna be mean to their driver they are probably gonna be to other people, particularly under them, so we did not want that.'
A Real-World Example
Von Ahn provided a concrete example where this method led to a rejection. A candidate for the chief financial officer position was highly regarded during the formal interview and possessed an impressive CV. However, they were ultimately not hired because 'it turned out they were pretty mean to their driver from the airport to the office [and] that made us not hire them.'
Industry Support for the Method
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the UK's Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, endorsed the taxi test, noting that cabbies are adept at quickly gauging people's character. He told The Times, 'One presumes that they are a little bit nervous and apprehensive as everybody is when they go to an interview but if you're not nice when stressed, and you're gonna be stressed a lot of time in some of these high-profile jobs, then maybe the job's not for you.'
McNamara added that taxi drivers often serve as confidants, with passengers revealing personal details they wouldn't share elsewhere. 'We used to call the cab a confessional booth. People tell you things in a cab that they would never tell a stranger in real life, or would never tell other people,' he said.
Context of AI Integration
Von Ahn's comments on hiring practices come amid Duolingo's increased focus on artificial intelligence. Last April, he mentioned replacing contract employees with AI technology, but clarified in June that AI is not intended to replace jobs. Instead, employees must adapt their working methods.
In a LinkedIn post, von Ahn elaborated, 'To be clear: I do not see AI as replacing what our employees do (we are in fact continuing to hire at the same speed as before). I see it as a tool to accelerate what we do, at the same or better level of quality. And the sooner we learn how to use it, and use it responsibly, the better off we will be in the long run.'
Emphasis on Responsible Hiring
The CEO stressed the importance of selecting the right personnel as the company embraces AI, stating that technology will 'fundamentally change the way we work - and we have to get ahead of it.' This underscores why character assessments, like the taxi test, are deemed crucial in the hiring process.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Duolingo for additional comments on these revelations.
