Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of the job search experience, but its effects are not always easy for job seekers—or the professionals serving them—to interpret. According to DEED's July 2026 /deed/data/data-tools/job-search-experience/index.jspJob Search Experience Survey of workforce professionals, 45% of Central Minnesota respondents said their job-seeking clients' employment or job search had been affected by AI during the previous three months. That was slightly higher than the 42% reported statewide. Meanwhile, 15% of Central Minnesota respondents said their clients had not been affected, compared with 18% across Minnesota.

While that shows an increasing impact, considerable uncertainty remains. About 39% of Central Minnesota respondents were unsure whether AI had affected their clients, nearly identical to the statewide result of 40%. These findings suggest that AI's influence may be difficult to recognize, particularly when it is incorporated into online applications, résumé-screening systems and other parts of the hiring process.

Figure 1. Have your job-seeking clients employment or job search been affected by Artificial Intelligence in the past three months?

The most frequently reported experience was encountering AI as part of the hiring process, cited by 22% of respondents. Another 21% said clients had used AI during their job search, potentially for writing résumés and cover letters, researching employers or preparing for interviews.

Increased use of AI is also creating anxiety: 18% reported that clients expressed concerns or confusion about AI's effect on their future career paths, while 15% said clients were unsure how it might affect their current employment opportunities. Another 12% indicated that clients needed new AI-related skills to find employment in their field.

However, more direct effects were less common. Just 6% reported clients losing a job because of AI, while an equal share said clients benefited from AI by finding opportunities or improving their skills. For Central Minnesota job seekers, AI appears to be both a tool and a source of uncertainty. Helping workers understand how employers use AI—and how they can use it effectively themselves—will be an increasingly important part of career guidance.

For more information about the Job Search Experience Survey in Central Minnesota, contact Luke Greiner at Luke.Greiner@state.mn.us.