Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity AI, has made a bold claim that their new AI-powered web browser, Comet, is set to replace two essential white-collar jobs in every company: recruiters and executive assistants. Srinivas believes Comet’s intelligent automation capabilities will reshape the modern workplace, offering significant time and cost savings for businesses worldwide.
Introduction: The Future of Work Is Here
Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future—it is rapidly becoming an integral part of the workplace. As companies seek smarter ways to optimize performance, Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, is leading a major shift with the launch of Comet, a browser designed to function as a full-fledged AI assistant. In a recent statement, Srinivas said Comet will soon eliminate the need for recruiters and executive assistants in many businesses.
What Is Comet? An AI Browser Beyond Search
Comet is not a traditional browser. It is an AI-powered tool built to automate complex workflows by integrating with real-time data and popular productivity platforms. Here’s how Comet stands out:
- Smart Sidekick: Acts as an always-on assistant alongside your browsing experience.
- Multi-App Integration: Connects with Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Sheets, and LinkedIn.
- Task Automation: Performs actions like data entry, email follow-ups, scheduling, and reporting with minimal human input.
Srinivas describes Comet as an “AI operating system for knowledge work.” It not only searches the web but also takes action, potentially replacing full-time office roles.
Jobs at Risk: Recruiters and Executive Assistants
According to Srinivas, Comet is capable of replacing two key white-collar roles that exist in nearly every company. Here’s a breakdown:
- Recruiters
Typical responsibilities:
- Finding potential candidates
- Communicating with prospects
- Tracking outreach and responses
- Scheduling interviews
What Comet does instead:
- Scrapes candidate data from LinkedIn
- Fills spreadsheets with lead information
- Sends personalized emails
- Updates response statuses
- Books meetings automatically
“What would take a recruiter a week, Comet does in minutes with a single prompt,” Srinivas told Business Insider.
- Executive Assistants
Typical responsibilities:
- Managing calendars
- Handling emails
- Organizing meetings
- Preparing briefs and documentation
What Comet does instead:
- Resolves calendar conflicts
- Prioritizes email responses
- Sends follow-up emails
- Prepares meeting notes and summaries
Srinivas says these functions can now be fully automated, eliminating the need for manual administrative work.
Why This Matters to Businesses
The economic incentive for companies is clear:
- Increased Efficiency: AI completes tasks faster and more accurately.
- Lower Costs: One AI system could replace multiple full-time salaries.
- Scalability: AI can handle large volumes of tasks without fatigue or errors.
“If Comet can save a company millions of dollars, they’ll pay thousands to use it,” said Srinivas, emphasizing the value proposition.
Industry Response: AI as Opportunity or Threat?
Srinivas isn’t the only tech leader forecasting major job disruption due to AI.
- Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, predicted that up to 50% of white-collar jobs could be automated in the next five years.
- Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, made similar statements about white-collar downsizing.
- Meanwhile, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Salesforce’s Marc Benioff believe AI will assist humans, not replace them.
The debate continues, but the trend is undeniable: AI is changing how work gets done.
What Should Professionals and Students Do?
In light of this shift, Srinivas had strong advice for workers, especially young people and students:
“Stop doom scrolling and start using AI,” he urged in an interview, pointing out that wasting time on social media instead of learning AI tools could lead to falling behind in the job market.
Recommendations for Adaptation:
- Learn to use AI tools like Perplexity, ChatGPT, or Comet.
- Build skills in automation, data handling, and digital communication.
- Focus on high-level thinking—let AI handle the routine work.
- Stay curious and flexible in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
What’s Next for Comet and AI in the Workplace?
Comet is currently available in beta mode for select premium users, with wider rollout expected later this year. Perplexity’s goal is to integrate Comet as a daily-use platform for businesses looking to automate white-collar operations.
Future Developments to Watch:
- Full release of Comet for businesses
- Expansion to more apps (Slack, Zoom, Trello, etc.)
- AI copilots for project management, HR, and finance
As companies explore AI integration, Perplexity is positioning Comet as a must-have enterprise tool—not just for search, but for intelligent execution.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for the Modern Workforce
The message from Aravind Srinivas is both a warning and an opportunity. While AI tools like Comet will likely disrupt traditional jobs, they also present a chance to boost productivity and free professionals from repetitive tasks. The key lies in adapting early and embracing AI as a collaborative tool.
Companies, employees, and students alike must take this shift seriously—or risk being left behind.
