New research reveals a surge in CV fraud across UK businesses, with HR professionals reporting that AI is making it easier for job applicants to provide false or misleading information. It found that 67% of large companies have seen an increase in job application fraud, attributing the trend to AI tools being used to enhance or fabricate experience or qualifications.
The findings come as thousands of new graduates apply for roles in a competitive market. Nearly half (45%) of large companies reported discovering that a job applicant had provided false information about their qualifications. This could include claiming a degree they did not earn or inflating grades.
While smaller companies reported fewer cases of job application fraud (20% of small businesses and 42% of medium-sized firms), experts believe this is partly because they are less likely to verify qualifications rather than a true difference in applicant behaviour.
Just over half (52%) of large businesses said they check all academic credentials, compared with 37% of medium-sized firms and only 29% of small businesses. In fact, more than a quarter (26%) of small companies admitted they do not check qualifications at all.
Despite the risks, just 39% of small firms currently validate qualification authenticity by either checking with the university/education provider, using a background screening agency or qualification verification platform. This compares to 85% of large organisations and 76% of medium-sized businesses.
This research builds on previous findings from Prospects, part of Jisc Student Services. It found that AI tools are playing a major role in improving and crafting job applications with 43% of students using AI for editing a CV or cover letter, 35% for writing a CV or cover letter from scratch and 26% for answering questions in application forms.
Qualification fraud experts are encouraging all employers, especially those hiring graduates over the coming months, to review their recruitment policies and implement secure verification processes.
Chris Rea leads the Hedd qualification fraud service. He said: “AI tools are giving candidates new ways to enhance or fabricate convincing job applications and many employers may not realise how easy it is for applicants to falsely claim degrees or qualifications. Even companies who think they’re doing the right checks may be relying on outdated or insecure processes.”
*Research from Hedd, part of Jisc, commissioned YouGov to poll more than 500 HR decision makers.
