Why recruiters won’t be replaced by AI
Recruitment has always been a roller coaster of ups and downs. Let’s face it—few of us enjoy the process because it’s time-consuming and often frustrating. That’s why I believe no web-based product will ever replace the human touch when making the decisions that determine the difference between success and failure.
People are not an online commodity
Securing top talent isn’t like buying a product online. People have unique perspectives, beliefs, and challenges. They can also be unpredictable and, perhaps most frustratingly, uncommunicative—unlike the product you ordered which should arrive on time and work as expected.
A product doesn’t negotiate with a third party about a job offer. It doesn’t play devil’s advocate while holding out for a better opportunity or mysteriously disappearing two days before the start date.
Recruitment is a service
Recruitment, as a service seamlessly integrates with the numerous digital tools and platforms available today, bridging the gap between automation and human insight. It’s the glue that binds the decision-making process of both job seekers and employers.
The commonality of the hairdresser and recruiter
You can easily buy a pair of hairdressing scissors online, but the fear of giving yourself a disastrous haircut keeps most people from attempting it. Instead, you choose a hairdresser you trust, someone who knows your preferences and can even push the boundaries when it’s time for a change.
Just as it takes years to master the art of cutting hair, a good recruiter makes the process look effortless because they've invested the time to hone their skills. Like a hairdresser, a recruiter’s experience helps prevent costly mistakes like bad hires that take significant effort to correct.
Why use a recruiter?
A recruiter helps define your actual needs, which can save both time and money in the long run. They understand the market and can provide pragmatic advice on candidate availability, salary benchmarking and attraction strategies. More importantly, they manage your expectations, ensuring you make informed decisions when challenges arise.
A recruiter will meet with multiple candidates, conveying their experiences, passions and personalities. They’ll also manage the entire interview, offer and negotiation process, enhancing the candidate experience from first contact to their first day of work.
What’s in it for the candidate?
For candidates, a recruiter offers a wide range of services—completely free of charge. This includes access to opportunities across different types of companies, help negotiating the best salary, and preparation for interviews.
A recruiter will provide insights about the person conducting the interview, their style, and the questions they’re likely to ask. They’ll coach the candidate on how to present themselves effectively and give a deeper understanding of the company’s values, goals, and achievements—information that’s not easily accessible otherwise.
A good recruiter makes the job-hunting process smoother, turning what is often a stressful experience into one that feels seamless and stress-free.
A bit of a no-brainer
On average, a professional recruiter fills approximately one in four of the roles they work on, yet they still provide the same high level of service to all of them. Even though they won’t place every candidate they work with, they remain committed to delivering consistent support.
Recruiters essentially work for free unless they fill a role, which is why a good recruiter puts the same amount of effort into every position they manage. It just makes sense to use a recruiter to complement your hiring process. After all, their livelihood depends on finding you the right hire.
Disengage at your peril
Today, we use a variety of digital channels to research, learn, and purchase just about everything. Tech-savvy companies naturally leverage multi-channel strategies to source talent. However, businesses that disengage from recruiters risk losing a vital resource that complements their talent acquisition efforts.
Even in uncertain economic times, recruiters provide a critical service, helping businesses navigate the complexities of an ever-changing job market. While AI will undoubtedly play a role in the future, there is no substitute for the real-world expertise that a recruiter brings.
While algorithms can help identify and attract talent, it’s the human touch that ensures successful delivery. That’s why recruiters remain an essential part of any talent acquisition strategy with a human dimension.
