by Member Elaine Daniels
In 2023, I had the privilege of meeting Barb Bruno, author of High-Tech High-Touch Recruiting, which was also the focus of her presentation. Her message was simple: recruiting is not just about buzzwords and algorithms; it is about the human touch. Her presentation stayed with me because it put words to something I was already doing but not always naming it or being intentional about the human touch. It was a good reminder that even small moments such as a thoughtful question, a timely update, or a real conversation can change how a candidate experiences the process.
In a digital world moving at warp speed, with AI, data analytics, chatbots, and the never-ending race for talent, it is easy to forget what still matters most: conversation, empathy, curiosity, and connection.
Behind every resume is a person. Behind every person is a story. And sometimes the best candidates are those who do not fit perfectly into a keyword search.
Recruiting is both an art and a science.
The science of recruitment includes:
- Using data and analytics to understand labour market trends
- Applying structured processes to support fair and consistent hiring
- Leveraging technology to improve communication and efficiency
- Matching skills, qualifications, and experience to role requirements
- Tracking results to understand what is working and where improvements are needed
The art of recruitment includes:
- Building trust with candidates
- Listening for what may not appear on a resume
- Asking thoughtful follow-up questions
- Recognizing transferable skills and hidden potential
- Creating a candidate experience that feels respectful, timely, and human
The best recruitment strategies use both. Technology can help us move faster, stay organized, and communicate more consistently. But people still make the difference. A system can identify a match; a recruiter can uncover motivation, potential, fit, and readiness.
One practical example is candidate feedback. Candidates want to know where they stand at each stage of the recruitment process. This is where technology and a well-developed systems approach can be a recruiter’s greatest asset — helping ensure that follow-up happens, communication is timely, and no one feels forgotten.
For recruitment professionals and employers alike, the opportunity is not to choose between technology and personal connection, but to use each where it works best:
- Let systems support consistency.
- Let data inform decisions.
- Let automation handle routine updates.
- Let people bring judgment, empathy, curiosity, and meaningful engagement.
In recruitment, we can embrace the best of both worlds: cutting-edge tools and an old-fashioned heart. Take the time to engage with candidates, listen for what may not appear on a resume, and uncover the skills and potential that might otherwise be missed.
After all, it is the human touch that turns a candidate into your next hire.
Connect with me!