UK Employers Flag AI Interview Cheating at 66% as Graduate Misconduct Hits 92%

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 13

92% of UK graduate employers suspected or confirmed misconduct in hiring this year, up from 85% in 2025 and 78% in 2024, according to the Institute of Student Employers.
66% of respondents reported candidates using AI during interviews—the most common abuse—with another 47% seeing AI used in online assessments and 10% in application questions, CVs or cover letters.
Recruiters said AI-assisted candidates are often easy to spot in virtual interviews through delayed answers, filler phrases and unnaturally formal language, and some interviews are ended immediately.
ISE said the immediate graduate jobs market has stabilized despite AI fears: hiring rose 4% in 2026 after an 8% drop last year, and employers expect a further 7% increase over the next 12 months.
Stephen Isherwood said current cuts to graduate intake reflect economic uncertainty rather than AI adoption, with any broader effect of automation on entry-level hiring still seen as years away.