Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is drastically transforming numerous sectors, the recruitment industry is no exception. Yet, few companies have managed to find the sweet spot between utilizing AI and maintaining the invaluable human touch. One company defying these odds is The Source and Recruit Company, helmed by its visionary leader, Matthew Burzon, SHRM-SCP.
“Many people fear AI will replace human jobs. But we see it differently. We believe AI and human expertise are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually enhancing,” asserts Burzon.
Burzon and his team utilize an innovative, technology-aided approach that seamlessly blends AI and human expertise to improve recruitment outcomes drastically. The company harnesses the power of AI to streamline its processes, increase efficiency, and improve the accuracy of candidate selection.
ChatGPT, AIPRM, and MidJourney are among the tools the company has ingeniously integrated into its workflow. By developing unique prompts or ‘recipes,’ they’ve leveraged these technologies to accelerate everything from drafting recruitment marketing copy and images, to outlining job descriptions developing diversity and inclusion recruitment strategies, and more. “ChatGPT is mind-blowing, and if we get to a point where its knowledge of world events moves beyond 2021, it will be even more powerful,” says Burzon.
However, while the technology boosts their capability and efficiency, it is the human expertise at The Source and Recruit Company that gives life to the data AI provides. Burzon elaborates, “AI lacks the ability to build relationships, be brand ambassadors, understand the company culture and negotiate. At this time, it still lacks the human touch. This is where our human expertise steps in.”
In their fractional contract model, The Source and Recruit Company assigns clients a dedicated recruiter on an hourly basis who gets to know the company culture, values, and unique hiring needs. This recruiter is not a robotic, faceless AI entity but a human capable of building relationships and providing a personal touch—something Burzon believes makes a significant difference.
The blended approach of AI and fractional human expertise has proven successful. The company has an 85% search success rate on “tough-to-fill” roles with an average cost per hire of 12% of the candidate’s salary.
As for the future, Burzon is optimistic and confident in the evolving role of AI in recruitment. “AI will get more sophisticated, but it’s not about replacement of staff; it’s about augmentation. We see AI continuing to support and enhance our efforts in the recruitment industry.”
To those navigating the uncharted territory of blending AI with their business operations, Burzon offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid of AI. Embrace it. Understand it. But remember, it’s a tool. The real magic lies in how you wield it alongside the irreplaceable value of human expertise.”
Matthew Burzon and The Source and Recruit Company are living proof that in the digital age, the future belongs to those who can bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and the timeless value of the human touch. As we move forward, the success story of this company will likely continue to inspire many in the recruitment industry and beyond.