Half of jobseekers admit to cheating during online tests: report

Cheaters using smartphones, tablets, computers and friends, according to survey

Half of jobseekers admit to cheating during online tests: report

Half of jobseekers in Japan has admitted to cheating during the recruitment process, according to a new survey.

The poll from Certify Inc., as reported by The Mainichi, surveyed 328 individuals who graduated from university between 2020 and 2023, as well as students scheduled to graduate this year on their experience with job hunting.

According to the findings, 164 respondents said they had cheated on an online test. Their methods include:

  • Using smartphones or tablets (67) 
  • Using a computer (64) 
  • Getting help from friends or acquaintances (48) 
  • Paying for proxy test takers (23)

Cheating during the recruitment process has emerged in the wake of online tests that became more popular because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent survey from Capterra also revealed that some jobseekers have been using artificial intelligence to complete a test assignment or skills assessment, as well as generating interview answers.

Preventing cheating during recruitment

To prevent cheating during online tests, Certify's respondents suggested:

  • Strengthen proctoring by using AI  
  • Have examinees show their surroundings and pockets before taking the test 
  • Implement penalties for cheating

But an official in charge of the survey noted that AI gaze tracking and other emerging cheating prevention techniques may not be able to detect cheaters who are using smartphones, tablets, and other devices that people have on them.

"Overlooking cheating not only leads to missing out on the best talents through a fair selection process, but also increases compliance risks," the official said as quoted by The Mainichi.

In terms of AI use to cheat on the recruitment process, Capterra stressed the importance of candidate references and ensuring that hiring managers have sufficient time for thorough screening.

"Employers will need to move quickly to draw their line in the sand on what constitutes AI fair play," the report read. "Those that then combine the right AI detection tools with critical recruiting processes and culture changes will have a clear advantage in identifying and hiring truly talented candidates."

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