Recruiting Weekly Brief: June 17–23, 2025
This past week, the recruiting world saw some interesting shifts. We’re seeing a clearer picture of how AI is really changing things, not just automating but actually helping us connect better with candidates. Plus, there’s a renewed focus on how companies are building their teams, both from within and by tackling some big-picture talent challenges.
This Week’s Top Recruiting Headlines:
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New Military Recruitment Task Force Launched
The U.S. Department of Defense has established a new Military Recruitment Task Force, aiming to unify messaging, broaden eligibility, and eliminate obstacles in the recruitment and onboarding process. This strategic move seeks to build on recent positive momentum in military enlistment, ensuring a consistent pipeline of talent for future force requirements. This initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to talent acquisition, addressing systemic challenges.
Published: June 19, 2025
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4222328/this-week-in-dod-new-recruiting-task-force-greenland-shifts-to-northcom-dod-act/ -
The Real Risk in Recruiting Isn’t AI, It’s Inaction
A new Forbes article argues that while concerns about AI in recruiting are valid, the greater risk lies in companies failing to adopt it strategically. With only 11% of recruiting teams fully integrating AI despite 73% believing it will reshape hiring, the piece emphasizes AI as an “augmented intelligence” tool. It should free recruiters from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on high-value human interactions like relationship-building and judgment, ultimately enabling scalable hiring.
Published: June 23, 2025
The Real Risk In Recruiting Isn’t AI; It’s IA (InAction) -
Rethinking Recruiting: Tech, Not Headcount, for Scalable Hiring
Another Forbes piece highlights that relying solely on increasing recruiter headcount for hiring surges leads to instability, especially during economic downturns. Instead, companies should adopt technology as a “force multiplier” to reduce manual effort across the hiring journey. This approach enables recruiting teams to scale hiring activity up or down rapidly and efficiently, improving efficiency, effectiveness, candidate experience, and equity through structured, science-backed assessments.
Published: June 23, 2025
Why Tech, Not Headcount, Should Power Scalable Hiring -
Pay Perception Gap Driving Top Talent Turnover
A recent HR Dive report, citing Payscale data, reveals that 68% of employees believe they are underpaid, even when their compensation is at or above market rates. This “pay perception gap” makes employees 45% more likely to seek new jobs, regardless of actual pay. While pay transparency laws are increasing, effective communication about compensation philosophy is crucial to build trust and retain high performers. This highlights the need for strategic communication beyond mere compliance.
Published: June 23, 2025
Misperceptions around fair pay can increase top talent turnover, report finds | HR Dive -
Skills-Based Hiring Dominates 2025 Workforce Trends
As technology rapidly transforms job roles, skills-based hiring is taking center stage, with employers increasingly prioritizing what candidates can do over traditional degrees. This shift, driven by the rapid obsolescence of skills (39% change in five years) and struggles to fill roles, broadens talent pools and improves retention. Companies are also focusing on internal mobility and robust learning & development programs to adapt to evolving skill demands and build future-ready workforces.
Published: June 18, 2025
Workforce Trends to Watch in 2025 and Beyond - Amerit
Tools & Tips
- Embracing AI for Enhanced Candidate Experience: Don’t just automate; use AI to personalize interactions and ensure consistent, positive brand messaging. Think “voice checks” for chatbots and automated, branded follow-ups to keep candidates engaged and informed, even if they’re not selected. This builds trust and turns candidates into brand advocates.
https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/3-ways-to-protect-your-brand-as-ai-powered-recruiting-takes-off - Navigating the Shift to Skills-Based Hiring: As the market prioritizes skills over degrees, leverage toolkits and frameworks like SHRM’s Skills-Based Hiring Toolkit. This helps you assess roles for actual skill needs, review automated systems for credential bias, and think about work as projects requiring specific competencies, opening up broader talent pools.
Toolkit: Skills-Based Hiring To Transform Talent Acquisition
Fun Fact
Did you know that while only 7% of job applicants come from employee referrals, they account for over 40% of all hires? This highlights just how powerful your internal network can be in finding top talent!
Fun facts about Recruitment - BrainSource
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any Recruiting events or utilized new Recruiting tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.