Technology should support recruiting, not run it!  Many times, recruiters don’t lose effectiveness because of too little technology, they lose momentum because of too much, poorly managed, technology. When the tools become the focus, recruiters spend more time updating systems rather than talking with people. Recruiting technology has advanced rapidly, but more tools do not automatically create better outcomes. We need to put new technology into perspective, so everyone is a winner.

Protect Your Time, Don’t Consume It

I spoke with executive recruiter and President of Sales Recruiters Inc., Henry Glickel, who said that the best recruiters use technology to protect their time, not consume it. Success comes from clear workflows, fewer, better tools, and the use of strong human judgement layered on top of automation. Staying updated doesn’t mean chasing every new tool. Recruiters fall behind when they are constantly switching tools, adding new technology without fixing the process, and adopting trends without clear expectations. 

Use Technology for Repetitive Functions

Technology is best used to automate repetitive messages that will reduce administrative loads and speed up the communication process. It should not replace relationship- building, candidate evaluation, client advising, and helping train the all-important closing conversations.

Have One “System of Truth” 

The most effective and simple solution is to have one system of truth – one primary ATS/CRM as the source of truth. All other tools feed into the main system; not compete with it. Without this, information gets duplicated, outdated, or lost. The ATS – Applicant Tracking System – acts as the central system. Organizations rely on one main platform to avoid the risk of fragmented data. The CRM – Customer Relationship Management – acts as a single source of truth for interactions and data, keeping information in one place, and improving alignment across teams. The one system-of-record method points out and explains why technology should unify information rather than scatter it across different systems. You need key automation for scheduling, follow-ups, and summaries. You need one central dashboard for pipeline health and client activity. It is important to schedule at least a 30-minute window weekly for cleanup and review.

Use AI for Admin Work and Keep “the Human Touch” for Handling People

It is smart to use AI for resume summaries, candidate notes, outreach memos, and interview recap documentation.  You need “the human touch” for fit assessments, motivation, negotiation, and relationship management. SHRM emphasizes that AI and recruiting technology must operate together with human oversight, governance, and clear guidelines. The key insight is that technology should buy recruiters time – not steal it!

AI should handle admin work so recruiters can focus on people. If your tech stack feels overwhelming, it is probably doing too much. Effective recruiters focus on clarity – they use technology to simplify their work – not complicate it. Recruiters who stay disciplined with their tools, review workflows regularly, and adopt technology intentionally, remain productive, current, and competitive without becoming overwhelmed. 

For more information on this topic and several more, please see my new YouTube Channel, Just Ask Judy, @JudyCollinsStaffingResources. Henry and I talk about the best use of technology to stay ahead – without getting lost in the system. Contact me for more information on Employer of Record Services and Back Office Support. I can be reached at 713-858-2677, judy@jcsrllc.com, or visit my website at https://www.jcsrllc.com! 

Read More By Judy Collins