Mynavi Survey: AI Usage Among 2027 Graduates Surge to 82.7%, Evolving into an Emotional Support Partner
Mynavi's latest survey on 2027 graduates reveals that AI usage in job hunting has spiked to 82.7%, up 18.3pts YoY. Beyond practical tasks like essay proofreading and interview prep, about 30% of students use AI to alleviate anxiety about their own decision-making, indicating AI's growing influence on career choices and emotional support.
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- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 11:53 (21 min after Collected)
Mynavi Corporation has announced the results of its 'Mynavi April 2027 Graduate Career Intentions Survey ,' conducted among university and graduate students nationwide scheduled to graduate in March 2027.
## Key Survey Findings
### 1. AI Usage Surpasses 80% in Job Hunting
The percentage of students who have 'used AI' in their job search reached 82.7%, a significant increase of 18.3 percentage points compared to the previous year. The most common uses were 'Proofreading Application Essays (ES)' (71.8%), followed by 'Interview Preparation' (56.2%) and 'Creating Application Essays' (55.0%). Notably, the use for interview preparation has surged by 38.4 points compared to two years ago, showing AI's establishment as a practical tool.
### 2. AI as Emotional Support
While 'reducing workload time' (54.3%) was the most cited reason for using AI, 28.8% of students responded that they use it because they are 'anxious about deciding based on their thoughts alone.' Furthermore, 47.6% of students have 'consulted' AI about their job search. They use AI for tasks such as venting about future anxieties or stress that they find difficult to discuss with friends. However, students remain cautious; 68.7% stated they use AI responses as 'one of the factors for judgment' rather than following them blindly.
### 3. Impact of AI on Career Choices
62.6% of students reported that their job-hunting activities have 'changed' due to the proliferation of AI. Specific changes include 'applying primarily to industries and roles perceived as difficult for AI to replace' (11.4%) and 'refraining from applying to industries/roles originally desired' (3.4%). This highlights that AI's existence has become a criterion in determining future career paths.
## Researcher Insight
Erika Nakajima, a researcher at Mynavi Career Research Lab, commented: 'Student AI usage is increasing annually, and it is becoming an indispensable partner in job hunting. While it was once a tool for efficiency, we now see a trend toward seeking emotional support. It is crucial for students to make final decisions themselves while wisely using AI as a support system.'
FAQ
Do Japanese job seekers trust AI?
About 70% use it as 'one of the factors for judgment,' viewing it as a supplement to human judgment rather than a complete replacement.
What kind of things do they consult AI about?
In addition to practical tasks like proofreading applications, they discuss emotional concerns like future anxiety and job-hunting stress.
Has AI influenced their choice of industries?
Yes. Over 10% of students now actively apply for industries and roles they perceive as less likely to be replaced by AI.