Hi Reader,

Last week, I talked about software developers and all the dramatic headlines insisting it’s a dying profession.

Like these: “Devastating blow.” “Jobs slashed.” “Tsunami of disruption.”

Subtle stuff.

This week, I want to show you a tool that brings a bit of logic back into the conversation.

It’s from Jobs and Skills Australia — the people the Australian Government leans on for labour market data, workforce trends, and skills needs.

In other words, not your cousin on LinkedIn who’s had one coffee with ChatGPT and now thinks civilisation is ending.

Check it out here: AI exposure of the Australian Job Market.

They’ve got data showing how exposed different occupations are to AI.

Looking at Software and Applications Programmers, the AI exposure rating is 9 out of 10. It's a big scary number.

So naturally, the sensible conclusion is:

Panic.

Delete your computer science degree.

Become a goat herder in regional Tasmania.

Except… no.

The occupation profile also shows a 14.8% five-year outlook, which Jobs and Skills Australia classifies as strong growth.

You see, high AI exposure does not necessarily mean THAT job ceases to exist. It generally means the job is more likely to change.

That tracks with the broader global picture too.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 says that by 2030, technological change is expected to create 170 million new roles and displace 92 million, for a net gain of 78 million jobs.

That’s the bit the doom merchants tend to mumble at the end.

It’s the same pattern elsewhere.

Take Solicitors. They also sit high on AI exposure, yet still show growth in the labour market data. So again, the smarter question isn’t, “Will this job vanish?” It’s, “Which parts of this job are changing first?”

Daniel Priestley shares his thoughts in his recent Diary of a CEO interview, where he talks about the reshaping of the work Contract Lawyers do.

Jump to (44:39) These Jobs Will Disappear Within 5 Years to have a listen.

And by the way, his line about plumbers regularly earning more than lawyers?

That’s less a shocking prediction and more a reminder that the labour market has been ignoring prestige for years.

So here’s your takeaway.

Your job now is to pay attention. What changes are coming through for your profession?

Because the winners won’t be the people yelling, “AI will never replace me.” And they won’t be the people hyperventilating into a ring light either.

They’ll be the ones paying attention early and evolving with the work.

~Lisa

Your Q&A

The Easy Apply Trap

Hi Lisa,

I’ve heard it's now better to apply on a company website than to use LinkedIn Easy Apply. Can you give me a quick summary of the reasons for that? I just don’t know if it’s true?

TIA!

Sharon

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Hi Sharon,

Short answer?

Yes… but not for the reasons people think.

Let’s start with what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

When you apply through a company website, you go straight into their system. Their database.

When reviewing applications, that’s the first place they look.

Not LinkedIn. Their own system.

Because it’s faster, and frankly, they’re hoping they don’t have to go digging elsewhere.

Now compare that to Easy Apply. It feels like your application is going straight to the hiring team.

Sometimes it is. Sometimes it goes to one recruiter… who may or may not be working on that role… who may or may not check it any time soon.

And just like that, your application is sitting there. Quietly ageing.

Which means if you applied externally, your application is further down the line, so you might not even get a look in.

Harsh, but true.

So, when looking to apply, don’t take the Easy Apply way out if you can apply directly on the company's website. You can do both. But, prioritise the company website. Don’t ignore it.

Because one puts you in the system.

The other might put you in front of someone.

And “might” is not a good job strategy.

Thanks for writing in.

~Lisa

Get in Contact

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This information is for general purposes and doesn't consider your individual circumstances. It serves educational goals and isn't formal career advice. Always seek personalized guidance tailored to your needs.

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