<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>Remote IT Jobs | Find Remote Tech Jobs Worldwide</title> <link>https://www.remoteitjobs.app</link> <description>Discover top remote IT jobs from leading tech companies. Search software development, DevOps, cybersecurity, and tech leadership positions. Apply to work-from-home tech jobs today.</description> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:15:45 GMT</lastBuildDate> <docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs> <generator>https://github.com/jpmonette/feed</generator> <language>en</language> <image> <title>Remote IT Jobs | Find Remote Tech Jobs Worldwide</title> <url>https://www.remoteitjobs.app/images/logo-512.png</url> <link>https://www.remoteitjobs.app</link> </image> <copyright>All rights reserved 2024, RemoteITJobs.app</copyright> <category>Bitcoin News</category> <item> <title><![CDATA[From Prison Cells to Paychecks: How Inmates Are Landing Six-Figure Remote Tech Jobs]]></title> <link>https://www.remoteitjobs.app/article/from-prison-cells-to-paychecks-how-inmates-are-landing-six-figure-remote-tech-jobs</link> <guid>from-prison-cells-to-paychecks-how-inmates-are-landing-six-figure-remote-tech-jobs</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:15:13 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## Remote Work Behind Bars: A New Path to Rehabilitation At the **Mountain View Correctional Facility** in Maine, inmates are trading traditional prison assignments for **laptops and remote jobs** with companies across the country. This innovative program is transforming lives while connecting labor directly to justice. ### Self-Taught Software Engineers Finding Purpose **Preston Thorp**, a former drug dealer turned self-taught software engineer, now codes for a San Francisco-based tech company from inside the Maine state facility. "I have a purpose now," Thorp told NBC News. "Prior, I had nothing going for me." Thorp is part of a group of approximately **40 inmates** working remotely in various industries. While at least three other states—Kansas, Ohio, and California—also permit some remote work for inmates, Maine corrections officials say they've advanced the concept by **integrating education and case planning** into the program. ### Rigorous Requirements for Participation **Maine's Department of Corrections** has established strict benchmarks inmates must meet before being considered for remote work. Participants must complete **higher education coursework** and follow individualized case plans developed with social workers. Only after meeting these requirements are they granted carefully monitored internet access. ### Lucrative Earnings with Accountability Built-In The work can be remarkably profitable. According to NBC News, **at least one inmate has reached a six-figure salary**. However, Maine law ensures this income serves multiple purposes: - After taxes, **25% of earnings go toward restitution for victims** - **10% is set aside for prison room and board** Maine DOC Commissioner **Randall Liberty** explained the philosophy behind this structure: "If people really care about victims and survivors of crime, that are owed money, the way that we do that is we provide meaningful work for individuals who are incarcerated so they can pay down those debts." ### Life-Changing Outcomes For Thorp, the remote tech job has done more than cover bills—he's earning enough to **plan for a home purchase** once he completes his sentence. "He's doing the work that people with 20 years of experience can't do," said TURSO CEO Glauber Costa. Thorp is nearing the end of his sentence and expects to leave prison with both employment and savings. Another participant, Ryan, is only halfway through a 42-year sentence but is using the program to prepare for his eventual release. Ryan earned both a **bachelor's and master's degree** while incarcerated and now provides remote tech support, including building systems that use **AI to create support tickets**. "I feel like I started my life in here," Ryan said. "The transition is going to be much softer." Thorp's perspective on post-prison possibilities has fundamentally shifted. Where he once believed he would never have a family or normal career, he now says "all those things are within reach."]]></description> <author>contact@remoteitjobs.app (RemoteITJobs.app)</author> <category>remotework</category> <category>techjobs</category> <category>prisonreform</category> <category>softwareengineering</category> <category>rehabilitation</category> <enclosure url="https://lexipol.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e506cb/2147483647/strip/true/crop/480x270+0+45/resize/1440x810!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FpYUJl37Q9t0%2Fhqdefault.jpg" length="0" type="image//dims4/default/3e506cb/2147483647/strip/true/crop/480x270+0+45/resize/1440x810!/quality/90/"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Amazon's AI Obsession: Why 1,900 Engineers Were Axed in Record Layoffs]]></title> <link>https://www.remoteitjobs.app/article/amazons-ai-obsession-why-1-900-engineers-were-axed-in-record-layoffs</link> <guid>amazons-ai-obsession-why-1-900-engineers-were-axed-in-record-layoffs</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:15:13 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## Amazon's Innovation Paradox: Slashing Engineers While Chasing AI Supremacy In the heart of Seattle, where Amazon’s sprawling headquarters symbolize the pinnacle of tech innovation, a quiet storm has been brewing. The e-commerce behemoth, long revered for its relentless pursuit of technological advancement, recently announced a sweeping round of layoffs that has sent shockwaves through the industry. According to state filings analyzed by CNBC, **nearly 40% of the 4,700 positions eliminated** across key states like Washington, New York, New Jersey, and California were engineering roles—amounting to roughly **1,900 technical jobs axed**. This move comes even as CEO Andy Jassy publicly emphasizes the need for Amazon to “innovate much faster than ever before,” highlighting a stark contradiction in the company’s strategy. The layoffs, part of a larger cut of about **14,000 corporate positions** announced in late October 2025, target managers, applied scientists, software engineers, and recruiters. Amazon’s rationale, outlined in internal memos, focuses on reducing bureaucratic layers to streamline operations and free up resources for investments in **generative AI**. Yet, the disproportionate impact on engineers raises eyebrows among industry observers. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect widespread sentiment, with users lamenting the “AI-led job disruption” and questioning how a company can accelerate innovation by dismantling its core technical workforce. This isn’t Amazon’s first brush with mass redundancies. Back in late 2022, the company shed around 27,000 jobs amid post-pandemic economic adjustments. But the 2025 cuts, potentially scaling up to 30,000 according to sources cited by Reuters, mark the **largest in its history**. The timing is particularly ironic, coinciding with Amazon’s aggressive push into AI and cloud computing through AWS, where growth has reportedly slowed due to capital expenditure constraints on items like GPUs. ### The Engineering Bloodletting: Numbers and Narratives Delving deeper into the data, filings in Washington—Amazon’s home state—show **software engineers bearing the brunt**. This reflects a broader industry trend where over 100,000 tech jobs have been lost in 2025 alone, with giants like Microsoft, Intel, and Salesforce also slashing positions to pivot toward **AI automation**. Amazon’s cuts, however, stand out for their focus on the very roles that have historically driven its digital backbone. Industry insiders point to internal inefficiencies as a key driver. Jassy’s memo, leaked and discussed widely on platforms like X, criticizes “bureaucratic bloat” and calls for a leaner structure. Yet, critics argue this overlooks the human cost. One X post from a tech analyst with over a million views described it as “the Amazon moment we weren’t ready for,” warning that replacing 10% of the 350,000-strong workforce with AI-enabled robots could erode empathy in corporate culture. Moreover, the layoffs come amid Amazon’s substantial investments in AI infrastructure. The company is expanding compute capacity for services like generative AI. But with AWS facing market punishment for slowed growth, Amazon appears caught in a bind: needing to cut costs to fund AI while potentially hamstringing its innovation engine. ### AI Ambitions Versus Human Capital Amazon’s pivot to AI isn’t just rhetoric; it’s backed by billions in spending. Yet, the elimination of nearly 1,900 engineering roles—precisely the talent pool needed for AI development—presents a puzzle. This shift exposes deeper struggles with disruption and bureaucracy. Engineers, once the lifeblood of Amazon’s platforms, are now seen as expendable in the race to automate. Public discourse on X amplifies these tensions. Influential voices, including tech entrepreneurs and analysts, decry the move as shortsighted. One widely shared thread questions the logic of laying off engineers while claiming a need for faster innovation, linking it to broader issues like H-1B visas and the “tech jobs apocalypse.” Another post highlights how entry-level tech jobs have plummeted 20% since 2022, exacerbating the talent crunch. Comparatively, peers like Microsoft have cut 19,000 jobs, often replacing roles with AI. Amazon’s strategy mirrors this, but its scale—potentially affecting young employees and leading to warnings against impulsive debt—underscores a brutal reality: **AI is reshaping the workforce faster than companies can adapt**. ### Bureaucracy’s Shadow Over Innovation At the core of Amazon’s restructuring is a drive to “reduce layers,” as articulated in staff memos. Jassy’s vision aims to make the company less hierarchical, theoretically speeding up decision-making. However, slashing technical roles risks creating knowledge gaps that could hinder long-term innovation. Insights from Slashdot discussions reveal community skepticism, with users debating whether these cuts are truly about efficiency or a cover for financial pressures. The platform’s aggregation of news paints a picture of an industry in flux, where AI promises efficiency but delivers widespread displacement. Furthermore, economic headwinds play a role. With over 112,000 tech layoffs in 2025 driven by AI adoption, Amazon’s actions fit a pattern. Yet, the contradiction—cutting innovators to fund innovation—has sparked calls for more empathetic leadership, echoing sentiments in X posts that criticize trillion-dollar companies for prioritizing profits over people. ### Ripple Effects on the Tech Ecosystem The fallout extends beyond Amazon’s walls. Laid-off engineers flood a competitive job market, potentially benefiting rivals or startups. This “brutal math” exposes Amazon’s AI struggles, with nearly 40% of cuts in four states hitting technical roles. On X, the narrative ties into immigration debates, with posts linking H-1B visas to the “massive layoff of engineers.” This adds a layer of complexity, as global talent pools are disrupted amid U.S.-centric cuts. Looking ahead, Amazon’s ability to balance cost-cutting with innovation will be scrutinized. While the company invests in AI-driven services, the human element remains crucial. Industry watchers suggest that true innovation requires not just technology, but empowered teams— a lesson Amazon may yet learn from this paradox. ### Strategic Crossroads: Lessons from the Cuts Amazon’s layoffs also highlight broader implications for corporate America. By targeting scientists and recruiters alongside engineers, the company signals a holistic restructuring. This could streamline operations but risks morale dips and talent attrition. X users express concern over the “future of work,” with one post tallying 118,000+ tech cuts and questioning AI’s role in displacing humans. Such sentiments underscore a pivotal moment: as companies like Amazon chase AI supremacy, they must navigate the fine line between efficiency and erosion of core capabilities. Ultimately, this episode may redefine Amazon’s legacy. From its roots in online retail to AI frontrunner, the company’s path forward depends on reconciling its innovation rhetoric with workforce realities. As the dust settles, the tech world watches closely, pondering if slashing engineers is the price of progress or a misstep in the innovation race.]]></description> <author>contact@remoteitjobs.app (RemoteITJobs.app)</author> <category>amazon</category> <category>layoffs</category> <category>ai</category> <category>engineering</category> <category>techjobs</category> <enclosure url="https://www.webpronews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/article-2049-1763745259.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Why AI Won't Stop Your Tech Career: The Real Skills That Matter in 2024]]></title> <link>https://www.remoteitjobs.app/article/why-ai-wont-stop-your-tech-career-the-real-skills-that-matter-in-2024</link> <guid>why-ai-wont-stop-your-tech-career-the-real-skills-that-matter-in-2024</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:15:18 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The Tech Industry's Resilience Over the past several decades, the technology industry has offered American workers some of the highest wages and highest levels of job security. But recent uncertainty in the labor market has called the value of tech jobs, and tech skills, into question. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already **eliminating entry-level tech jobs**. Major tech companies like Intel, Meta, and Microsoft have **laid off thousands of workers** this year. And government cuts to research grants have put other parts of the tech sector at risk. ## Why Computer Science Remains a Smart Choice Despite these challenges, pursuing a degree in computer science and related disciplines, such as computer engineering, applied math, or data science, is one of the best choices students can make. Perhaps the biggest misconception people have about computer science and related disciplines is the very nature of what the field really is. The most important concept we want students to learn is to **think creatively to solve complex problems**. Computer programming is just a tool to systematize problem solving. When I got my degree in computer engineering in 1995, the world was very different. The world wide web was just starting. We didn’t have large scale search engines, cloud computing, or mobile phones. But I learned the foundations of computer science and I was trained in problem solving. And that training allowed me to work in many fields over the last 20 years, including Google search and infrastructure for Microsoft Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing service. ## AI's Impact Across All Professions Another important misconception is that AI will disrupt software development more than other fields. The applicability of AI in the workforce is very real and it will be pervasive, impacting **every knowledge worker** and not only software developers. Very soon we’ll see a multitude of AI tools for other professions as well, including graphic designers, lawyers, accountants, health care providers, and every profession in which knowledge can be systematized by AI systems. Software development is not only a convenient guinea pig for AI. It is a natural next step, given the evolution of programming languages and how we interact with computers. However, this will not reduce the need for software developers. We still have a lot to do, and need qualified people who can **think critically and solve hard problems**. But what we expect from people will change, for developers and for every knowledge worker. ## What AI Can and Cannot Do What AI can do really well is automate the mechanical aspects of the job. In software development, if we provide a precise description, AI can write code for us. In marketing, if we provide a good description of the product and the goal of a campaign, AI can produce marketing materials. However, we are still far away from the day that AI will decide what software systems need to be built and which products should be developed. And AI can’t tap into the **human emotions** that drive consumer behaviors. We need humans for these jobs and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. And we will always need qualified humans that know how to solve complex problems. Every knowledge worker will eventually need to work alongside AI. In every area. Students should not base what they decided to study on the fact that AI will disrupt their industry. They should pursue the area they are passionate about and that makes them feel their most creative. They should pursue the field that they think will allow them to most positively impact society. Computer science ticks all of these boxes. ## The Future Needs Human Problem Solvers I’m biased, but I feel computer science and its related disciplines are an even better choice now than when I graduated in the 90s. We have better technology and more computational resources and a very long list of problems that need to be solved, including **global climate change, hunger, and healthcare**. These problems need humans. I know many recent computer science and STEM grads are discouraged by the current job market. While we may have fewer openings for recent grads now than in the recent past, this will change. The job market is cyclical, with some years being much better than others for graduating students. In years when the market is tight, students should focus on deepening their knowledge—if not out of their own self-interest, then for the best interest of society. We cannot continue building systems without a new generation of computer scientists, and we have more problems to solve than people. We need the next generation of computer scientists to help **program a better society**.]]></description> <author>contact@remoteitjobs.app (RemoteITJobs.app)</author> <category>ai</category> <category>techcareers</category> <category>computerscience</category> <category>futureofwork</category> <category>problemsolving</category> <enclosure url="https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Study-Tech-AI.jpg?quality=85&w=1200&h=628&crop=1" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Drone Institute's $340K Expansion Creates 610 Tech Jobs in Lafayette - Aerial Innovation Hub]]></title> <link>https://www.remoteitjobs.app/article/drone-institutes-340k-expansion-creates-610-tech-jobs-in-lafayette-aerial-innovation-hub</link> <guid>drone-institutes-340k-expansion-creates-610-tech-jobs-in-lafayette-aerial-innovation-hub</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:15:13 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[**LAFAYETTE, LA.** – The Drone Institute, LLC is expanding its Lafayette headquarters to consolidate its drone operations, data processing, and pilot training within a single facility. This **$340,000 expansion** is expected to create **610 new jobs** over the next 10 years while retaining seven current positions in Lafayette Parish. George Femmer, Drone Institute CEO, shared how the new facility will support the company’s growing operations and development of **advanced aerial imaging software** for infrastructure assessment. "Drone Institute is changing how we see the world from above. Contrary to the trend of young tech companies leaving the state, Drone Institute has committed to Lafayette and Louisiana. This expansion allows us to build **smarter drone systems and data products** that assist clients to work safer, faster and with deeper insight," Femmer said. The new headquarters will be located at **105 Dorest Avenue in Lafayette**. From this location, the company aims to manage nationwide drone missions, train pilots and geospatial analysts, and develop advanced imaging tools that help industrial clients detect and prevent infrastructure issues. According to the Drone Institute, construction on the new facility is scheduled to begin by the end of the year, with completion expected by **July 2026**. With new job opportunities and technological advancements, Lafayette is set to become another emerging hub for aerial systems.]]></description> <author>contact@remoteitjobs.app (RemoteITJobs.app)</author> <category>dronetech</category> <category>techjobs</category> <category>startupexpansion</category> <category>aerialimaging</category> <category>infrastructure</category> <enclosure url="https://media.zenfs.com/en/klfy_lafayette_articles_884/8b337d544a6be11a97d7911e11ae6ad1" length="0" type="image//en/klfy_lafayette_articles_884/8b337d544a6be11a97d7911e11ae6ad1"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Why Young Tech Talent Is Fleeing to the Dark Web for Lucrative Jobs]]></title> <link>https://www.remoteitjobs.app/article/why-young-tech-talent-is-fleeing-to-the-dark-web-for-lucrative-jobs</link> <guid>why-young-tech-talent-is-fleeing-to-the-dark-web-for-lucrative-jobs</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:15:14 GMT</pubDate> <description>< *(Image credit: Shutterstock)* ## The Dark Web's Growing Appeal As the global job market deteriorates due to **massive layoffs**, difficult recruitment screenings, and **AI programs eliminating workforce positions**, new research reveals that graduates and young people are increasingly turning to the **dark web for employment opportunities**. ### Key Findings from Kaspersky Research - **Young tech workers** are actively seeking jobs on the dark web - The **median age of applicants** is just 24 years old - Dark web workers can earn **over $5,000 per month** ### Competitive Dark Web Job Market Contrary to popular belief, the dark web job market isn't easy to penetrate. **Kaspersky research reveals** that applicants significantly outnumber job listings (55-45 ratio), with 69% of candidates being open to any field. This creates **fierce competition** for available positions. ### A Worrying Trend The young median age of job seekers suggests that **skilled graduates** are unable to find legitimate employment and are instead being forced to use their technical skills against the cybersecurity industry they might have otherwise joined. ## Lucrative Opportunities in the Shadows Kaspersky's report found that those who transition to the dark web can be well rewarded: - **Reverse engineers** earn an average of $5,000 per month - **Penetration testers** bring in approximately $4,000 monthly - **Developers** can make around $2,000 per month ### Expert Commentary "The shadow job market is no longer peripheral; it's absorbing the unemployed, the underage, and the overqualified," comments Alexandra Fedosimova, Digital Footprint Analyst at Kaspersky. "Many arrive thinking that the dark web and the legal market are fundamentally alike, rewarding proven skills over diplomas, with the dark web even offering some benefits – like offers landing within 48 hours and no HR interviews. However, not many realize that **working on the dark web can lead to prison.**" ## Broader Industry Context The **tech industry is stalling as AI eliminates positions**, with junior roles being cut in half in recent years. Given the challenging state of the legitimate job market, it's unsurprising that some highly skilled workers are turning to less legitimate means to survive. ### Long-Term Implications Organizations are saving money in the short term by **eliminating junior roles and replacing them with AI**. However, if the dark web continues to nurture these technical talents, the cybersecurity landscape could face significant challenges in the future. When senior developers retire, the deck may be stacked against legitimate defenders who face adversaries trained and employed through underground channels.]]></description> <author>contact@remoteitjobs.app (RemoteITJobs.app)</author> <category>darkweb</category> <category>techjobs</category> <category>cybersecurity</category> <category>ai</category> <category>employment</category> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h3qR8UKMq6wXR6WHZfxfUe-900-80.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[AI Job Apocalypse: Anthropic CEO Warns Entry-Level White Collar Roles Could Vanish Faster Than Ever]]></title> <link>https://www.remoteitjobs.app/article/ai-job-apocalypse-anthropic-ceo-warns-entry-level-white-collar-roles-could-vanish-faster-than-ever</link> <guid>ai-job-apocalypse-anthropic-ceo-warns-entry-level-white-collar-roles-could-vanish-faster-than-ever</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:15:16 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## AI's Threat to Entry-Level Jobs Anthropic CEO **Dario Amodei** has reiterated his alarming prediction that **AI could eliminate nearly half of entry-level white collar jobs** within the next five years, potentially pushing unemployment rates to **10-20%**. Amodei emphasizes that without intervention, the impact on employment could unfold **faster than any previous technological disruption**. ### The Growing Debate Among Tech Leaders Since Amodei first raised concerns about widespread job losses earlier this year, the tech community has been divided. While some leaders support his views, others like **Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang** and **OpenAI CEO Sam Altman** have rejected the notion of such drastic employment impacts. ### Specific Professions at Risk In a recent interview with CBS News, Amodei identified vulnerable professions: - **Entry-level consultants** - **Lawyers** - **Financial professionals** - **Many white collar service industries** "AI models are already quite good at much of what these professionals do," Amodei stated. "Without intervention, it's hard to imagine there won't be significant job impact. My worry is that it will be broad and faster than what we've seen with previous technology." ### The Urgency of Adaptation Amodei warned about the rapid pace of change: "We do know this is coming incredibly quickly. The worst outcome would be knowing this incredible transformation was coming but people not having enough opportunity to adapt." ### Transparency and Historical Parallels The Anthropic CEO drew concerning parallels with past corporate failures, noting that lack of transparency about AI risks could mirror the behavior of **cigarette and opioid companies** that knew their products were dangerous but failed to warn the public or prevent harm. ### Global Echoes of Concern <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K4hf60wJTn4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> Just days before Amodei's comments, **DeepSeek researcher Chen Deli** predicted at a conference in China that AI could take over most human jobs within a decade. "In the next 10-20 years, AI could take over the rest of work humans perform," Deli said, adding that society could face massive challenges requiring tech companies to act as defenders. ## Will AI Surpass Human Intelligence? When questioned about whether AI will become smarter than humans, Amodei responded unequivocally: "I believe it will reach that level, that it will be smarter than most or all humans in most or all ways." ### The Unpredictable Nature of AI Development Amodei acknowledged that not everything about AI can be predicted, but emphasized that Anthropic is "trying to predict everything we can." The San Francisco-based startup is particularly concerned about **economic impacts**, **model misuse**, and even **losing control of AI systems**.]]></description> <author>contact@remoteitjobs.app (RemoteITJobs.app)</author> <category>ai</category> <category>jobs</category> <category>futureofwork</category> <category>automation</category> <category>techtrends</category> <enclosure url="https://www.livemint.com/lm-img/img/2025/11/17/1600x900/logo/AI-Data-Centers-0_1763382108050_1763382136602.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[AI Is Making Job Search Worse: The Shocking Truth Behind the Broken Hiring System]]></title> <link>https://www.remoteitjobs.app/article/ai-is-making-job-search-worse-the-shocking-truth-behind-the-broken-hiring-system</link> <guid>ai-is-making-job-search-worse-the-shocking-truth-behind-the-broken-hiring-system</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 20:15:14 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The AI Paradox in Modern Job Hunting Stephanie O’Neill, a 54-year-old communications veteran in Los Angeles with over 30 years in tech, was laid off in October 2024 and is still searching for a job 13 months later. Her story mirrors that of millions of Americans facing unprecedented challenges in today's job market. **Holly Teegarden**, a 52-year-old marketing executive from Pittsburgh, applies to 50 jobs weekly since her cannabis business closed in February, with minimal success. **Charlsie Niemiec**, a 37-year-old content marketing leader in Atlanta, applied to 280 roles in a year, landed a job in January, only to be laid off seven months later—and has since applied to 263 more jobs in just three months. ### The Growing Unemployment Crisis These individuals represent **7.4 million unemployed Americans**, all experiencing longer job search durations. As of August, the average unemployment period reached **24.5 weeks**, up from 21 weeks a year ago, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Industry data from **Huntr’s Q2 2025 Job Search Trends Report** reveals the median time to first offer increased to 68.5 days in June, a 22% rise from April's 56 days. The study, analyzing 461,000 applications and 285,000 job postings from 17,733 users, shows the top 10% of job seekers send 19 applications per week. ### The AI Disconnect in Hiring With **93% of job seekers using AI tools like ChatGPT** for resumes and cover letters, and 70% rejecting one-way AI interviews, the technology meant to streamline hiring is creating a disconnect. The irony? **AI is making it harder for applicants to stand out**. ## Job Seekers Drown in a 'Sea of Sameness' AI tools promise to scale and optimize job searches, but in a competitive market, they often backfire. **Eliana Goldstein**, a New York-based career coach, explains, "AI kind of creates a sea of sameness. It automates everything, and it makes everybody sound the same—and sound robotic." **Sofia Mishina**, Talent Acquisition Director at AI Digital, observes, "I see resumes that are perfectly formatted and perfectly forgettable—the same buzzwords, same tone, no proof of work." From the hiring side, **Adam Karpiak**, co-founder of Karpiak Consulting, notes that with identical AI-generated resumes flooding in, companies struggle to find the right fit. "AI doesn't understand context. It doesn't know how you got results or what made your impact unique. Without that, your resume might check all the boxes for keyword searches, but it won’t connect with a human reader." The volume is overwhelming: jobs receive 1,000 applications in 10 minutes, half from unqualified candidates, forcing hiring teams to triage and miss good candidates. Karpiak warns, "AI can support the process, but it can’t replace judgment. The danger is when companies start treating hiring like a data problem instead of a people problem." Candidates report being ghosted even when they meet all job requirements, with no feedback from automated applicant tracking systems. Teegarden adds, "I’m also seeing the same job postings over and over again, and I think they’re trying to find people that don’t exist: unicorns. This is like playing the lottery. The only way to try to find a job right now is old school: just connecting with people." ## Common AI Missteps in Job Hunting The biggest error? **Outsourcing critical thinking to AI** instead of using it as an assistant. **Kimberly Brown**, career and leadership expert and founder of Brown Leadership, states, "One of the most common mistakes I see is applicants relying too heavily on AI-generated content without customizing it to reflect their unique value. When someone submits a resume or cover letter that sounds like a generic template, it becomes obvious and that lack of authenticity can be a dealbreaker." Karpiak notes that AI won't fix a bad resume; job seekers often mistake rewording and adding keywords for tailoring. **Eliana Goldstein** highlights the inefficiency of blasting applications: "If you look at the statistics, maybe you're getting an interview with 2% to 3% of the places that you're applying. If you're using a more spray-and-pray mentality, that probably drops to like 0.5% or 1%. It’s never going to be successful." ## Balancing AI in Your Job Search Strategy Experts advise using AI as an **editor or thought consultant**, not a writer. Brown recommends, "Think of it as a starting point, not the finish line. Use it to generate bullet points, identify keywords from job descriptions or reformat your resume for clarity—but then go back and infuse it with your accomplishments and voice." Karpiak echoes this: "The smartest way to use AI is as an editor, not a ghostwriter. Let it help you tighten your language or check for clarity, but make sure the content, the how and why behind your achievements, comes from your own experience—not regurgitating the job posting." Mishina suggests minimal AI polish: "Spend 15 minutes cleaning your CV. Spend the next seven hours and 45 minutes doing real work: research the company and the hiring manager, map the team and create something they'll care about—a short teardown, a repo, a one-pager with ideas. That gets you to a decision-maker; a polished CV does not." Data from Huntr's analysis of over 1.39 million applications shows tailored resumes generate about six interviews per 100 applications, versus fewer than three for generic ones. ## What Truly Works in a Saturated Market? In a market full of "AI slop," **authenticity and specificity** stand out. Karpiak emphasizes, "Humans connect with details. Instead of 'managed a team,' say what kind of team, what you achieved and what changed because of your work. That’s what recruiters remember." Brown stresses that **networking beats any system**: "Get your materials into the hands of actual people through informational interviews, referrals or direct outreach. AI can open the door, but relationships get you in the room." Goldstein notes referrals boost interview chances from 2-3% to 40%. Despite these strategies, job seekers like Niemiec, Teegarden, and O’Neill face repeated rejections. O’Neill reflects, "I've had a successful 30-plus year career; I think the longest it's ever taken to get a job was six months. I never in a million years would have thought that it would take this long. I'm pretty confident, at this point, that my corporate America career is over. I've been forced into retirement at 54 and I need to find something else to do." Niemiec points to a troubling trend: unpaid assignments leading to ghosting or rejection, essentially farming free spec work. "This particularly disgusts me," she says, noting jobs repost descriptions after collecting ideas. ## Building Resilience in a Tough Market Job searching's uncertainty and financial strain impact mental health and self-confidence. Brown advises, "Job searching can feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. You have to separate rejection from your self-worth. Each 'no' is redirection, not a reflection of your value." Goldstein recommends focusing on "micro wins"—small victories like clarifying roles, networking, or improving applications—to build momentum without fixating on landing a job. Job seekers are using LinkedIn to share their struggles, building personal brands through storytelling to attract hiring managers. Niemiec offers encouragement: "It's not you; it's the system, and the system is broken. Until there is a larger conversation of how it's fixed, we are just in this weird, awful, awkward, painful in-between time."]]></description> <author>contact@remoteitjobs.app (RemoteITJobs.app)</author> <category>ai</category> <category>jobsearch</category> <category>careergrowth</category> <category>hiring</category> <category>resume</category> <enclosure url="https://qz.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=300,quality=85,format=auto/https://assets.qz.com/media/GettyImages-2160453939.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> </channel> </rss>