IronyWatch: Microsoft’s AI job ad for designers contains obvious flaws any human would catch

A Microsoft Xbox employee used a poorly generated AI image to advertise graphic designer positions, featuring glaring errors like code appearing on the back of a computer monitor and disconnected hardware. The post has drawn widespread criticism and viral attention, particularly given that Microsoft laid off over 9,000 employees just weeks earlier, including many from the Xbox division.

The big picture: The incident highlights the growing tension between AI automation and creative jobs, especially when companies use AI tools to replace the very positions they’re trying to fill.

What went wrong: The AI-generated image contained multiple obvious flaws that any graphic designer would immediately spot.

• Code mysteriously appears on the back of the monitor instead of the screen.
• The computer isn’t connected to any power source or cables.
• The desk fades into nothingness with inconsistent shadows.
• The character wears outdated corded iPhone headphones from nearly 20 years ago.
• Apple headphones appear in a Microsoft job advertisement.

Why this matters: The timing couldn’t be worse for Microsoft’s messaging around AI and employment.

• Microsoft recently completed layoffs affecting over 9,000 people across multiple divisions.
• The company is investing billions in AI development while simultaneously cutting human jobs.
• Using AI to advertise creative positions sends a contradictory message about valuing human artistic talent.

The reaction: LinkedIn users, including many graphic designers and developers who might otherwise be interested in the positions, expressed frustration in dozens of comments.

• Some commenters wondered if the poor quality was intentional satire or malicious compliance.
• Others questioned whether it was a deliberate attention-grabbing tactic.
• The post effectively demonstrates why Microsoft desperately needs actual graphic designers.

Broader context: This isn’t Microsoft’s first AI-related misstep regarding layoffs.

• Xbox Game Studios Publishing Executive Producer Matt Turnbull recently suggested laid-off employees use AI chatbots for “emotional clarity” and job searching.
• Turnbull eventually deleted his essay, but the graphic designer job post remains public.
• The incident underscores ongoing concerns about AI replacing creative professionals while being used inappropriately by those same companies.