The rise of AI tools like Cluely, a startup offering real-time interview coaching, has normalized cheating in job interviews, according to its founder, Alex Carter. In 2025, with tech job competition fiercer than ever—over 160,000 layoffs in 2024 per Layoffs.fyi and entry-level roles down 25% since 2022 (LinkedIn data)—candidates are turning to AI to gain an edge. Cluely’s platform, which provides instant answers and talking points during virtual interviews, has seen a 40% surge in usage among job seekers, particularly in tech hubs like San Francisco.
Carter argues that AI assistance is no different from traditional prep tools, like resume guides, and reflects the tech-driven evolution of hiring. A 2025 Handshake survey found 60% of graduates admit to using AI tools during interviews, citing pressure to stand out in a cutthroat market. However, hiring managers are pushing back, with 55% reporting concerns about authenticity, per a 2024 SHRM study. Some companies are now using AI-detection software to counter these tools.
Critics warn that widespread AI use erodes trust in hiring, while supporters see it as leveling the playing field. As the job market remains tight into 2025, Carter predicts AI-assisted interviews will become standard, forcing employers to rethink evaluation methods.