The job market in the age of AI: “There aren't fewer opportunities, but expectations are higher.”

Artificial intelligence is profoundly changing not only the way people start their careers, but also the job market as a whole. Many traditional tasks are being automated and new roles are emerging. For young professionals in particular, this means greater demands but also new opportunities. Samuel Mete, a labour market expert at LHH, assesses current developments and explains what is important when entering an AI-driven world of work.

Instead of fewer jobs, there is more selective recruitment

In popular fields such as consulting, law, and investment banking, demand for graduates remains stable. According to the Adecco Swiss Job Market Index for the first quarter of 2025, the number of entry-level positions has actually risen since the start of the pandemic. However, the focus is shifting. “Traditional junior tasks such as data preparation and presentations are now often performed by AI,” Mete explains. “Companies have become more selective. Anyone who wants to apply must offer more than just a degree.” Nevertheless, the Job Index shows that the level of education required is rising, with the number of jobs requiring secondary or tertiary education increasing in recent years.

HR, communication and administration are in transition

Occupational fields such as human resources, communication and administration are particularly affected by automation. Tasks such as screening CVs, creating job advertisements and internal standard texts can now be reliably performed by AI. However, Mete emphasises that this does not mean that these occupational fields will disappear. Rather, the focus is shifting from operational routine to strategic, people-centred activities such as organisational development and change management.'

Pressure on commercial professions

There is also caution when it comes to filling positions in the commercial sector. The latest Skills Shortage Index shows that automated processes are becoming increasingly common in accounting, controlling and administration. Nevertheless, new roles are emerging in areas such as digital reporting, financial data analysis, AI-supported controlling and AI governance.

"Here, too, the focus is shifting from pure process handling to interpretation and decision support. However, the economically and geopolitically unstable situation is also contributing to fewer jobs being advertised, regardless of industry and function,” says Mete. He adds: “Automation does not stop at individual industries. We are seeing a cross-sector trend, but at different speeds. Industries with a high proportion of standardisable processes are currently particularly affected.”

Although it takes longer to get started, it's worth it

Starting a career has become more complex. Many companies are more demanding, and the recruitment process takes longer.

”There are no fewer opportunities, but expectations are higher,” says Mete. “People who understand AI and use it sensibly are in particularly high demand today.”

So, what should career starters bring to the table today?

Mete recommends a hybrid skill set with three core competencies:

1. Digital competence: Understanding of AI, automation, data analysis and ethics.
2. Willingness to learn and agility: Quickly adapting to new tools and being open to change and lifelong learning.
3. Human skills: creativity, critical thinking, empathy, communication and resilience.

“In my view, anyone who possesses these qualities has a clear competitive advantage today,” says Mete.

Change affects everyone, not just young talent

The way in which we deal with change is crucial, not only for young professionals, but for all generations in the labour market. Many companies are focusing on retraining and reskilling programmes to help young talent transition into new roles. However, automation, economic pressure and geopolitical uncertainties are also leading to restructuring in middle and senior management.

“What matters is not age, but the willingness to understand and help shape new technologies,” emphasises Mete.

The job market is changing, but no one is being left behind. The same applies to both newcomers and experienced workers: if you're flexible, willing to learn and open to technology, you have more options than ever before.

As Mete says, “The green field has grown bigger and become more exciting – you just have to be ready to step onto it.”