By: Kay Calivas, CSP Training & Development Consultant
Lately, it feels like AI is everywhere in the hiring conversation. From screening tools to résumé builders, technology has made its way into nearly every step of the process. And while AI can certainly create efficiencies, both candidates and hiring teams are starting to feel the overload.
What we’re seeing more and more is a shift back toward something simple but essential: authenticity.
Where AI Helps, and Where People Matter More
At CSP, we utilize AI in small ways, such as drafting job descriptions or assisting with outreach once we’ve identified the right candidates. It saves time and clears the way for our recruiters to focus on what matters most: people.
Because here’s the truth: AI can support, but it can’t connect. A well-written job description might spark initial interest, but it’s the conversation that follows, the questions asked, the trust built, and the insights shared that make the difference.
Authenticity in Action
The most important moments in hiring (interviews, conversations, and assessments) can’t be automated. These are the moments when you learn:
- How someone leads. Beyond technical expertise, what’s their style, and will it resonate with your team?
- How they fit with your culture. Values and working styles aren’t captured in a résumé.
- Where they can grow. Potential matters just as much as experience.
That’s why human judgment is irreplaceable.
Johnny Black, Managing Partner at CSP, recently shared with the Baltimore Business Journal:
“I have not seen AI be able to gather a culture dynamic. If you expect AI to deliver the right candidate on a silver platter, you’re going to be disappointed.”
Forbes has made a similar point, noting that organizations seeing the most success with AI are the ones using it as a support tool, rather than a substitute for human decision-making. Together, these perspectives highlight a simple truth: technology may streamline parts of the process, but authenticity and human connection lead to lasting hires.
Why Authenticity Matters Now More Than Ever
Candidates are paying close attention to how they’re treated during the hiring process. With artificial intelligence everywhere, many fear being reduced to data points rather than individuals. When a recruiter or hiring manager takes the time to listen, to ask thoughtful questions, and to share openly about the role and company, it sets the stage for stronger relationships and better long-term outcomes.
For employers, this approach provides peace of mind. The goal isn’t to fill a role quickly, but to make a thoughtful choice with confidence that the new hire will thrive.
Key Takeaway
AI may make hiring faster, but authenticity makes it meaningful. Candidates want to be seen as people, not profiles, and employers want confidence in both skill and fit. The companies that strike the right balance, pairing technology with genuine human connection, are the ones that build lasting teams.
If you’d like to explore how to build authenticity into your hiring strategy, the team at CSP would be glad to help.