TALKING TALENT - Will Recruiters Disappear? AI, Human Connection & Strategic Hiring with Sam Schloss

In this episode of Talking Talent, host Sean Kennedy sits down with Sam Schloss, Head of Talent Acquisition for the Americas at Similarweb, for an honest conversation about what modern Talent Acquisition really looks like—and where it's heading next.Sam shares how he accidentally found his way into recruitment, why relationship-building became his superpower, and how his career evolved from filling vacancies to becoming a trusted strategic advisor to business leaders. Along the way, Sean and Sam explore what separates great recruiters from average ones, the importance of influencing hiring managers, and why understanding the business is just as important as understanding candidates.The conversation then turns to one of the hottest topics in Talent Acquisition: AI.Rather than debating whether AI will replace recruiters, Sam explains why the future belongs to recruiters who embrace technology while doubling down on the human skills that can't be automated. Together they discuss:Why Talent Acquisition is evolving—not disappearingHow recruiters can become genuine strategic business partnersUsing market data to influence hiring decisionsBuilding trust with hiring managers through consultation rather than administrationWhy candidate experience will always require a human touchPractical ways AI can automate repetitive work while enhancing recruiter effectivenessWhere AI should automate, collaborate, and where humans should always stay involvedHow recruiters can use the time AI saves to become more strategicThe importance of continuous improvement and operational excellence in TACreating better hiring processes through stronger intake meetings and behavioural interviewingAway from recruitment, Sean and Sam also share stories about music, work routines, career journeys, and the habits that help them stay energised in demanding Talent Acquisition roles, making for an engaging and refreshingly authentic conversation.Who this episode is forTalent Acquisition LeadersRecruiters looking to become more strategicHR Directors and People LeadersHiring ManagersRecruitment Operations professionalsAnyone exploring how AI is reshaping hiringLeaders building high-performing recruitment functions🔗 Connect with the guestSam Schloss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-schloss-3b728a5a/Similarweb: https://www.similarweb.com/🔗 Connect with the hostSean Kennedy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanthetaguy/Discover recruitment tools and services: https://www.rectools.io/Listen to RecTalk on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/#TalkingTalent #RecTalk #TalentAcquisition #Recruitment #Hiring #AI #RecruitmentTechnology #FutureOfWork #PeopleLeadership #CandidateExperience #HR #Recruiting #Leadership #TalentStrategy #EmployerBrand #HiringManagers #RecruitmentOps #Similarweb