Two thirds of graduate employers say students have cheated using AI in job interviews

Updated: 07:20 EDT, 15 October 2026 Two-thirds of graduate employers say students have misused artificial intelligence in job interviews and during online assessments.According to the Institute of Student Employers, which represents companies who hire students and recent graduates, 66 per cent of employers have detected students using AI in an interview or assessment process 'without disclosure or permission'. The majority of employers it surveyed (62 per cent) said it was acceptable for students to use AI to help write or proof-read a CV or cover letter. However, young people are being warned against using it in the later stages of the hiring process unless they are explicitly told it is allowed. It is increasingly common for firms to include their policy on AI usage in job adverts. The institute also flagged that students were using AI to allow them to apply for lots of jobs in a short space of time, meaning firms were being flooded with near-identical applications. Beware: Students are increasingly using AI in job applications - but it can be frowned uponStephen Isherwood, joint chief executive of the ISE said: 'AI has become problematic for everyone in the hiring process.'Tools that enable candidates to apply for multiple jobs at once are driving up the competition and pressure on students. 'Employers are faced with applications that look the same and, in some cases, AI is being used to the point where it misrepresents a candidate’s skills and abilities.'What is the advice on using AI for students? Claire Tyler, head of insights at ISE, has the following tips. 'When applying for jobs it’s really important to understand how and where your potential employer is happy for you to use AI. 'Used appropriately, it can be a useful tool. Used poorly, it can hinder progress and damage employment prospects. 'Above all, be yourself. Employers don’t expect candidates to be perfectly polished or to have every skill they are looking for, they want to understand what you can genuinely bring to the role.'The ISE's 2026 employer survey also brought some good news for student job hopefuls, finding that recruitment was up 4 per cent this year following an 8 per cent drop in 2025. It said 45 per cent of employers increased their graduate intake, while 15 per cent kept it the same and 40 per cent cut graduate jobs. If you're going to use AI to apply for a job, follow these rules from the ISE's experts Start with self-awareness: Understand your interests, skills, experiences, and career motivations before using AI. Use AI to enhance, not create: Refine and strengthen applications, but only include skills and achievements you can genuinely evidence. Demonstrate authentic motivation: Be prepared to explain why the role and organisation appeal to you personally. Maintain your own voice: Use AI for structure and proofreading, ensuring the final application reflects your personality and experiences. Authenticity is your advantage: Candidates stand out when they combine AI tools with honest self-reflection, personal insights, and real examples.