Recruiting Roundtable: Employer Branding in the Age of AI

AI is changing the rules of recruiting — and fast. From how candidates discover roles to how they’re screened, scored, and sold, machine learning is reshaping every step of the hiring journey.

But there’s one thing no algorithm can fake: a strong employer brand.

In today’s market, your reputation is your differentiator. Candidates are savvier than ever. They research you before they apply. They know when your values are authentic — and when they’re just marketing copy. And while AI can make your hiring process faster, it can also amplify what’s not working.

That’s what this candid roundtable explored: what employer branding really means in a world of automation, algorithms, and AI-generated everything.

🎥 Watch the recording →

The Conversation

Humanly founder Prem Kumar was joined by:

• Rachel Duran, Global Head of Talent Attraction at HPE
• Bryan Chaney, People Brand & Experience Leader
• Matt Charney, Talent Tech Strategist and Writer

Together, they cut through the hype to talk about what’s actually changing — and what’s timeless — when it comes to building trust with candidates.

Key Takeaways

1. AI is reshaping candidate behavior

Candidates are using AI tools to research companies, write applications, and even prep for interviews. That means your digital presence — every review, every job ad, every chatbot interaction — matters more than ever.

2. Authenticity beats automation

Synthetic content is everywhere, and candidates can tell when your brand voice isn’t real. The best employer brands don’t sound like marketing — they sound like people. Consistency and honesty across every touchpoint build trust that AI alone can’t replicate.

3. Your brand is everyone’s job

From the first recruiter outreach to the onboarding email, every moment is a brand moment. The companies that win are the ones where marketing, talent, and leadership teams align on one clear, human story.

4. Candidate experience is your brand experience

AI can streamline screening and scheduling — but it can’t fix a bad process. When tech feels cold or impersonal, it hurts your reputation. When it feels thoughtful, it elevates your brand.

What This Means for Employer Brand Leaders

Employer branding isn’t about controlling the message anymore. It’s about earning trust — through transparency, alignment, and experience.

As AI continues to transform how we work, authenticity will become your most valuable asset.