Is the role of a recruiter doomed?
James Caan CBE
Recruitment Entrepreneur Chairman | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor on BBC's Dragons’ Den (2007-2010)
It seems like dozens of recruitment apps are in development. A huge amount of recruitment technology is coming into the market. And more and more companies are developing internal recruitment systems. As time goes on, increasing numbers of worried recruiters are asking me: ‘are we all doomed?’
In my 30 year career in recruitment, I have seen the industry evolve and transform many times. But so far, no change has rendered the role of recruiter defunct, and I don’t believe it will now. However, I have seen the role of recruiters change considerably, and in unpredictable times it is people’s willingness to adapt which most determines their ability not just to survive, but also to enjoy great success.
Over the next three years, the recruitment landscape is likely to change considerably. There will be a flurry of technologies coming into the market that will make it easier for candidates to apply for jobs and for companies to hire the best possible candidates.
I’m aware that currently, over 100 million dollars are being invested by venture capitalist firms in developing technology applications for recruitment. I also believe that technology is likely to impact the generalist market the most. If you’re a pure generalist without a sector specialisation, that’s the area I think is under the most threat. So, in order to maintain a competitive edge, you need to embrace change, to keep your edge.
I believe that in the near future, the most successful recruitment firms will be those who specialise in a particular sector, and who develop expertise and a wide network in that sector. Their market knowledge will become their true worth and value. Their detailed understanding of their sector will become their best defence.
My advice is that, to remain competitive, you should dedicate at least two hours every week to studying the market: learn about the changes in your sector, about how organisations in your chosen market are performing. Understand who’s winning by outperforming their peers, who’s struggling to keep up, and – most importantly of all – why that’s the case. Only with that level of understanding will you be able to represent the best employers in your sector and to provide the best opportunities for your candidates.
No, the role of recruiter is not doomed. In fact, it presents a great opportunity for those who are able to adapt. But stay still, and you may just lose your competitive edge.
James Caan CBE
We Help International Schools QUICKLY Find The Best Qualified Teachers From The Western World
5 年The role of the recruiter is not doomed. However, recruiters would need to increase their skill set to keep pace with the rapidly changing face of recruitment.
master satertagest at Scripps Networks Interactive
5 年And in reference to a i intelligence it's officially one of the greatest most accurate machines ever pro contable so we have to do our best formation tour these things run appropriate and see how can we achieve my goals around this one dilemma
Health And Safety Manager at Greensleeves Care
5 年If you recruit the person and not the CV...you will go a long way in excellence!
Founder & CEO | Diversity, CSR, ESG, Social Value Expert - providing recruitment, training, consultancy and advisory services
5 年I went to a hr technology showcase last week which the lovely Louise Triance coordinated. Neil Carberry delivered the final keynote which really drove home for me the fact that technology will never replace the human elements of the role of recruiters. Instead, it would enable recruiters more time to refine, practice and develop their human skills which in turn would enhance the client and candidate journey - cementing their continued position and value in the HR sector. Interestingly, I then had a conversation with Lucy Mavers at MLC Partners who’s business values aren’t what you would expect from your usual rec consultancy (check out their website and you’ll see what I mean). In our conversation, Lucy said many things to me which echoed Neil’s comments. Having worked in the recruitment space and having been a candidate on numerous occasions myself, I am convinced of the many benefits of the role of recruiters who focus on the human elements of their job and use intelligent and fit for purpose tech to make their jobs easier. Both interactions were incredibly refreshing and reassuring both in the context of a recruiter and a candidate.
Banking, Payments & Fintech Talent Advisor | BaaS | Embedded Finance | Blockchain | Digital Assets | Crypto | DeFi | Exec Search | Recruitment | Finrec.io | 20K+ Followers
5 年This article looks like it was written 15 years ago! Specialism and market knowledge is the only justification for charging a (worthwhile) fee today (and has been for a decade). If “generalist” recruiters still exist, then whichever companies engage them need to take a serious look at themselves.... Also, anybody that thinks AI can replace a real recruiter, doesn’t understand the role of a recruiter. Half of the interviews we arrange happen on our recommendation, without a CV even being sent, as we know the candidates and are trusted by our clients. Less than 5% of our placements come from candidates responding to adverts, or from searching our database. That 5% is the only place that AI (potentially) threatens, so I think we will be ok for the foreseeable...