5 March 2023

Cheating in Online Job Interviews

The Negative Impacts of Faking Skills Using AI in the Hiring Process
Neama Kazemi
Neama Kazemi Developer

I. Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been revolutionizing various aspects of our lives, including the job market. The use of AI in hiring processes has made it easier for companies to find the right candidates for their job openings. However, the use of AI in the hiring process is not without its challenges. One such challenge is the potential for job seekers to fake their skills using AI-powered tools. In this research program, we explore the potential negative impacts of this phenomenon by conducting an experiment and discussing its implications.

II. The Experiment

To better understand the potential negative impacts of faking skills using AI in the hiring process, we conducted an experiment. We decided to participate in a software engineering interview for a job that we had no interest in getting. We applied for the position by submitting our resume and passed the initial screening process, which included verifying our educational background and previous work experience. We were then invited to take part in the technical part of the interview.

During the interview, we were asked several programming and algorithmic questions. Instead of answering the questions ourselves, we used AI tools to cheat. Specifically, we submitted the questions to ChatGPT, an AI language model trained by OpenAI, and received the answers, which we then presented as our own to the interviewer.

The results of our experiment were surprising. Despite cheating our way through the interview, the interviewer was impressed with our supposed talent and skills. We were ultimately qualified for the job, despite having no actual programming or algorithmic knowledge.

The interviewer did not seem to suspect that we were using AI tools to cheat. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of current hiring practices and the potential for unqualified candidates to slip through the cracks using AI tools. It is possible that the interviewer was not thoroughly trained on how to detect the use of AI tools during the interview process.

Moreover, our experience highlights the potential for AI-powered tools to undermine the value of genuine skills and experience in the hiring process. If job seekers can cheat their way through the interview using AI tools, it diminishes the value of those who have worked hard to develop real skills and experience.

In conclusion, our experiment demonstrates the ease with which job seekers can cheat their way through the hiring process using AI tools. This highlights the need for employers to be more vigilant during the hiring process and to prioritize the assessment of a candidate’s skills and experience through a combination of automated and human-driven evaluation. It also underscores the importance of job seekers prioritizing the development of genuine skills and experience rather than relying on AI-powered tools to cheat their way into job positions.

III. The Impacts of Faking Skills Using AI

The impacts of faking skills using AI are significant, affecting both job seekers and employers. Job seekers who cheat their way through interviews may end up in positions they are not qualified for, which can lead to poor job performance and job dissatisfaction. This, in turn, can lead to increased turnover rates, which are costly for employers. Moreover, unqualified candidates may require additional training and support, further increasing the costs for employers.

The use of AI in the hiring process also raises ethical concerns, particularly around biased hiring practices. AI-powered tools may unintentionally perpetuate biases in the hiring process, including gender and racial biases. Furthermore, the lack of transparency in the hiring process may lead to distrust between employers and job seekers, as well as harm to employer branding.

In conclusion, the potential negative impacts of faking skills using AI in the hiring process highlight the need for fair and transparent hiring practices. Employers should be cautious of relying solely on AI-powered tools and should prioritize the assessment of a candidate’s skills and experience through a combination of automated and human-driven evaluation. Job seekers, on the other hand, should prioritize developing genuine skills and experience to secure job positions, rather than relying on AI-powered tools to cheat their way through the hiring process.