Is AI Making You Miss Out on Great Candidates?
AI in recruitment is everywhere right now. CV screening tools, automated shortlisting, keyword matching -it’s all designed to make hiring quicker and easier.
And don’t get me wrong, it does have its place.
But here’s what I’m seeing more and more:
Businesses are missing out on really good people… because AI says “no”.
The “Perfect CV” Trap
Most AI tools are built to find candidates who tick every box on a job description. Same job title, same industry, same keywords.
Sounds ideal, right?
The problem is - real life hiring doesn’t work like that.
Some of the best candidates I speak to:
- Have come from a slightly different background
- Use completely different wording on their CV
- Have loads of transferable skills but not the “exact” experience
- Haven’t optimised their CV to get past an AI system
And because of that… they don’t even make it onto your radar.
What You’re Actually Missing
When you rely too heavily on AI filtering, you risk:
Playing it too safe
You end up hiring like-for-like every time. No fresh ideas, no new perspective.
Overlooking potential
That person who’s ready to step up? Gone. Filtered out.
Missing personality and attitude
AI can’t tell you who’s going to bring energy, drive, and positivity into your team.
Losing great candidates early
Good people are getting instant rejections with no feedback - and they remember that.
Recruitment Isn’t Just a Box-Ticking Exercise
A CV only tells part of the story.
It doesn’t show:
- How driven someone is
- Why they’re looking for a move
- How they come across in person
- Whether they’ll actually fit your team
That stuff matters. A lot.
And it’s exactly the kind of thing AI just can’t pick up.
This Is Where the Human Bit Comes In
This is why I do what I do.
When I work on a role, I’m not just scanning CVs—I’m:
- Speaking to people properly
- Understanding their background and where they want to go
- Spotting transferable skills others might miss
- Thinking about culture fit as well as experience
- Challenging the brief if I think there’s a better way
Sometimes the best candidate isn’t the obvious one on paper. But they are the right one when you actually meet them.
The Best Hires Rarely Look “Perfect” on Paper
Honestly, some of the best placements I’ve made have been candidates who:
- Didn’t tick every box
- Came from a different industry
- Just needed someone to back them
AI would’ve filtered them out in seconds.
Keep the Tech… But Don’t Lose the People
I’m not saying ditch AI completely - it’s useful.
But if you rely on it too much, you’re narrowing your talent pool without even realising it.
The businesses that get it right are the ones that combine tech with real human insight.
A Bit About How I Work
When you work with me, you’re not getting a list of keyword-matched CVs.
You’re getting:
- People I’ve actually spoken to
- Honest recommendations (not just “on paper” fits)
- Candidates who can do the job - and want to do it
- A proper, personal approach from start to finish
And something that’s really important to me - every placement I make includes a charitable donation.
So not only are you hiring the right person, you’re also contributing to something positive beyond your business. It’s a small touch, but one that makes a difference.
Because recruitment isn’t just about filling a role - it’s about finding the right person.
Let’s Talk
If you’re hiring and not seeing the right candidates - or you just want a more human approach to recruitment - drop me a message or connect with me.
Let’s make sure the right people don’t slip through the cracks.