How to cheat on interviews using AI

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing nearly every industry, even job interviews are no longer safe from its influence. One of the most controversial innovations in this space is Cluely, an AI-powered tool that enables real-time assistance during high-stakes situations like interviews, exams, and sales calls. While marketed as a productivity enhancer, its primary appeal lies in its covert capabilities that allow users to “cheat on everything”—a bold and ethically murky claim.

In this article, we explore how tools like Cluely are transforming the interview landscape, the mechanics behind how they work, real-world cases, ethical concerns, and what both candidates and recruiters should know about this new age of AI-powered interview cheating.

What is Cluely?

Developed by former Columbia University students Chungin “Roy” Lee and Neel Shanmugam, Cluely is a desktop assistant that operates within a translucent in-browser window. It offers real-time AI-generated responses to interview questions, listens to audio, sees your screen, and remains invisible to others—even during screen sharing. This makes it extremely difficult for recruiters to detect its use during virtual interviews.

Cluely offers:

• Free Version: Limited features for basic interview assistance.
  
• Pro Version ($15/month): Unlocks advanced AI models with more sophisticated capabilities.
  

Cluely is described on its website as “undetectable,” and likened to technologies like calculators and Google—once controversial, now standard. But there’s a fine line between AI interview preparation and AI cheating.

How CluelyAI Works

Cluely’s suite of features makes it incredibly easy to manipulate virtual interactions:

• AI-Powered Answer Generation: Uses natural language processing (NLP) to produce coherent, confident answers based on the question asked.
  
• Question Prediction: Analyzes job descriptions to anticipate possible interview questions.
  
• Screen Overlay Assistance: Provides invisible hints and answers visible only to the user.
  
• Real-Time Coaching: Offers live feedback and suggested responses during interviews.
  

These features are intended to “enhance” performance, but many are using them to bypass genuine effort, effectively cheating in interviews.

Why People Are Using AI to Cheat in Interviews

1. Hyper-Competitive Job Market: With thousands competing for the same roles, candidates are looking for any advantage.
   
2. Remote Interview Boom: Virtual interviews make it easier to introduce hidden AI tools.
   
3. Skill Gaps: Some candidates use AI to compensate for lacking real technical knowledge or communication skills.
   

This new reality is blurring the lines between tech-assisted preparation and deception.

Real-World Fallout: The Columbia University Scandal

In a now-viral story, Cluely’s creators were suspended from Columbia University after using the tool to cheat on their coursework. Lee was offered a position at Amazon after a successful interview—but the offer was rescinded once Amazon discovered his YouTube video about using Cluely.

Despite this setback, Lee and Shanmugam dropped out of Columbia and secured $5.3 million in funding to grow Cluely. They now operate as CEO and COO of the company. This case highlights both the opportunity and the danger behind such technology.

How to Cheat on Interviews Using Cluely: A Practical Breakdown

Disclaimer: The purpose of this section is to educate and raise awareness about how AI is being misused. We do not endorse cheating in any form.

Pre-Interview Preparation

• Use Cluely’s question prediction to create a list of likely questions.
  
• Generate responses using industry-specific language to sound more credible.
  
• Practice answering to avoid robotic delivery and detection.
  

During the Interview

• Use a discreet earpiece to hear Cluely’s responses.
  
• Activate Cluely’s invisible overlay to read answers on-screen.
  
• Avoid full-screen sharing unless absolutely required.
  

Post-Interview Optimization

• Review Cluely’s real-time feedback to improve responses for future interviews.
  
• Tweak inputs and generate better replies for the next round.
  

Ethical Implications and Risks

Using AI to cheat in interviews raises serious concerns:

• Unfair Advantage: Candidates using Cluely may outperform more qualified applicants.
  
• Job Performance Gap: Those hired based on AI-assisted interviews may struggle on the job.
  
• Reputation Risk: Getting caught can lead to rescinded offers, blacklisting, or even academic penalties.
  

Just as plagiarism detection changed academic honesty, AI-detection tools for interviews are emerging, and using Cluely could backfire.

Recruiters Fight Back: How Employers Detect AI Cheating

Recruiters are increasingly deploying anti-AI detection strategies, including:

• Deterrence through Transparency: Informing candidates of AI-detection efforts.
  
• Environmental Scanning: Asking candidates to show their room or surroundings.
  
• Full-Screen Sharing Requests: To catch hidden AI applications or browser tabs.
  
• Audio & Visual Cues: Monitoring for earbuds or signs of deepfake overlays.
  
• Hand Gestures: Asking candidates to wave to verify real-time facial motion and authenticity.
  
• Neutral Interview Locations: Conducting interviews in monitored cafés or libraries.
  
• Live Invigilation: Hiring third-party observers from platforms like Fiverr.
  

These tactics aim to restore trust and authenticity in remote hiring.

Legitimate Use: Combining AI with Genuine Preparation

AI doesn’t have to be a tool for cheating. It can be used ethically:

• Mock Interviews: Use Cluely to simulate real interviews and get constructive feedback.
  
• Skill Reinforcement: Use generated responses to understand frameworks and industry standards.
  
• Confidence Building: Practice answering tough questions more fluidly.
  

By blending AI tools like Cluely with real-world knowledge, candidates can enhance their performance without deception.

Conclusion: The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Recruitment

The rise of Cluely and similar tools marks a turning point in recruitment. On one side, they offer powerful preparation tools that help candidates excel. On the other hand, they introduce new avenues for dishonesty, prompting a new arms race between candidates and recruiters.

AI interview cheating is a growing concern, but it’s also a wake-up call for companies to adapt their hiring practices, and for candidates to reflect on the long-term consequences of unethical success.