What It Means to me to Be a Recruiter

By Sandra Rivera, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown


An AI led interview prompted one of my candidates to share their experience with me, and understood immediately what was missing. 

He explained that each answer was timed, there was no back-and-forth conversation, and if his response did not align exactly with what the system expected, he was either prompted with another question or asked to elaborate. The entire call lasted about 15–20 minutes.

When I asked how he felt about the experience, his response was immediate: “I hated it.” He said it felt robotic, impersonal, and left no room for real interaction or dialogue, just answering questions into the void.

That conversation stayed with me, so I ran a quick LinkedIn poll asking people how they felt about being interviewed by AI. The results were telling: 17% said they liked it, 47% said they did not and described it as strange, and 37% did not even realize this type of interview existed.

With that in mind, I want to share what being a recruiter means to me. I never want conversations to feel mechanical or transactional. Recruiting, at its core, is about people, stories, and connection. I don’t want to be robotic when I speak with you. I want real dialogue, honest questions, and space for curiosity, nuance, and human interaction, because that is where the best matches are truly made.

Recruitment is about connecting people with opportunities where they can thrive. A recruiter’s role is to bridge talented individuals and organizations, ensuring the right fit for both. It’s a mix of strategy, relationship-building, and communication that directly impacts careers and business success.

Recruiters identify and engage candidates, review resumes, conduct screenings, and coordinate interviews. They help candidates navigate the hiring process while advocating for them with hiring managers. Beyond matching skills, recruiters convey a company’s culture and values, making each opportunity appealing to top talent.

Success in recruiting requires both analytical thinking and empathy. Recruiters evaluate qualifications, cultural fit, and long-term potential while balancing candidate experience with organizational needs. They also track market trends, salary expectations, and candidate motivations, providing valuable insight to shape hiring strategies.

The role is evolving with technology: tools like applicant tracking systems and AI assist in sourcing and matching candidates, but human connection remains essential. Recruiters build relationships, interpret fit, and guide candidates through the sometimes complex hiring process.

Ultimately, recruiters make a lasting impact by helping people find meaningful work and ensuring organizations have the talent they need to grow. In short, recruiting is about shaping futures, for both individuals and companies.
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