Zurich: The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is beginning to change hiring patterns across the world, with new research suggesting that entry level job opportunities are becoming harder to find in several industries. While companies continue to invest heavily in AI technology to improve efficiency and productivity, experts are increasingly concerned about the impact on young workers who are trying to enter the workforce.
A new study from Switzerland has found a significant decline in job openings for junior workers in sectors where AI tools are now capable of performing many routine tasks. The research, conducted by Swiss job platform Jobs.ch, showed that entry level job postings in 2025 were 32 percent lower than the average levels recorded between 2019 and 2022, a period before the widespread adoption of generative AI technologies.
The sharpest declines were recorded in fields such as administration, finance, marketing and information technology. These industries have been among the fastest to adopt AI powered systems that can handle tasks including data analysis, report writing, customer communication and content creation. As a result, companies appear to be reducing the number of junior positions that traditionally served as starting points for young professionals.
At the same time, demand for experienced employees has increased. The Swiss study found that job advertisements for more senior workers in AI exposed industries rose by 26 percent. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who can manage AI systems, interpret complex information and make strategic decisions that still require human judgment.
The findings reflect a growing trend that is being observed in many countries. Recent research from the European Central Bank found that artificial intelligence has not yet caused widespread job losses across the broader economy. However, occupations that are more vulnerable to automation have shown signs of declining demand since 2019. The report noted that the labour market is adapting gradually, but the long term effects of AI could become more significant as the technology continues to improve.
Business leaders and economists say that artificial intelligence is changing the nature of work rather than simply replacing workers. A recent report from professional services firm PwC found that employers are increasingly looking for stronger leadership, communication and problem solving skills even in entry level positions. The report described this shift as the growing "seniorisation" of junior jobs, where employers expect new recruits to bring higher level capabilities from the beginning of their careers.
The impact is also being felt outside Europe. Studies in the United States have shown a decline in entry level job postings across several sectors over the past year and a half. Analysts say that AI systems are now handling many of the tasks that were once assigned to junior employees, particularly in customer service, coding assistance and data processing roles.
In India, a recent study by Cognizant and Pearson estimated that artificial intelligence is already performing around 37 percent of entry level work, a figure that is higher than the global average. Researchers noted that many junior roles are evolving into positions focused on oversight, decision making and collaboration with AI systems rather than routine execution of tasks.
Despite these changes, many experts remain optimistic about the future of employment. They argue that AI will create new opportunities for workers who develop skills that complement technology rather than compete with it. Creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and complex problem solving are expected to become increasingly valuable as automation expands.
The transition, however, may not be easy for younger workers. The Swiss study found that more than four in ten people under the age of 25 fear that AI could make their skills less relevant in the future. Similar concerns have emerged in other countries, where surveys show growing anxiety about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on career opportunities.
As businesses continue to integrate AI into their operations, the labour market appears to be entering a period of major transformation. While the technology is boosting productivity and creating new possibilities, it is also changing the traditional pathways through which young people begin their careers. The challenge for workers, educators and employers will be ensuring that the next generation is prepared for a workplace increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.