AI has flipped the script on recruiting in construction and the skilled trades. Candidates are now using tools like ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, and others as "super Google" to run hyper-targeted, sniper-style job searches-factoring in relocation, company size, revenue, specialization (e.g., data centers), and more-often bypassing job boards entirely.
Meanwhile, forward-thinking employers are leveraging AI to attract hidden talent, speed up response times, automate nurturing, ghostwrite thought leadership, and build long-term talent pipelines from existing applicants.
In this episode, Ryan Kovach and Perryn Olson break down real-world examples: senior estimators relocating, international applicants moving continents, candidates arriving ultra-prepared for interviews thanks to AI briefings, and why your website must now be the ultimate "source of truth" for AI-powered searches.
They also cover the flip side-how HR and marketing teams use AI for content repurposing, brand voice consistency, instant candidate engagement agents, FAQ generation, ATS mining for future hires, and turning overlooked applicants into a high-yield talent bench.
If you're in construction, trades, or talent acquisition, this episode reveals why ignoring AI in recruiting will cost you top talent-and how to get ahead before the labor shortage intensifies even further.
Key Takeaway:
- Candidates are using AI for precise, multi-criteria job searches (location + relocation + company age/size/revenue/specialization), creating "sniper" applications from outside your market
- Relocation is a massive untapped opportunity-AI surfaces motivated movers (spouse-driven, family needs, etc.) that traditional job boards miss
- Your website is now the "source of truth" for AI-ensure it reflects accurate details on projects, safety, culture, leadership, awards, and thought leadership, or you'll get filtered out
- AI briefings help candidates arrive over-prepared for interviews; unprepared applicants stand out negatively
- Response time is everything-AI agents can auto-respond, schedule interviews, and answer policy
Connect with AltCMO and Learn More
Follow AltCMO on social media to stay updated on industry insights and news:
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Blog: https://altcmo.net/blog/
Get in touch or learn more about our team:
Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-r-kovach/
Connect with Perryn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perryn/