Top 7 skills modern recruiters need in the age of automation

Whether or not you believe that AI is taking over the world, one thing is for sure—it is changing how we work. While some HR professionals are fully onboard with AI’s role, it has raised some big questions for others, like “will it replace the human element?” or “is my role at risk?”

The truth is, jobs are evolving, not disappearing. LinkedIn predicts that by 2030, 70% of the skills used in most jobs today will have changed. However, this shift isn’t about losing relevance. It’s about growing into new roles that blend tech with uniquely human strengths.

As humans and machines learn to work side by side, recruiters will need to step into roles where AI can’t compete, areas like emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and genuine connection.

So what does that look like in practice? Let’s explore the top 7 skills today’s recruiters need to thrive in this new era of automation.

Understanding AI and automation tools

Back in 2010, only a tiny fraction of job postings—about 0.5%—even mentioned AI skills. Fast forward to 2024, and that number more than tripled to 1.7%. That might sound small, but the momentum is undeniable. In fact, according to Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index, 66% of business leaders say they wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills. Recruiters themselves are taking notes, with 14% more of them adding AI skills to their LinkedIn profiles in just one year.

The reality is that recruiters must have a good understanding of hiring technology across the candidate journey and how it sources, assesses, and interviews candidates. They don’t need to be tech experts, but they should have a solid grasp on the functionality of these tools, both for their own expertise and to confidently explain the process to candidates who may have questions.

Interpreting analytics

Modern hiring platforms can now generate a wealth of data, from time-to-fill to candidate drop-off rates. But it’s not just about collecting more data. It’s also about knowing how to use it. In today’s workplace, recruiters should know how to interpret complex data and make informed, insightful decisions fast.

However, hiring teams are only as effective as the tools they rely on, which is why choosing the right vendor matters. Look for partners who prioritize clear, actionable analytics. Take Hirevue, for example. Our intuitive dashboards and customizable reports make it easy for recruiters to track performance, spot trends, and uncover areas for improvement. When data is simple to interpret, it becomes a powerful tool for smarter, faster decision-making.

Building authentic relationships

 Can technology and human connection really coexist? At first glance, they might seem at odds. After all, how can something so automated support something so personal? 

But the truth is, technology is making room for the human element by taking over time-consuming tasks like scheduling, screening, and on-demand interviews. AI allows recruiters to spend more time where it counts: connecting with candidates, understanding their stories, and creating meaningful experiences. 

And isn’t that what hiring has always been about? Creating connections and fostering trust from the very first interaction—so employees and companies can thrive together.

Critical thinking

Now that recruiters are less bogged down with tedious tasks, they have more time to ask the hard questions, like “where are the biggest skill gaps in our organization?” or “what unconscious biases might be embedded in our hiring practices or platforms?”

Again, this is where AI and recruiters can work hand-in-hand. While AI handles tasks and delivers valuable data, it’s the human recruiter who brings meaning to that information—analyzing it, asking the right questions, and making thoughtful, strategic decisions that drive long-term success.

Adaptability

What is familiar to us in the workplace today—remote collaboration platforms, virtual whiteboards, or virtual recruiting and interviewing—was almost unimaginable just a few years ago. Technology is advancing at lightning speed, and recruiters who are not able to quickly pivot and adapt are struggling to keep up. We saw this scenario play out over the pandemic. The workplace changed overnight, and teams had to figure out how to keep moving forward while working completely online. 

As AI changes the workplace, recruiters must learn to change along with it. Those who remain curious when faced with unfamiliar processes and are willing to adjust to new situations will be the ones who excel in their roles.

Ethical oversight

AI is getting better and better every day. But it’s certainly not perfect. And if there are no proper guardrails set up, AI can unintentionally reinforce existing biases.

Recruiters don’t need to be AI experts, but they do need to understand the basics, such as:

• AI should assist (not replace) human judgment
• Results need to be reviewed regularly to catch any signs of unfairness
• Candidates should be informed when AI is part of the process
• It’s essential to stay up to date on relevant laws and evolving best practices

One of the best ways to ensure ethical responsibility is to partner with a vendor who is transparent about how their AI works. Hirevue was the first in the industry to share its AI Explainability Statement. Reputable vendors will openly share theirs, outlining how their models are built, tested, and monitored.

An ethical hiring AI partner will also:

• Regularly test and audit their systems for bias
• Stay current with regulations and industry best practices
• Be clear about what their AI evaluates—and what it doesn’t

Curiosity and a growth mindset

Brands like Netflix, Nike, and Dell now list curiosity as a core value, recognizing that it’s more than just a trait—it’s a catalyst for progress. Curious employees are the ones who ask better questions, challenge the status quo, and find new ways to improve what already exists. 

And in a work environment that’s changing at record speed, that kind of mindset is more valuable than ever. In fact, LinkedIn has seen a 90% increase in the mention of “curiosity” in job listings, proving that employers don’t just want employees who can do the job. They want employees who can reinvent it.

And it’s no different for recruiters. With AI reshaping how talent is sourced, assessed, and engaged, those who stay curious about new tools, labor market shifts, and evolving candidate expectations will be the ones who lead the way forward.

We saw this play out in our latest 2025 Global Guide to Hiring, as weekly AI usage among recruiting teams jumped from 58% in 2024 to 72% in 2025. What started as cautious curiosity has quickly evolved into confident adoption, and the payoff is undeniable:

• 63% saw greater productivity
• 55% automated manual tasks
• 52% enhanced business efficiency
• 52% saw faster process turnaround

Read the report to gather more insights on how AI is changing hiring and the role of the recruiter. To see how Hirevue can help recruiters focus on what matters most, request a live demo.