Recruiters lean in to AI to streamline hiring processes
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Almost half of employers have reduced the number of entry and graduate level roles available in their organisation, and more than four-fifths said hiring had become more strategic and focused on specific roles, according to the IrishJobs Hiring Trends Update.
The poll of more than 500 employers and nearly 1,000 professionals in Ireland found that while hiring landscape is broadly positive, there are signs that employers are moving to a more targeted model of talent acquisition, emphasising existing skills over potential to learn.
This positive hiring sentiment is highest among large organisations, with 54% expecting to increase hiring in the second and third quarters of 2026. In contrast, only 35% of small businesses planned on growing their headcount, reflecting a more cautious outlook on future growth.
Despite recent high-profile headcount reductions by large tech multinationals, 56% of employers in the IT and telecoms sector increased hiring over the last six months.
Specialist roles are increasingly where hiring budgets are focused. Some 28% of firms in Ireland were hiring for highly specialised roles in AI and machine learning. Technical skills were in demand across a range of industries, with 22% of employers looking for skilled cyber security talent and 23% seeking technology and engineering talent.
More than three-quarters (78%) of recruiters said they were learning to use AI tools and automation to reduce administrative burdens and streamline the hiring process. Previous research carried out by IrishJobs in 2024 revealed that 28% of recruiters were using AI tools, providing a further indication that engagement with AI and automation in recruitment is continuing to rise.
Christopher Paye, country director of The Stepstone Group Ireland with responsibility for IrishJobs, said: “As hiring becomes more selective, our findings show that employers are prioritising targeted capability-building in specialised functions such as AI and cybersecurity, rather than broad-based expansion. Rising labour costs and advances in AI are also reshaping workforce planning, prompting many employers to rebalance their hiring mix and focus on experienced talent with in-demand skills.
“For employers, success in the months ahead will depend on the ability to invest in talent development and adapt their hiring strategies to these shifts. More employers will likely take a skills-based approach to hiring, as they look beyond traditional qualifications to identify candidates with the technical and transferable skills needed to adapt in this fast-changing environment. Employers who take a proactive approach to talent planning today will be best positioned to navigate a shifting labour market and sustain growth in the months ahead.”
TechCentral Reporters