Kahoot! says 65% of young professionals aged 21 to 25 have used AI tools such as ChatGPT to write cover letters or job applications. More than half admit they have exaggerated skills on their CV or LinkedIn profiles.
53% say they have overstated work experience. 46% have overstated technical skills. 43% have overstated hobbies or side projects. AI helps them phrase things in a way that sounds more confident than they feel.
This does not stop once they get the job because 59% say they use AI to complete everyday tasks because they feel undertrained or lack the skills required. 54% fear AI threatens their job security. 18% believe their job could disappear or become redundant.
Jon Neale, Growth Director, UK and Ireland at Kahoot!, said, “Young people aren’t turning to AI out of laziness; they’re turning to it out of uncertainty. Many are entering workplaces without the structure, mentorship or direction they need to build confidence, so AI becomes a practical shortcut to present themselves as sufficiently competent whilst they build confidence on the job. Employers who want to fulfil their potential need to provide clearer guidance, better training, and genuine support, rather than leaving AI to fill the gaps. This reliance on AI is a short-term fix for a much deeper, widespread issue.”
Can AI Tools From Universities Make A Real Difference?
Graduates are entering a crowded jobs market. Around 707,000 graduates are currently out of work, up 46% since 2019. Employers report skills gaps and difficulty identifying suitable candidates.
Access Learning, part of The Access Group, has launched Access Careers Centre to respond to that problem. The AI powered platform analyses a student’s skills, qualifications and ambitions, then delivers tailored career guidance and job recommendations.
It includes an AI powered CV scanner and Interview360, which gives feedback on body language, communication and voice quality. The platform hosts more than 1,300 CPD accredited resources designed to help students understand their strengths and prepare for employment. Universities can also use it to track career progression over time for Office for Students and Teaching Excellence Framework requirements.
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Jake Niarchos, Director at Access Careers Centre, said, “Universities are under growing pressure to demonstrate clear employability outcomes while supporting more students with fewer resources. At the same time, they must show prospective students the tangible value of further education amid rising indecision about career paths.
“Students need more than job boards – they need the confidence to articulate their skills and safe spaces to explore, experiment and grow. While technology is creating entirely new career opportunities, it is also increasing uncertainty. Our role is to help students recognise their potential and understand where they fit in a rapidly changing world.”
He adds that, “Access Careers Centre enables institutions to deliver personalised, scalable careers support at pace, helping students build the confidence, skills and experience needed to succeed in an AI-driven workforce.”
Are Graduates Asking For More Than Just Tech?
Young professionals want guidance as much as they want tools. 56% say access to professional development would make them more loyal to their employer. 21% report their employer does not invest in training at all.
Most believe AI works in their favour. 82% say it gives them an advantage over older colleagues. 30% describe it as a big advantage. Only 5% see it as a disadvantage.
Lastly, when it comes to priorities, 44% rank healthy work life balance highest. 33% want competitive pay and benefits. 31% prioritise flexible working. 29% value learning and development opportunities. 45% prefer hybrid working, compared with 20% who favour fully office based roles and 10% who want fully remote roles.
The research was commissioned by Kahoot! and conducted by OnePoll in December 2025. It surveyed 2,000 recent university graduates entering corporate roles.
