Shock News: The Job Market Has Changed – Have You Noticed?

Like many of you, I’ve been rethinking my career lately. As someone in UX (and let’s be honest, in digital in general), I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years. Job titles keep evolving—UX Designer, Product Designer, Service Designer—but the core of the work stays the same.

What has changed is how we get hired.

CVs are now scanned by AI before a human even sees them. Roles vanish minutes after they're posted, flooded with hundreds of applications. And yes, I’ve hit “easy apply” too a few times (who hasn't!), but when I apply, it’s because I genuinely want the job and believe I’d be good at it. That effort—tailoring your experience, showing your personality, sharing what makes you a great fit—feels increasingly futile when you’re ghosted or rejected within minutes.

The market is swamped. And while AI can write a decent cover letter, it can’t replace human qualities like empathy, curiosity, or collaboration. It can’t navigate company culture or solve problems in a room full of real people.

So, hiring teams, if someone puts in the effort to thoughtfully apply, take a moment to see them. Even a quick reply is better than silence. And job seekers—keep showing up as your full, honest self. That still matters, even in an AI-powered world.

We may not have all the answers, but it’s time we keep asking better questions about how we hire and how we’re seen.