AI’s Impact on Job Seekers: A Change in Focus

As artificial intelligence continues to transform various industries, a recruiting executive suggests that job seekers who worry about being replaced by AI may be misdirecting their concerns.

Instead of prioritizing candidates with extensive AI experience, companies are increasingly looking for individuals eager to learn. Sultan Khan, who oversees talent acquisition and human resources at OpenArt AI in San Francisco, emphasizes this shift. “The desire to learn is the biggest thing we really need right now,” he mentioned. “Those who are willing to learn are finding jobs much faster these days.”

Khan’s insights come amid a growing demand for workers with AI skills. A report from PwC indicates that the skills required for jobs associated with AI are evolving 66% more rapidly than those in other fields. Furthermore, employees with AI capabilities tend to earn about 56% more than their peers in similar positions.

OpenArt, which boasts over 8 million monthly users, has increased its workforce by approximately 300% over the last year, actively hiring for various roles in engineering, design, marketing, and more.

Interestingly, Khan notes that a lengthy resume filled with AI experience isn’t necessarily a standout feature. “What really helps candidates shine is their engagement in side projects and ongoing learning,” he stated, referring to applicants who have taken AI courses, obtained certifications, or experimented with AI tools on their own.

Considering that generative AI is still relatively new, Khan explains that recruiters are aware that many applicants might lack extensive work histories in this field. Thus, they’re on the lookout for candidates who show curiosity and flexibility.

Curiosity is important, he adds. “The individuals who are enthusiastic about adapting AI to their workflows are attracting significant attention from recruiters.” This emphasis on adaptability extends beyond software engineers to roles such as creative directors, designers, and video editors, where integrating AI into storytelling is becoming crucial.

Khan insists, “AI isn’t about creativity itself; rather, it’s the human element that drives it. The AI only executes the tasks we set for it.”

While some may express concern about AI potentially replacing jobs, Khan believes that such technology is more about evolving job roles, rather than eliminating positions altogether. “AI is not going to eliminate jobs; it’s going to fundamentally change them,” he asserts.

This perspective aligns with findings from the World Economic Forum. According to the 2025 Future Jobs Report, advancements in technology, including AI, are expected to create 170 million new jobs globally while displacing 92 million people by 2030. This would result in a net gain of 78 million jobs, highlighting the necessity for workers to adopt AI-related skills as its usage becomes more prevalent.

Khan advises recent graduates entering a challenging job market to actively engage with AI before their workplaces expect them to. He encourages them to familiarize themselves with commonly used AI tools in their industry, develop projects incorporating these technologies, and include their experiences on resumes and LinkedIn profiles.

“The key is to shift our mindset and learn how to incorporate AI into our field, rather than merely viewing it as a threat,” he concluded.