AI has been the top cited reason for many US job cuts in 2026 (around 100k-120k announced), mainly affecting some tech and entry-level roles, but total layoffs are down ~40% and unemployment sits near 4.2% with no mass displacement.
AI tools that tailor resumes, match real openings, and practice interviews do help—data shows tailored applications often double interview rates. The "AI takes jobs then helps you get them" framing holds in part for specific tools.