1 in 3 Americans Use ChatGPT for Job Search, Study Reveals
▼ Summary
– About one in three Americans has used AI tools like ChatGPT for career change assistance, with many using it for resumes, cover letters, or job research.
– Gen Z and millennials are most likely to consider career changes (57% and 55%, respectively), compared to baby boomers (12%).
– While 18% of respondents said AI suggested a new career path, 60% still trust human career advisers more than AI.
– AI’s impact on jobs is mixed, with predictions of job losses in white-collar roles but potential for new, more interesting roles to emerge.
– Tech companies are prioritizing top AI researchers with high salaries, widening the wealth gap between experienced and entry-level professionals.
ChatGPT and other AI tools are rapidly transforming how Americans approach career changes, with one-third now leveraging this technology for job searches. A recent study by Southeastern Oklahoma University reveals fascinating insights into how different generations are adopting artificial intelligence to navigate today’s volatile job market.
The research, surveying 1,000 Americans across four generations, found that over half of workers are actively considering a career shift, with Gen Z leading the charge at 57%. Millennials follow closely at 55%, while Gen X and baby boomers trail at 50% and 12% respectively. Among those using AI for career transitions, 43% rely on it for drafting resumes and cover letters, while 47% use it to research higher-paying opportunities. Surprisingly, 18% reported that AI suggested entirely new career paths they hadn’t previously considered.
Despite widespread adoption, trust in AI-generated career advice remains shaky. Only 7% of respondents said they trust AI more than human career advisors, while 60% still prefer human guidance. However, 17% admitted following AI recommendations even when they contradicted advice from professionals. Technology, healthcare, and finance emerged as the top industries attracting career changers across all age groups.
The findings arrive alongside growing skepticism toward AI-powered tools like Google’s AI Overviews, where many users remain wary of automated summaries despite increasing reliance on AI. Meanwhile, industry leaders continue debating AI’s long-term impact on employment. Some predict massive job displacement, with Anthropic’s CEO forecasting that AI could eliminate half of white-collar roles within five years. Amazon’s Andy Jassy acknowledges automation will replace certain jobs while simultaneously creating new opportunities and reshaping existing roles.
The tech sector itself reflects these shifting dynamics. Companies are hiring fewer entry-level computer science graduates as AI handles routine tasks traditionally assigned to junior employees. Simultaneously, a fierce talent war is brewing among tech giants competing for elite AI researchers. Meta and Google are offering multimillion-dollar packages to secure top talent, signaling a widening gap between industry leaders and newcomers trying to break into the field.
As AI continues reshaping careers and industries, its influence on the workforce appears both disruptive and transformative, raising critical questions about trust, opportunity, and the future of work.
(Source: ZDNET)
