It’s no secret that in the space of two years, artificial intelligence (AI) has widely disrupted the HR sector. The recruitment industry alone is valued at a staggering USD $761.6 billion in 2023, and it's only set to grow, making it lucrative for newcomers.
Of course, with every opportunity comes significant challenges – and as new players in the field, our team was eager to learn quickly from the world’s best. That’s why we recently debuted Zeligate’s new ‘smart AI helper’ platform at October’s HR Technology Conference in Las Vegas. There, we had the privilege of gleaning insights from 10,000 of our peers in attendance.
The HR Tech Expo didn't just give us a platform to showcase our product for the first time, it helped us to understand the impact of emerging technologies on entire industries. Inspired by this, I wanted to reflect on this experience and share three key takeaways on the future of recruitment.
AI is already being woven into various recruitment processes, and the breadth of adoption is only accelerating. The effectiveness and efficiency of AI means its benefits are self-evident, with the innovation on display at HR Tech a testament to the industry’s appetite for further integration.
A key theme at the expo was the use of ‘bots’; essentially AI programs that replicate human-like interactions and offer user-requested information or action learnt processes when asked.
Simulated interpersonal interactions are a popular feature of many AI products as it makes complex tech processes feel like friendly collaboration between colleagues. While many of the AI bots we saw could perform tasks similar to the ubiquitous ChatGPT, few had the ability to learn directly and adapt alongside the user.
This is where we realised there can be a powerful point of difference. AI bots that learn the more they interact with the user, eventually synchronising with a team or individual’s work habits, will undoubtedly be the next step in AI’s evolution in the workplace – and it’s one we have explored further within Zeligate.
During the expo, it also became apparent that many solutions are designed to cater to specific, standalone tasks within the talent acquisition industry. While this specialisation may seem beneficial, it often leads to isolated offerings within different verticals. This fragmented approach eventually results in data silos and inefficiencies within organisations, not to mention unbalanced tech stacks and mounting subscription costs.
To effectively leverage AI in the sector, it is crucial to address these concerns and prioritise integration. Rather than focusing solely on individual tasks, recruitment professionals should seek comprehensive solutions encompassing various aspects of talent acquisition. Organisations can then bridge the gaps between different recruitment functions, promoting seamless data flow and collaboration.
HR Tech Expo opened our eyes to the challenges our company will face on the path ahead. The sheer expanse of AI integration and the volume of companies, brands and software across the HR landscape became clear.
Stepping away from your desk and seeing what other brands and start-ups are doing in your industry is the best kind of competitor analysis. In just three days, we uncovered previously unknown players in our field, motivating us to raise our own standards and work faster to get ahead of the competition.
Exhibiting at a conference provides an ideal opportunity to learn from other start-ups and established players. As a newcomer, it is essential to actively listen to potential clients and competitors, comprehend industry trends, and observe how established businesses navigate challenges. This was especially crucial for Zeligate in refining our development plan and shaping our future trajectory – well worth the price of admission.
Take a look at Zeligate’s recruitment helper and start unlocking the power of AI.