I went to RecFest UK last month – and wow, AI was everywhere!
Ali Braid, Assoc CIPD
Owner / L & D Consultant at The Recruitment Trainer. Trainer ✨ Learning Designer ✨Facilitator of learning conversations✨ Speaker ✨ Helping recruitment businesses perform at their peak ✨
AI to streamline your CV shortlisting.
AI to help you create career pathways.
AI to support succession planning.
RecFest is geared towards in-house TA teams and talent professionals, and what stood out to me was this: they're all trying to work it out – just like we are.
Amongst the fascinating speakers (I met Nick Leeson of Barings Bank fame – if you haven’t heard of that story, Google it...) what really struck me was that everyone’s searching for the answer.
But here’s the thing…
We already have it.
Our humanity is our superpower.
AI can - and should - automate tasks. But it should never replace people.
What our clients are paying for, and what candidates are craving, is human-led recruitment. That’s what builds trust. That’s what makes people feel like valued, autonomous individuals - not data points.
So if you're wondering how to stay relevant in a tech-heavy world, here's what you can do:
Top tips to keep your humanity front and centre (and win!):
Pick up the phone. A 10-minute call can unlock more than 10 emails ever could. How many emails do you ignore every day? I rest my case...
Meet your clients and candidates. Face-to-face (or even just on video) creates connection AI can’t replicate.
Show genuine curiosity. Ask about their world, their goals, their frustrations - then actually listen to their answer.
Personalise the experience. Use tech to support, not replace, your judgment and care.
Follow up like a human. A message that says “just checking in because I care” will always beat “per my last email…”
Be visible and vocal. Your voice, your story, your energy - those are irreplaceable.
Remember: AI doesn’t have intuition. AI doesn’t build relationships. AI doesn’t give a sh*t.
You do!
So if you’re out there speaking to your candidates and clients, building trust, giving feedback, adding value - you’re already miles ahead of those hoping AI will do their job for them.
Keep doing what only you can do.
Fancy getting more of this - straight into your inbox? Sign up here: Form
And see you again in September!
Ali
😎