Over the past month, I've had several conversations about the current job market and AI. Although they came from different perspectives, they all led to the same conclusion: as AI becomes more common, human relationships become even more important.
At our recent Cambridge Network Recruitment Peer Group, Tracey Wells from Redgate joined us to lead a discussion on Scaling for Efficiency: The Benefits of a Great HR & Talent Tech Stack.
One of the key takeaways was that AI isn't just transforming how employers recruit. It's also changing how candidates search for jobs, write applications and prepare for interviews.
The organisations that will thrive won't necessarily be those using the most AI. They'll be the ones redesigning their recruitment processes for a world where everyone has access to AI.
The very next day, I spoke with Richard Edge from Careerships, who will be leading our careers workshop at the Cambridge Network Candidate Recruitment Evening on 15 September. Richard has helped hundreds of people move into better roles over the years, and he described this as the toughest jobs market he's experienced, highlighting UK permanent job placements have now fallen for 44 consecutive months*, and that trend continues.
While that may sound discouraging, Richard's message was actually a positive one: success simply requires a different approach. Candidates need visibility. More importantly, they need an active network - not just a long list of connections, but genuine relationships with the right people. That really resonated with me because it's something I've always believed. Whether I'm talking to experienced professionals or giving my own son advice as he starts his career after university, I keep coming back to the same point: opportunities often come through conversations and connections, not just applications.
That's becoming even more important as AI-generated CVs and cover letters meet AI-powered applicant tracking systems. When everyone has access to the same technology, it becomes much harder to stand out through an application alone.
The common thread running through both conversations was clear. AI is changing recruitment from both sides. Employers are using smarter technology to manage growing application volumes, while candidates are using AI to improve their applications. In a world where everyone has access to the same tools, the real competitive advantage becomes increasingly human: relationships, reputation, meaningful conversations and genuine connections.
If you're a job seeker looking to meet employers face to face and hear Richard's insights in person, I'd love to see you at our Cambridge Network Candidate Recruitment Evening on 15 September 2026.
And if you're a hiring company looking to meet talented job seekers, we'd love to have you there too. To book a stand, just drop me an email at [email protected].
*Source: Reuters, reporting on the KPMG and Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) Report on Jobs, June 2026