AI and Recruitment: Hold Onto Your Value

I get it—AI feels like it’s everywhere, offering solutions to massive challenges in drug discovery, renewable energy, and autonomous vehicles. These are the big-ticket breakthroughs that dominate headlines. 

But when it comes to the more day-to-day, dare I say mundane, applications in business? That’s where we need a balance between excitement and reality. As we look ahead to 2025, the potential for transformative cost savings and unprecedented efficiencies is certainly ambitious—but with the right strategies, it could be within reach.

Now, I know my perspective is niche—I work in a client-facing role in the recruitment industry—but if you’re in a similar environment, stick with me for a moment.  

We’ve all heard the phrase, “AI won’t replace you; people who use AI will.” Sure, there’s some truth to that, but I think it oversimplifies what’s really happening.  

Where Efficiency Risks Losing Effectiveness  

Let’s take consulting as an example. You meet a client, dig into their needs, and then spend time reflecting on that conversation as you document your insights. This entire process? It’s not just a formality—it’s an opportunity to clarify your understanding, to deepen your insight into what your customer really needs for their organisation.  

Now imagine skipping that step, outsourcing it to AI. Sure, it saves time, but does it deliver the same value? For many, I’d argue it doesn’t. Replacing moments of critical reflection with automation risks eroding the depth of consulting work—and ultimately, the ability to deliver tailored solutions.  

In recruitment, I see similar situations at play. Some recruiters are thrilled about AI tools that can whip up job descriptions in seconds. It’s a win for efficiency, but what about the opportunity to pause and really think through the client’s needs? That’s time saved but value lost. 

But here’s the upside: I’ve also seen and worked with recruiters using AI intelligently, leveraging it to create highly-optimised search criteria for candidate databases. This approach marries efficiency with effectiveness—and that’s the sweet spot we should all be aiming for.  

The Supercharged vs. Disconnected Workforce

The way I see it, there’s a risk of creating a two-tier professional workforce.  

On one side, you’ll have the "supercharged" professionals—those who use AI thoughtfully, combining it with their own creativity, diligence, and judgment. These are the people who will thrive.  

On the other side? Those who passively rely on AI, letting it do the thinking for them. Overtime, their skills and value will degrade, leaving them disconnected from what truly sets them apart.  

What Leaders Can Do  

For leaders in recruitment—and really, in any client-facing industry—there’s a clear takeaway: Protect the value of your team. Don’t step back just yet.

Encourage them to embrace the basics: meaningful face-to-face interactions, strong consulting fundamentals, and taking the time to crystallise client needs. Yes, AI can boost productivity, but it’s the human element that drives trust, delivers results, and, frankly, keeps us all sane.

Build the Future, Thoughtfully  

Maybe one day, AI will replace parts of what we do. But it’s not today. And until then, let’s not sleepwalk into giving up what makes us valuable.  

Be diligent. Be imaginative. Be creative. Use AI not as a crutch, but as a tool to amplify what you already bring to the table. 

Because the workforce of tomorrow isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about combining that efficiency with real, human effectiveness.