Misconduct by graduates during job interviews has reached a record high, according to the Institute of Student Employers (ISE). Their annual survey revealed that 92% of employers suspect or confirm errant behaviour during assessment and selection processes, an increase from 85% in the previous year and 78% two years prior.
The most common form of misconduct reported was the unauthorised use of AI during interviews and online assessments, with 66% of respondents citing at least one incident of a graduate misusing AI during an interview. Chris Morrow, who runs a recruitment agency in Manchester, stated that it is often obvious when candidates use AI, describing it as if they are "reading off an Autocue."
Stephen Isherwood, chief executive of ISE, cautioned that cheating could lead to candidates securing jobs for which they are ill-suited. He added that any reduction in graduate hiring by companies is currently driven by overall economic conditions rather than the adoption of AI.
The ISE's 2026 survey indicated that the graduate hiring market has stabilised this year, rising 4% after an 8% decline last year. Employers anticipate a further 7% rise over the next 12 months.