It has been a tough week at Microsoft. Following the information that on the firm, one Xbox govt provided some questionable phrases of recommendation for individuals on their manner out: Discover solace in Microsoft Copilot.
, Matt Turnbull, an govt producer at Xbox Recreation Studios Publishing who clearly didn’t lose his job not too long ago, took to LinkedIn to let people know, “You are not alone and you do not have to go it alone.” In the identical breath as acknowledging that AI evokes “sturdy emotions in individuals,” Turnbull recommended that LLMs like ChatGPT and Copilot may “assist cut back the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.”
Turnbull went on to offer particular AI prompts that he advisable for not too long ago laid-off individuals, together with, “Write a heat intro message for reaching out to somebody at [studio name] a couple of job posting.” He defined how an LLM may assist overwhelmed builders in planning their careers and punching up their resumés, and likewise assist with “emotional readability and confidence.”
The put up was circulated by Necrosoft Video games director and host Brandon Sheffield, the place it obtained a predictably unfavourable response. According to Video Games Chronicle, LinkedIn customers had been equally unimpressed. Turnbull deleted the put up a couple of hours later. This is the total textual content from the LinkedIn put up:
These are actually difficult instances, and for those who’re navigating a layoff and even quietly getting ready for one, you are not alone and you do not have to go it alone.
I do know a majority of these instruments engender sturdy emotions in individuals, however I might be remiss in not attempting to supply the perfect recommendation I can below the circumstances. I have been experimenting with methods to make use of LLM Al instruments (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to assist cut back the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.
Listed below are some immediate concepts and use instances which may assist for those who’re feeling overwhelmed:
Profession Planning Prompts:
“Act as a profession coach. I have been laid off from a [role] within the sport trade. Assist me construct a 30-day plan to regroup, analysis new roles, and begin making use of with out burning out.”
“What sorts of sport trade jobs may I pivot to with expertise in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?”
Resume & Linkedin Assist
“This is my present resume. Give me three tailor-made variations: one for AAA, one for platform/publishing roles, and one for startup/small studio management.”
“Rewrite this resume bullet to spotlight impression and metrics.”
“Draft a brand new LinkedIn ‘About Me’ part that focuses on my management type, shipped titles, and imaginative and prescient for sport growth.”
Networking & Outreach
“Draft a pleasant message I can ship to previous coworkers letting them know I am exploring new alternatives.”
“Write a heat intro message for reaching out to somebody at [studio name] a couple of job posting.”
Emotional Readability & Confidence
“I am scuffling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Are you able to assist me reframe this expertise in a manner that jogs my memory what I am good at?”
No Al device is a substitute in your voice or your lived expertise. However at a time when psychological power is scarce, these instruments might help get you unstuck sooner, calmer, and with extra readability.
If this helps, be happy to share with others in your community.
Keep variety, keep sensible, keep related.
Turnbull’s put up, nevertheless earnest, comes at a time when Microsoft is seemingly all-in on each AI and layoffs. The 9,000 job losses this week add to over . Microsoft President Brad Smith started 2025 by committing to spend around $80 billion on AI infrastructure by way of the 12 months, and CEO Satya Nadella not too long ago shared that is now authored by AI.
Simply final week, Enterprise Insider reported on one other govt telling workers that utilizing Copilot is “” in an inner memo. One developer at Halo Studios, which was affected by the layoffs, told Engadget’s Jessica Conditt that they felt Xbox management was seeking to “exchange as many roles as they will with AI brokers.”
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