Executive Summary
PyjamaHR’s AI Interview platform relies on your device’s camera and microphone to conduct automated interviews. Occasionally, users encounter issues such as the platform not detecting their camera/mic or receiving a "Bots are busy" message. This guide provides actionable solutions to these common problems, ensuring you can complete your interview smoothly and on time.
Detailed Overview
What Are Camera, Microphone, and "Bots Are Busy" Issues?
Camera/Microphone Issues: The AI interviewer cannot access your device’s camera or microphone, resulting in errors like "Please allow camera and microphone," "Not able to detect camera," or "AI is not able to hear you."
"Bots Are Busy" Issues: When all AI interview bots are occupied, users see messages like "Sorry! It looks like all of our bots are busy right now. Please use your browser's Back button to go back to the previous page, and click the button to try again."
When and Why Do These Issues Occur?
Permissions Not Granted: Your browser or device has blocked access to the camera/mic.
Browser or Device Glitches: Outdated browsers, device settings, or temporary glitches can prevent detection.
Bot Availability: High interview volume can temporarily exhaust available AI bots.
Network Issues: Poor connectivity may cause the AI to misinterpret your audio/video status.
Integration with PyjamaHR
AI interviews are accessed via a unique link (valid for a set period, e.g., 48-72 hours).
Camera and microphone access is mandatory for AI interviews.
Rejoining the same link is often possible if issues are resolved.
Business Impact
For Candidates: Delays or inability to complete interviews can impact job opportunities.
For Recruiters: Missed or incomplete interviews can slow down the hiring process.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Prerequisites
A working camera and microphone on your device
A supported browser (Google Chrome is recommended)
Stable internet connection
1. Grant Camera and Microphone Permissions
A. In Your Browser (Chrome Example):
1. Open the AI interview link.
2. If prompted, click "Allow" when asked for camera and microphone access.
3. If not prompted, click the lock icon in the address bar.
4. Go to Permissions > Camera and Microphone > Set both to Allow.
- [Screenshot: Chrome address bar with lock icon and permissions dropdown]
B. In Device Settings:
- Ensure your device’s camera and microphone are enabled and not being used by another application.
2. Check and Reset Browser/Device
Refresh the Page: Press Ctrl+F5 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac) for a hard refresh.
Restart Browser: Close all tabs and reopen your browser.
Try Incognito/Private Mode: Sometimes browser extensions interfere with permissions.
Switch Browser: If using Chrome, try Firefox or Edge (and vice versa).
Restart Device: Especially if the camera/mic is not detected anywhere.
3. Test Camera and Microphone
Use a tool like Google Meet to check if your camera and mic work outside PyjamaHR.
If not detected, the issue is with your device or browser, not PyjamaHR.
4. Rejoin the Interview
Use the same interview link to rejoin after fixing the issue.
If the link has expired or you’ve exceeded the maximum number of attempts, contact PyjamaHR support.
5. If You See "Bots Are Busy" or "No Bots Available"
Wait 10-15 Minutes: Bots may be temporarily occupied.
Try Again: Use the same link after waiting.
Try at a Different Time: Early mornings or late evenings may have less traffic.
Contact Support: If the issue persists for more than an hour, reach out with a screenshot of the error.
6. If Permissions Are Blocked and Cannot Be Changed
Some users report "Camera access blocked and I cannot change it."
Solution: Clear browser cache, reset permissions, or use a different browser/device.
Advanced Usage & Best Practices
Always Use a Supported Browser: Chrome is most reliable for PyjamaHR AI interviews.
Close Other Apps: Ensure no other app (Zoom, Teams, etc.) is using your camera/mic.
Respond Promptly: If you don’t respond to the AI within a set time, the interview may end.
Avoid Multiple Devices: Don’t open the interview link on multiple devices simultaneously.
Check Interview Validity: Links are valid for a limited time (e.g., 48-72 hours).
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Common Error Messages & Solutions
Error Message | Solution |
"Please allow camera and microphone" | Check browser/device permissions (see Step 1 above) |
"Not able to detect camera/mic" | Restart browser/device, check permissions, try another browser |
"Bots are busy" / "No bots available" | Wait 10-15 minutes, retry, contact support if persistent |
"Camera/mic access blocked and cannot change" | Clear browser cache, reset permissions, try a different browser/device |
"AI is not able to hear you" / "Voice not detected" | Test mic in another app, check permissions, rejoin interview |
"Exceeded maximum number of attempts" | Contact support for reset or new link |
"Interview link expired" | Contact support for a new link |
"Page keeps loading / not opening" | Hard refresh, restart browser/device, check network, try another browser |
What If Scenarios
What if my camera/mic works in other apps but not in PyjamaHR?
Double-check browser permissions for the PyjamaHR site specifically.
What if I can't unblock camera/mic in browser settings?
Try incognito mode or a different browser; sometimes browser extensions block access.
What if the AI interview ends abruptly?
Rejoin using the same link if possible; if not, contact support.
What if I get "Bots are busy" repeatedly for hours?
Contact support with a screenshot and details of your attempts.
Comprehensive FAQ
1. How do I allow camera and microphone access in my browser?
Click the lock icon in the address bar, go to Permissions, and set Camera and Microphone to "Allow."
2. What should I do if my camera or microphone is not detected?
Check device and browser permissions, restart your browser/device, and try another browser if needed.
3. Why does it say "Bots are busy" when I try to join my interview?
All AI bots are currently occupied. Wait 10-15 minutes and try again.
4. Can I rejoin the interview if I get disconnected?
Yes, use the same link as long as it is still valid.
5. What if my interview link has expired or I’ve exceeded the maximum number of attempts?
Contact PyjamaHR support for assistance.
6. The AI says it can’t hear me, but my mic works elsewhere. What now?
Check browser permissions for the PyjamaHR site, and ensure no other app is using the mic.
7. I can’t unblock camera/mic in my browser. What should I do?
Clear browser cache, try incognito mode, or use a different browser/device.
8. My page keeps loading and never starts the interview. What can I do?
Perform a hard refresh, restart your browser/device, and check your internet connection.
9. Can I continue the interview without a microphone?
No, a working microphone is required for AI interviews.
10. What if I see "AI Interview is completed" but I didn’t finish?
Contact support for clarification and possible rescheduling.
Related Features & Next Steps
AI Interview Scheduling: Ensure your interview link is valid and within the allowed time window.
Candidate Support: If issues persist, contact PyjamaHR support with screenshots and error details.
Related Help Articles:
Summary Table: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s | Don’ts |
Use Chrome or another supported browser | Don’t open the interview link on multiple devices |
Check and allow camera/mic permissions before starting | Don’t ignore browser permission prompts |
Test your camera/mic in another app if issues occur | Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your interview |
Rejoin using the same link if disconnected | Don’t use outdated browsers or operating systems |
Contact support with screenshots if issues persist | Don’t repeatedly refresh if bots are busy—wait and retry |
By following this guide, you can resolve nearly all camera, microphone, and "Bots are busy" issues in PyjamaHR AI interviews without needing to contact support. For persistent or unusual problems, reach out to PyjamaHR support with detailed information and screenshots for the fastest resolution.