Artificial Intelligence
Is Google search on the way out? Some think SearchGPT will replace the traditional search engines.
Recruiters, if you were smart and got on the waitlist for SearchGPT, good for you, because the waitlist is now closed. SearchGPT is about to open up a whole brave new world for Sourcers and Recruiters, giving you access to real-time data from the web. No more dealing with outdated info you currently get with OpenAI’s Chat GPT. SearchGPT is here to provide up-to-date information on the fly. OpenAI’s latest search engine aims to solve the knowledge cutoff issue that’s been holding back traditional AI models.
Here’s what recruiters and sourcers will totally nerd out on:
- Conversational AI: It uses the same language model as ChatGPT for natural, seamless interactions.
- Follow-up Questions: This lets you ask follow-ups for a more interactive experience.
- Up-to-date Responses: Real-time information with no knowledge cutoff—finally!
- Summarization: Offers concise summaries instead of just a bunch of links.
- Attribution: Provides clear source links for easy verification.
- Visual Results: Delivers visual content like images and videos.
Now, look, Google search has had a great run, and I’m sure the hardcore Boolean ninjas will still stick to their traditional search engines. But for the rest of the TA pros out there, SearchGPT is serving up direct answers instead of just links. Plus, it’s all ad-free. Seriously, how many times have you clicked on a link only to realize it’s an ad?
Overall, while SearchGPT and similar AI advancements may influence the search engine landscape, they are not poised to replace Google in the immediate future. Instead, they may complement existing search technologies, offering alternative ways to access and synthesize information.
M&A
Asure Software, an HR and payroll company, has acquired HireClick, a recruitment solution that caters to small and medium-sized businesses. HireClick’s platform improves the hiring process, and this acquisition aims to expand Asure’s Human Capital Management (HCM) suite by incorporating a user-friendly applicant tracking system (ATS). The integration of HireClick will help businesses streamline talent acquisition by providing tools for creating job descriptions, posting on job boards, tracking applicants, and maintaining communication with candidates through an intuitive dashboard. The solution also includes features like a customized careers webpage, mobile-compatible job applications, and AI capabilities for developing compelling job descriptions.
DEI
Women hold just 14% of tech leadership roles in NASDAQ-100 companies, unchanged over four years.
Not much has changed when it comes to tech leadership. Men still dominate it. A recent study by The Tenth Revolution Group revealed a significant gender disparity in tech leadership roles within NASDAQ-100 companies from 2021 to 2024. Over this period, women held only 15% of CIO and CTO positions, with a slight peak at 17% in 2022 before dropping back to 14% in 2024.
The research also reveals a stark contrast in tenure, with women in these roles averaging just 1.5 years compared to 4.3 years for men. This suggests challenges like burnout and retention issues. Despite ongoing advocacy for gender equality in tech, the data shows no significant progress toward gender parity in leadership positions.
Tenth Revolution Group leaders emphasize the urgent need to create sustainable pathways and equitable conditions to support women in tech leadership, addressing both the gender imbalance and the high burnout rates.
LAYOFFS
It’s been a hot summer of layoffs.
Just when you thought that layoffs were cooling off in 2024, they started heating up again this summer. It’s been a heat wave of layoffs. Here are the recent summer blockbuster layoffs.
- Cisco: Announced a restructuring plan affecting 7% of its workforce to invest in growth opportunities and improve efficiency. This follows previous layoffs earlier in the year.
- Intel: The company plans to lay off approximately 15,000 employees as part of a cost-reduction strategy aimed at trimming $10 billion by 2025. The company cited high costs and low margins as reasons for the cuts.
- Paramount Global: Started reducing its U.S.-based workforce by 15%, focusing on redundant functions and streamlining its corporate structure. The layoffs will occur in phases, largely before October.
- Stellantis: Will cease production of the Ram 1500 Classic at its Warren Truck plant, leading to potential indefinite layoffs for up to 2,450 workers, although fewer may be impacted.
- Fastly: The company announced it will cut 11% of its workforce to streamline operations and reduce costs, with completion expected by the end of the year.
- Axios: Laid off 50 employees to adapt to changes in the media industry.
- Sonos: Announced a 6% reduction in its workforce, affecting about 100 employees, as part of efforts to improve its operating model and cost structure.
SOURCING
Direct sourcing companies are paving the way for Talent Access.
In a recent article, I explored the concept of “Talent Access” and how it’s reshaping the world of talent acquisition. Simply put, talent access is a modern approach to workforce management that prioritizes flexibility and inclusivity, moving beyond the traditional methods of acquiring talent.
We’re seeing more direct-sourcing companies, like TalentFusion, capitalizing on this shift. TalentFusion, for instance, is on a mission to revolutionize contingent workforce management. The company focuses on transforming how organizations handle their contingent workforce by leveraging advanced technology and innovative strategies. Their approach is all about streamlining the sourcing and management of temporary talent, offering companies greater efficiency and flexibility.
So, don’t be surprised when you see more direct-sourcing companies like TalentFusion helping TA teams achieve their hiring goals without the need to bring on full-time employees.
TRENDS
Career cushioning could save you from unemployment!
I recently wrote about career cushioning. Although it’s been around for over a year, it’s no longer just a trend—it’s become a go-to strategy for professionals amid ongoing economic uncertainties and the upcoming election.
With growing fears of a recession and layoffs, Jasmine Escalera, a career expert at LiveCareer, advises workers to take proactive steps to create a backup plan or “cushion” in case of job loss. This includes updating resumes and cover letters, investing in upskilling and expanding professional networks to stay competitive in an increasingly unpredictable job market.