Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just for tech giants; it’s becoming a powerful tool for staffing firms looking to hire smarter, faster, and more efficiently. In presentations to the California Staffing Association and Ohio Staffing Association, Managing Director Cory McNeley and Senior Manager Tim Shaw shared how AI is transforming the hiring process in ways that are both practical and immediate.
Why AI matters in staffing
AI has evolved rapidly in recent years. Once considered futuristic, today’s AI tools can understand language, sift through data, and even help write emails. Tools like ChatGPT are now being used to automate repetitive tasks in staffing, making room for recruiters to focus on what matters most: relationships.
Cory and Tim emphasized that AI is not about replacing people; it’s about giving recruiters better tools to succeed.
Making AI work for you
To use AI effectively, recruiters need to know how to “talk” to it. That’s where prompt engineering comes in. You get better responses by clearly telling the AI what role it should play and what kind of result you want.
The C.R.E.A.T.E. method, Character, Request, Example, Adjustment, Type of Output, and Elements, helps guide that process. For example, telling AI: “You’re a staffing consultant. Write a follow-up email to a candidate who just interviewed for a controller role.”
With the right prompt, the AI can generate polished emails, candidate summaries, or interview questions in seconds.
Real staffing applications
Cory and Tim outlined four practical ways AI can help staffing professionals today:
- Filter by certification: AI can scan resumes to instantly find candidates with credentials like CPA or PMP (even a combination if needed), no more manual sorting.
- Education-based shortlisting: AI can rank potential candidates based on where they went to school, helping recruiters quickly identify top-tier profiles when needed.
- Resume matching: AI can compare resumes to job descriptions and suggest and rate which candidates are the best fit, complete with match scores and interview questions.
- Candidate follow-ups: AI can quickly draft thoughtful, personalized follow-up emails after interviews, helping your firm stand out and build stronger candidate relationships.
Proceed with caution
Cory and Tim stressed the importance of working in secure environments, validating AI-generated content, and following compliance guidelines. While AI can offer many benefits, it should be used carefully because misusing AI tools or exposing sensitive information can create legal and potential ethical risks.
The bottom line: AI is already changing the staffing industry, not by replacing recruiters, but by empowering them. It automates their busy work, delivers insights quickly, and frees time to focus on people, which should be the focus of any staffing company.
If your team isn’t exploring AI yet, now’s the time. Those who learn to use it well will be best positioned to serve clients and candidates in this fast-changing landscape.
Have a Question?
Complete this form to ask our professionals a question.
By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by UHY.