Undeclared use of AI tops list of misconduct by graduates in job interviews

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Reports of misconduct by UK graduates during job interviews have hit a record high, with undeclared use of AI tools—such as real-time suggestion apps and automated answer generation—being the most common issue. Despite these challenges, graduate recruitment has rebounded with a 4% increase this year and employers expect a further 7% rise, highlighting ongoing adjustments in hiring amid technological and economic shifts.

Reports of misconduct by graduates during job interviews in the UK have reached a record high, with the undeclared use of artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as the leading issue, according to the Institute of Student Employers (ISE). The organisation, which represents major graduate employers such as Marks & Spencer, Rolls-Royce, and Accenture, highlighted concerns raised in its latest annual survey published in 2026.

The survey found that 92% of employers had either suspected or confirmed instances of inappropriate behaviour during assessment and selection processes, up from 85% in the previous year and 78% two years earlier. The most prevalent form of misconduct was unauthorised use of AI during job interviews and online assessments, reported by 66% of respondents. This included candidates using AI tools to generate answers during interviews without disclosure.

Chris Morrow, head of a recruitment agency specialising in the AI sector in Manchester, noted that the use of AI in interviews was often noticeable. “It’s like they are reading off an Autocue,” he said. Morrow described scenarios where candidates employed apps capable of listening and providing real-time suggestions during virtual interviews, a practice that typically led to the immediate termination of the interview. “Whenever it happens to us we tend to end the interview. It’s cheating,” he stated.

Beyond live interviews, other AI-related misconduct included using AI to complete online assessments (47%), to answer application questions (lesser percentage), and to draft CVs or covering letters (10%). Despite these challenges, the ISE survey indicated that the broader graduate job market had stabilised following an 8% decline in hiring the previous year. This year, graduate recruitment increased by 4%, with employers forecasting a further 7% rise over the next 12 months.

The survey revealed divergent hiring practices among organisations: 40% reported a reduction in graduate intakes, 45% increased recruitment, and 15% maintained existing levels. Stephen Isherwood, chief executive of the ISE, emphasised that changes in hiring volumes were influenced primarily by economic factors rather than the adoption of AI technologies.

While AI’s capacity for automating tasks has raised expectations that it could displace some roles, the current impact on graduate recruitment appears mixed. Employers continue to navigate the challenges posed by emerging technologies, balancing the integration of AI with maintaining the integrity of recruitment processes.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.