Generative AI and beyond: Top takeaways from HR Tech 2024

Horizontal blog- Kim at HR Tech conference
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TrendsInformation technology
Article by Kim Ullstrup
Oct 3, 2024
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As the Product Operations Manager for Horizontal Talent, I recently had the opportunity to attend the HR Tech Conference, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of HR technology. In addition to roaming the Expo hall of 500+ vendors, there was a packed agenda of keynote speakers, case study sessions and tech talks covering of a wide variety of topics.

Here are some of my insights from the keynote speakers, critical takeaways in light of the growing influence of Generative AI and a recap on my case study session with Veritone Hire

Insights from keynote speakers

The conference featured notable keynote speakers, including best-selling author and CEO of Quantum Networks Group, Charlene Li, and global industry analyst and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, Josh Bersin, who shared their perspectives on the evolving landscape of HR technology.

Charlene Li

  • Charlene emphasized the importance of building trust in a digital-first world. For staffing agencies, this means fostering transparency with both clients and candidates. By leveraging AI responsibly and ensuring ethical practices in data usage, we can create a trustworthy environment that attracts top talent.
  • Charlene shared a quote that I have seen numerous times before but hit home with the context of her keynote: “AI won’t replace you, someone using AI will”. This drives home the notion that AI is here to stay and needs to be embraced. 

Josh Bersin

  • Josh’s insights focused on the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing market. He stressed that agencies must not only adopt new technologies but also continuously evolve their strategies to meet the changing needs of businesses and candidates. Generative AI, in particular, and the use of AI agents should be seen as a tool for innovation rather than just automation. 

Embracing Generative AI

One of the most significant themes throughout the conference was the transformative potential of Generative AI in the HR/TA space. From automating routine tasks to enhancing candidate engagement, AI is revolutionizing how we approach talent acquisition and talent management.

Key highlights:

  • Efficiency gains: Generative AI can streamline various processes, such as resume screening and interview scheduling. By automating these tasks, we can focus more on building relationships with candidates and clients rather than getting bogged down in administrative work.
  • Enhanced candidate experience: AI-driven tools can create personalized communication strategies, helping candidates feel more engaged throughout the hiring process. This can significantly improve retention rates and enhance your company’s reputation.

Strategic applications for AI

There are a few notable strategic applications for companies looking to leverage Generative AI:

  1. AI-driven talent matching: Use AI algorithms to better match candidates with job opportunities.
  2. Candidate engagement: Utilize AI and automation to engage with candidates throughout their journey, from the initial touchpoint and screening to allowing them the use of AI for ongoing Q&A and support while on assignment.
  3. Predictive analytics: Implement analytics tools to forecast hiring trends, enabling agencies to proactively manage talent pools and anticipate client needs.
  4. Continuous learning: Encourage a culture of continuous learning among your team. As AI technologies evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be crucial to maintaining a competitive edge.
  5. Feedback loops: Establish mechanisms to gather feedback from candidates and clients about their experiences with AI-driven processes. This will not only help refine your approach but also enhance trust and transparency.

Case study session: 

One of the highlights of the HR Tech Conference was a case study session where I had the pleasure of presenting alongside Alex Fourlis from Veritone Hire. Our session titled "Beyond the Hype: How a Global Talent Team Cut Recruitment Costs by 80% Using Veritone’s AI Solutions," showcased the real-world impact that AI programmatic job advertising has had on our results.

Session overview:

During our presentation, we discussed the impact that AI has had in creating efficiency in recruitment marketing. With the right tools, agencies can achieve remarkable results, such as reducing recruitment marketing costs by up to 80%.

Key points discussed:

  • Real-world applications: We shared specific examples of how Veritone's programmatic AI job advertising has transformed our recruitment strategies at Horizontal Talent. By optimizing job postings and utilizing advanced analytics, we not only streamlined our hiring processes but also improved our return on investment (ROI).
  • Actionable insights: Attendees left with practical strategies to implement AI solutions in their own agencies. We highlighted key takeaways that can help streamline recruitment, optimize performance and ultimately impact the bottom line positively by utilizing the tools and resources that Veritone Hire offers.
  • Diversity and compliance: We also addressed how AI can aid in achieving diversity goals and ensure compliance with OFCCP regulations, making it easier for agencies to attract a wide range of talent while adhering to necessary standards.

 

The HR Tech Conference provided invaluable insights that can help companies navigate the complexities of the modern hiring landscape. By embracing Generative AI and fostering a culture of adaptability and trust, we can position ourselves as leaders in the space. 

As we move forward, I’m excited to see how these innovations will shape our industry and look forward to implementing these strategies at Horizontal Talent!


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