Hiring is about finding the right people at the right time, without losing your mind (or top candidates) in the process. Or at least it should be.
But we all know that it is far from it.
The traditional recruiting process is messy, manual, and dreadfully slow. You’re juggling job descriptions, sourcing, screening, scheduling, and somehow trying to keep candidates engaged along the way. No wonder hiring pipelines leak talent at every stage.
But AI is changing that. After researching and testing over 50 tools, I’ve found that the most efficient recruiting teams are strategically using AI at every stage of the funnel.
Here’s how to do the same, plus the best AI recruiting software to support you along the way (with free trials to get you started).
Stage 1: Crafting Job Descriptions
Most job descriptions are so full of keywords and unreasonable expectations, they chase top candidates away.
AI-powered hiring tools analyze high-performing listings to help you create posts that attract qualified candidates. Some even generate versions in multiple languages.
Tools to try:
- Workable — Generates optimized job descriptions in six languages and posts to 200+ job boards.
- GoHire — Offers AI-assisted JD creation and multi-platform distribution with customization options.
Stage 2: Sourcing Candidates
Endlessly scrolling through LinkedIn or waiting or people to apply just isn’t it.
AI recruitment tools can scan millions of profiles, spotting hidden gems based on patterns, rather than just scanning for keywords. They can help you surface candidates you might’ve missed entirely.
Tools to try:
- SignalHire — A Chrome extension that finds valid contact details from a database of 800M+ profiles.
- Manatal — Pulls candidates from 2,500+ sources and auto-matches them based on fit.
Stage 3: Resume Screening
Resume screening traditionally relies on recruiters’ judgement. But when you’re going through dozens of resumes every day, and the fatigue sets in, good candidates are overlooked.
AI helps you evaluate candidates fairly and consistently, catching nuances that keyword-based ATS systems often miss.
Tools to try:
- Wellfound — Enriches resumes into context-rich profiles and screens candidates based on JD-aligned criteria.
- Loxo — Smart resume screening with deep search and reporting features.
Stage 4: Interviewing
AI interviews let you scale without sacrificing candidate insights. Candidates respond on their own time, and you review asynchronously, so no more calendar chaos.
Tools to try:
- Fabric — Interactive, two-way AI interviews that adapt in real time and generate rich candidate reports. Its standout feature is its ability to follow up when a candidate gives a vague answer.
- Interviewer.AI — Flexible interview formats (one-way video/form) with automated review capabilities.
Stage 5: Candidate Engagement
Top candidates won’t wait through disorganized scheduling and ghost-town communication. AI can automate logistics while still offering a personal touch, keeping candidates engaged and informed.
Tools to try:
- Carv — Automates scheduling and offers real-time candidate support across the funnel.
- Perfect — Personalized and automated outreach campaigns.
Final Thoughts
Hiring doesn’t need to feel like herding cats. With the right AI recruiting software at each stage of the funnel, you can cut through the noise, engage top candidates, and build a pipeline that works for you.
And since every tool here offers a free trial, you’ve got nothing to lose (except hiring headaches). Try one or try them all, just don’t go back to the old way (saying this as a person who’s been through all the hiring headaches before and is now hiring smarter!)