Talent News Round-Up: Tech Hiring, Cover Letters, and AI Recruiters
Staying updated on the latest workforce trends is crucial for TA leaders and HR professionals. This week, we delve into three significant developments shaping the talent landscape and get SocialTalent CEO, Johnny Campbell’s first-hand takes on these pieces.
- Cord: UK tech hiring is booming, driven by FinTech, AI, and Blockchain—especially among scaleups in London and regional tech hubs.
- HBR: Cover letters still matter—even when not required—showing enthusiasm and boosting interview chances in a competitive job market.
- The San Francisco Standard: AI-powered avatars like Micro1’s Zara are streamlining recruitment but sparking debates over dehumanization and candidate experience.
Join us as we explore these pivotal insights and their implications for the future of work.
1. UK Tech Hiring Growth Trends Report
Source: Cord
The UK Tech Hiring Growth Trends Report highlights a thriving tech ecosystem, driven by startups and scaleups, particularly in FinTech, AI, and Blockchain. FinTech leads in hiring volume, adding over 2,100 roles, while AI shows rapid growth at 35%. Blockchain, though smaller, has the highest growth rate (40.5%). London remains the tech hub, hosting 73% of hiring companies, while regional cities like Bristol, Cambridge, and Manchester also show notable growth. The sector added 10,000 new roles in 12 months.
Johnny Campbell’s take on this:
“Some nice data here that seems to contradict the REC’s data showing relatively flat hiring in tech in the UK over the last year. Perhaps it’s because the data from Cord is focused more on scale-up businesses? It seems that these smaller businesses are on fire. Be careful generalizing from large data sets! There are still plenty of companies scaling like crazy in tech!“
2. Cover Letters Still Matter—Even If They’re Not Required
Source: HBR
Despite many companies no longer requiring cover letters, they remain a valuable tool for job seekers. Research shows that most hiring managers still read cover letters, even when optional, and a strong one can significantly boost interview chances. Cover letters offer a personal touch that resumes lack, showcasing enthusiasm, motivations, and communication skills. Even when not explicitly requested, submitting a tailored cover letter demonstrates initiative and can make candidates stand out in a competitive job market.
Johnny Campbell’s take on this:
“I found this article particularly interesting as I’m personally not a fan of cover letters but the author makes a compelling argument that there really is no downside, in fact only potential upside to including one. The killer tip for me is to make the cover letter about WHY you want the role. Love that one.“
3. Welcome to the Job Search. Your AI Recruiter Will See You Now
Source: The San Francisco Standard
Micro1 has introduced Zara, an AI-powered synthetic avatar, to streamline the job recruitment process. Zara conducts initial interviews, assessments, and provides summaries to employers, aiming to cut costs and increase efficiency. While the tool mimics human interaction with lifelike features, it raises concerns about dehumanization and public resistance to AI-driven hiring. Critics argue that companies prioritize savings over candidate experience, while some applicants and experts remain wary of the growing role of AI in recruitment.
Johnny Campbell’s take on this:
“Just because tech CAN do something, doesn’t mean it SHOULD do it. That is the central argument when it comes to AI video interviewing. The reality is that it absolutely IS better for some types of hiring (largely standing-up, hourly roles) but HORRIBLE for the candidate experience in other types of hiring (professional roles). Micro1 is yet another player in this increasingly crowded market. Is this the future for everyone? Only time will tell.“