The Hiring Trends Report
Tracing the trajectory of talent acquisition: from AI uncertainty, to strategic adoption, to today’s focus on human-centered intelligence.
Three Years - One Mission
2024
The Uncertainty Era
Nearly 80% of talent professionals expected to implement AI tools, but struggled with the tension between automation and human judgment. We captured an industry at a crossroads.
2025
The Skepticism Shift
The emergence of "AI-proof" assessments and growing skepticism about automation's role revealed an industry pushing back and shifting toward skills-based evaluation.
2026
The Intelligence Integration
From aspirational to operational, AI has transitioned from "nice to have" to embedded workflow tool among the strong majority, even as decision authority remains firmly human. Regular use has become the standard with 76.9% using AI, but not for full decisions
The Evolution of Our Research
What began as the "State of Hiring Report" in 2024, capturing an industry grappling with AI uncertainty, evolved in 2025 to reveal the emergence of "AI-proof" assessments and growing skepticism about automation's role in talent decisions.
By 2026, AI is firmly embedded in modern hiring, opening doors to new efficiencies and better candidate experiences. The conversation has evolved from “Should we adopt AI?” to “How do we harness its full potential?” When used thoughtfully, AI becomes a catalyst for more consistent decisions, more equitable outcomes, and more time spent on what matters—people.
Have questions?
Reach out to our research team:
Follow our thinking:
Learn More About Willo:
- Looks Good on Paper: A weekly podcast challenging outdated hiring norms and exploring what really matters in today's talent landscape—skills, potential, and lived experience.
- Customer Success Stories: See how teams like yours are transforming their hiring practices.
- Willo Intelligence: AI and automation tools designed to make hiring faster, fairer, and easier to manage—while keeping every decision in human hands.
- Happy Hiring Newsletter: Bi-weekly insights and practical guidance to help you build a smarter, fairer, and faster hiring process.
