As part of our partnership, we collaborated with WITS Ireland (Women in Technology and Science) for a webinar exploring: Standing Out in the Age of AI – Navigating Job Search and Hiring Trends.
The session was led by WITS Executive Committee Member and Supplier Engineer, Klaudia Prys, and Janelle Molina, our Head of Performance and Sales, APAC, shared her international technology and change recruitment expertise at the event. Molina talked about how AI is reshaping recruitment for both candidates and hiring managers, giving practical tips.
It was great to have many professionals working in STEM roles across Ireland, from early to mid-career stages, actively engaging in the discussion, sharing their insights, and experiences. The conversation touched on maintaining authenticity as a candidate when using AI tools, uncovering opportunities beyond traditional job boards, and striking the right balance between automation and the human touch in hiring.
Highlights from the discussion
1. What job seekers need to know
While platforms like ChatGPT or CV optimisers can be useful for fine-tuning applications or preparing for interviews, Janelle Molina reminded attendees not to let these tools do all the work. “Recruiters can tell when something doesn’t feel personal”. Applications that lack authenticity often fail to stand out. Instead, focus on clearly presenting your achievements and sharing them with confidence.
This tied into a broader point Janelle raised about a common hesitation among candidates, particularly women, who often feel they need to meet every single job requirement before applying. “It’s okay not to tick every box,” she said. Confidence isn’t about meeting every requirement, but about backing your potential, attitude, and ability to grow.
She expanded on this by highlighting the qualities employers are currently prioritising. While technical skills remain crucial, she emphasised that soft skills, such as adaptability, communication, and problem-solving, are key to thriving in today’s fast-changing workplaces. These attributes help people succeed once they’re in the role, and they’re not something AI can assess easily.
The conversation also touched on the hidden job market, where many technology jobs are shared through referrals or exclusive networks rather than being advertised publicly. Our Head of Marketing, Gulnaz Can, joined the conversation and offered guidance on how candidates can navigate this space effectively, encouraging them to stay visible in their networks, especially in communities like WITS, and to be proactive. Reaching out to recruiters who understand your sector or messaging hiring managers directly can also open up early conversations that lead to interviews.
2. What hiring managers should consider
Janelle Molina also spoke about the role of AI in recruitment processes. It’s already streamlining many of the repetitive tasks, such as CV screening, interview scheduling, and even note-taking, but its purpose isn’t to replace people. “AI will free up recruiters to spend more time understanding what drives a candidate,” she noted.
In an age where everything moves quickly, it's easy to lose the human touch. But simple actions like sending timely updates or making a follow-up call can make all the difference, especially for candidates navigating multiple interviews or offers. Janelle pointed out that a candidate’s experience during the process often plays a big role in whether they accept the job.
Additionally, she emphasised that upskilling doesn’t just apply to candidates. As AI tools evolve, so do expectations of leadership. Managers who stay curious and informed about new technologies and shifting workplace priorities are often the ones who can spot potential that others miss – and build more resilient teams as a result.
Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation and shared your questions, insights, and experiences. We’re excited to continue collaborating with WITS on upcoming events and initiatives that support women in STEM and create a meaningful impact.
