How an Old-School Recruiter Keeps It Classic in a World of AI

By Michael "Woody" Sherwood

I think I have seen it all; after 17 years of recruiting, I am “The Old Guy,” working with a fantastic team at MacDonald Search Group . The pace of change in recruiting is faster than ever, and with AI making headlines, it’s easy to feel like the game’s changed overnight. For those of us who’ve been around the block a few times—50-plus and proud—we might be wondering how to keep up. But here’s the thing: all that experience we’ve built over decades? It’s more valuable than ever. AI isn’t here to replace us; it’s here to make us even better at what we do.

So, how can we use our years of experience to thrive in this AI-driven world? Let’s dive into it.

1. Technology is a Tool, not a Threat

Let’s be honest—when AI first started showing up in recruiting, it felt a bit like a threat. The idea that some machine could handle tasks we’ve spent years mastering? It's not exactly a great feeling. But after a closer look, I’ve realized that AI isn’t here to take over; it’s here to make our jobs easier. Imagine AI taking care of the time-consuming stuff like sifting through resumes, scheduling interviews, and matching candidates to roles. That leaves us more time to do what we do best—build relationships and meeting with people is never more critical.

AI might master the basics, but it can’t shake a hand, read body language, or understand the nuances of a conversation. That’s where we come in.

Takeaway: Let AI handle the routine tasks so you can focus on connecting with people—the part of the job that I love the most.

2. Lifelong Learning is a Must

OMG, I get laughed at a lot. Learning new tech can feel like a hassle, especially when you’ve been doing things a certain way for decades. But here’s the thing: the world’s changing, and if we don’t change, we get left behind. Luckily, I keep learning. While I may not do a lot of online courses, they are available, and it has never been easier to Learn. Tapping into younger colleagues’ knowledge and staying up to date is easier than ever. And honestly, the more I dive into this AI stuff, the more I see how it can help me. You don’t have to become a tech genius overnight, but picking up new skills here and there can make a huge difference.

Tip: Start small. Take a course or two, talk to more tech-savvy colleagues, and gradually ease into it. It’s not about mastering everything; it’s about staying current.

3. Human Touch is Irreplaceable

You know what AI can’t do? Build real connections. I’ve been in this business long enough to know that recruitment is more than matching a resume to a job description. It’s about understanding people, reading between the lines, and knowing when someone is the right fit, not just on paper but culturally and emotionally.

Example: I once had a candidate who looked perfect on paper—AI would’ve flagged him as a match. But something didn’t sit right. There were a few extra questions during the interview, and it was clear he wasn’t the best fit for the client’s culture. That’s the kind of instinct you can’t program into a machine.

4. Use AI to Make Better Decisions

AI is good at crunching numbers and spotting patterns. It can give you all sorts of data—trends, candidate pools, and market insights—but that data is only as good as the person interpreting it. And that’s where our experience comes in. I’ve been doing this for years and seen trends come and go. (I remember the fax machines!) AI might tell you what’s happening now, but it takes our experience to understand why and what it means. AI gives us the information, but we’re the ones who make the final call.

Tip: Don’t shy away from AI-driven insights. Learn how to interpret the data it provides and use your knowledge to add context. You’ll be seen as the expert who knows the numbers and the people behind them.

5. My Network is Still My Biggest Asset

AI can search databases, but it can’t build relationships. (I have over 21,000 connections on LinkedIn alone!) Over the years, I’ve built up a solid network of clients, colleagues, and candidates, and let me tell you—those relationships are still as meaningful as ever. People trust people, not machines.

Even in an AI world, referrals and recommendations still carry weight. Keep in touch with your network, meet people for coffee, and send congratulations when someone hits a milestone. AI may be efficient, but it can’t replicate the human connection.

Tip: Keep nurturing your network. Stay active on LinkedIn, attend events, and make sure people remember you—not just for the jobs you filled, but for the relationships you’ve built.

6. Let AI Help You Find the Right People, But Trust Your Gut

One of the great things about AI is that it can help you find suitable candidates faster. It’s excellent at sifting through vast amounts of data and flagging potential matches. But—and this is important—it’s still up to us to make the final call.

For example: AI once filtered out a candidate, suggesting they weren’t the right fit for the role. Despite that, I decided to reach out anyway. After a quick conversation, I realized they were exactly what our client needed—something AI couldn’t predict. On the flip side, AI might highlight a candidate, but it’s our job to interview, ask the right questions, and figure out if they’re truly a good fit for the company.

In my experience, AI can get you part of the way there, but nothing beats a good conversation and gut instinct. AI might say a candidate’s skills are perfect, but during the conversation, you may pick up on the fact that they’re not quite right in terms of personality. That’s the kind of insight only a seasoned recruiter can bring.

7. Adaptability: We’ve Been Doing It All Along

We’ve seen a lot of changes in our careers, from fax machines to email, from in-person interviews to virtual ones. AI is just the next step. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that adaptability is key. And honestly, those of us who’ve been in the game for a while are pretty good at it—we’ve had to be.

Embracing AI is just another way to stay flexible. The technology is changing, but the core of what we do—understanding people—stays the same.

Tip: Keep trying new things. Whether it’s AI tools or new platforms, don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s how we’ve stayed relevant all these years, and it’s how we’ll continue to stay ahead.

Conclusion

AI may be the new kid on the block, but experience counts for a lot. We’ve built relationships, understand people, and know how to use our intuition in ways that machines can’t replicate. By embracing AI as a tool that enhances, rather than replaces, what we do, we can continue to thrive in this industry. So, here’s to staying ahead—because with the right mindset! We’re just getting started.