Remote Interview Red Flags: 10 Indicators to Catch Cheaters Early
Cheating in technical interviews has become more common, especially now that remote interviews are widespread. While technology offers convenience, it has also made it easier for candidates to seek unauthorized help. Here are ten detailed signs to help recruiters recognize cheating behaviors early on, ensuring the integrity of their hiring processes.
1. Unusual and lengthy pauses
Candidates often pause briefly to gather their thoughts, but if they frequently take too long, especially for straightforward questions, they might be waiting for external help or AI-generated responses. Confirm this by asking simpler or slightly different follow-up questions to check if delays continue.
2. Odd screenshare behavior or hidden screens
Be cautious if a candidate frequently switches between windows, hides parts of their screen, or moves their mouse erratically. These behaviors can indicate that they're using unauthorized tools or communicating with someone else. Politely ask them to share their entire desktop or briefly discuss any odd behavior you notice.
3. Frequent eye movements away from the screen or camera
Constant glances away from the camera or monitor may suggest the candidate is referencing notes or another screen. Such behavior is especially suspicious during crucial questions. Asking conversational follow-up questions can help determine if their attention continues to wander.
4. Mismatch between typing sounds and visual output
Pay close attention if typing sounds don't match what's appearing on screen, or if text suddenly appears without corresponding typing sounds. These discrepancies might mean they're copying responses from another source. To verify, ask them to verbally explain the next steps clearly.
5. Sudden changes in problem-solving ability
Significant swings in a candidate's ability to solve problems, struggling heavily at first and then suddenly performing exceptionally well, could indicate outside help. Genuine skill levels typically remain consistent throughout the interview.
6. Responses that sound overly scripted or robotic
Answers that feel unnaturally polished, rehearsed, or robotic might be pre-written or AI-generated. Human interactions usually include some natural imperfections and spontaneity. To clarify, ask questions requiring spontaneous explanations or personal opinions.
7. Avoiding or deflecting direct answers
Candidates who repeatedly avoid answering questions directly or who continuously deflect might be relying on memorized scripts or external assistance. Probe deeper by slightly altering your questions or asking related, non-standard follow-ups. Note if their performance noticeably drops with unexpected or unusual questions, revealing a dependence on memorized or scripted responses.
8. Strange or unexplained background noises
Unusual background sounds, like whispers, typing noises not matching the visible actions, or faint audio prompts, can signal hidden communication with someone else. Politely address these sounds or request the candidate to relocate to a quieter area.
9. Excessive clarification requests on simple questions
Frequently asking for clarification, especially on straightforward questions, could be a tactic to buy time to consult external resources. Occasional confusion is normal, try to ask simpler, direct questions to verify authenticity if that doesn't help there is either a language barrier at play or the candidate needs the time to pipe the questions to AI. Pay attention if candidates repeat your questions back aloud, this could indicate they're stalling or dictating questions to hidden devices.
10. Providing overly generic or textbook-like answers
If a candidate consistently offers overly generic or exact textbook answers, it suggests reliance on external sources rather than genuine understanding. Ask them to elaborate in their own words or provide a practical example to test their true knowledge.
Staying alert to these signs helps spot cheaters early, ensuring you select candidates who genuinely match their claimed skills.
Philipp Parzer
Philipp is a fullstack software engineer, designer, entrepreneur and co-founder of 0cred. Philipp has extensive experience hiring outstanding international talent for big companies. He built 0cred to fix his own hiring needs.