Signal 95% of executives doubt candidate skills data while a third of workers admit AI embellishment

Summary

Employers are deeply worried about the reliability of information on job candidates, and workers' own admissions suggest the worry is justified. Deloitte's 2026 survey finds that 95 percent of executives are concerned about the accuracy of data on candidates' skills and capabilities. Meanwhile, slightly more than one in three workers say they regularly use AI to embellish their personal profiles. AI-written resumes can overstate job scope or skills, invent measurable results or mirror a job description too closely. Candidates can also submit portfolios of designs, writing or code they did not create themselves. Deloitte sees talent acquisition as the area where the erosion of authenticity is especially acute.