The recruitment market for tech professionals has been in the doldrums for more than two years and, ironically, AI may have things worse, not better. Across the globe, coders are now expected to produce more code, administrators replace themselves with automation, while whole organisations become more efficient due to LLMs. The infamous phrase of “low-value human capital”, as expressed by Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered, prompted all of us to ask ourselves, “Are we low value too?”

But is this the only reason tech firms are cutting so aggressively? Firms such as Google, Microsoft, Meta and Salesforce have been building and testing AI internally for years. They already knew where AI genuinely improves productivity and where it introduces friction. Since these hyperscalers are spending hundreds of billions on data centre infrastructure in the US alone, and are under pressure to control costs, it is no surprise that CFOs are more focused on stock valuation than job preservation. AI is strongest at repetitive tasks involving routine code, documentation, reporting, research, customer support, testing, data analysis and marketing content. It cannot replace human management, complex sales processes, or any role that requires a physical presence and human interaction. It is time for you to focus on the latter.

Some of the layoffs blamed on AI are actually a correction from over-hiring during 2020–2022. Companies expanded rapidly during the pandemic and later discovered they had more staff than needed. AI has accelerated this process, but it is not the sole cause. One notable trend is the reduction of junior software developers, entry-level analysts, basic technical support staff and content creators. AI tools can often perform much of the routine work that was traditionally assigned to these occupations. Companies may therefore have fewer graduate roles because AI can already handle a significant portion of the introductory tasks that once provided valuable training and experience. Historically, technology often automates jobs before creating new  opportunities. For example, software automated many tasks previously carried out by IT administrators, while cloud computing reduced the need for large infrastructure teams.

How can you make your own job safer?

This is not a time to relax and assume your position is secure. Very little in life is. You must continue learning and develop the ability to adapt. Build a strong personal brand, but make sure you are recognised for the right reasons. Move up the value chain and demonstrate management and strategic skills rather than operational skills.

Sales, sales, sales, every company, especially technology firms, is hunting for new clients. Even if it is not your role, generating new business is one of the most valuable contributions you can make. Just be sure your company attributes that success to you, and not solely to the charismatic salesperson who happens to be in the spotlight.