Tech firms force in-person interviews to block AI cheating

The reliance on automated coding tests has hit a wall as AI tools allow applicants to bypass traditional vetting. According to data from the Greenhouse 2025 AI in Hiring report, 39% of US hiring managers have shifted toward face-to-face interviews specifically to confirm a candidate’s actual skill set. This trend suggests a growing distrust in virtual assessment platforms that were once the industry standard.

While some firms push for physical presence, others are integrating AI into their hiring workflows. Companies like Google and Replit have piloted programs that permit the use of approved AI assistants, prioritizing a candidate’s ability to navigate AI-enabled environments over raw memorization. Cisco is pivoting toward project-based exercises that require candidates to demonstrate problem-solving within these new digital workflows. Scott McGuckin, Cisco’s VP of global talent acquisition, noted that the human element of oversight remains essential as the industry grapples with the potential for fraud in remote applications.