Why Recruiting Needs Both AI Efficiency and Human Connection with Rebecca Carr

Rebecca Carr, CEO of SmartRecruiters, joins Denise Chaffin to discuss the company’s recent acquisition by SAP and what it means for the future of talent acquisition technology. Rebecca shares her journey from recruiter to product leader to CEO, her perspective on the ATS market’s evolution, and how AI is reshaping recruiting workflows. She explains how SmartRecruiters is pioneering AI-driven solutions like Winston, an agent designed to handle workflow orchestration and recruiter support, while emphasizing the importance of humanizing hiring in the age of automation. The conversation explores industry consolidation, recruiter skill evolution, misconceptions about AI, and what TA leaders should do now to stay ahead.

Key Episode Segments:
• SAP’s Acquisition of SmartRecruiters: A milestone that signals increased consolidation in the HR tech space and accelerates AI-driven innovation.
• ATS Evolution 3.0: The shift from supply-chain-inspired systems to cloud-based platforms to AI-enabled, no-UI recruiting experiences.
• Winston, the AI Recruiting Agent: Designed to integrate into daily workflows (Slack, Teams, ATS) and coordinate with other AI agents across the recruiting ecosystem.
• Recruiting Roles Are Changing: AI will take over 82% of administrative tasks, allowing recruiters to become true talent advisors.
• Practical Advice for Leaders: Start experimenting with AI now (begin with interview scheduling) and retire the mindset that automation alone equals AI.