Job Market
How AI is affecting the job market
How AI is affecting the job market
Written by Martin Ågren - May 26, 2026
AI is affecting many tasks in the job market. Today, AI is used for reports, research, summaries, communication, and administration.
But human abilities remain valuable and necessary, since AI and humans are good at different things. I therefore recommend viewing AI as a collaborative partner, where we humans complement AI with our unique abilities. Humans are needed to review AI output and take responsibility for work. Humans are needed for: judgment, leadership, human interaction, and to guide AI and review AI.
Some job roles are changing rapidly due to AI.
Positive / Negative: Changes in job roles can be experienced as both positive and negative, depending on perspective. Hypothetical example:
A manager experiences increased productivity as positive.
An employee experiences changed ways of working as negative.
Example of a changing job role: Developer / Programmer: I have spoken with several IT managers and developers who all say the same thing: the work of developers has already changed fundamentally due to AI. Today, code is produced much faster with the help of AI. I have heard examples of development working like this:
A junior developer prompts code.
A senior developer reviews AI-generated code.
AI is used today by many job seekers to write CVs and cover letters as well as preparation for interviews. Some AI services can even fully autonomously apply for jobs on behalf of the user.
This brings both opportunities and risks.
Opportunity: Job seekers who previously struggled to create compelling applications can now get help from AI tools.
Opportunity: Recruiters can use AI support, for example by letting AI analyze applications and conduct interviews at an early stage.
Risk: Similar / Misleading:
Applications that are generated can become similar, generic, or contain incorrect information. Therefore, it is important that employers try to assess candidates’ actual competence. It is also important that job seekers review AI output.
Risk: Using AI in recruitment is likely considered "high risk" under the AI Act. What does that mean for your organization? How do you prevent the consequences of AI bias? Are you transparent about how AI is used in recruitment?
Risk: More applications:
The number of applications may increase because AI has simplified the process of creating applications. The consequence may therefore be an increased workload for those recruiting.
It is valuable that you understand how AI impacts the labor market, and that you see both the opportunities and the risks, and consider how you can handle the new situation in the best way.
For your AI policy: Clarify how AI may (and may not) be used in the workplace. Also clarify how AI may be used in recruitment. Address transparency and AI bias.