From CV to AI: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Recruitment in the GCC

From the digitalization of HR processes to soft skills: how AI is transforming recruitment in the Middle East, between new talent acquisition strategies and future trends.

The first edition of the Talent Talks Webinar, organized by nCore HR, explored how artificial intelligence is changing the way GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) companies manage recruitment.

The event featured Juliana Canjano, a global HR leader with experience at LVMH, who shared exclusive insights on digital HR, talent acquisition, and the future of recruitment in the region.

What you’ll discover in this article

How AI is transforming recruitment in the GCC
The tools to automate sourcing and screening
The most effective digital strategies to attract talent
Why soft skills remain crucial in the AI era
Future trends: prompt engineering and continuous upskilling

The GCC is experiencing a true digital revolution in the HR sector. The adoption of AI makes it possible to:

Automate repetitive tasks such as sourcing, screening, and document management.
Increase recruiter efficiency, freeing up time for strategic activities.
Enhance the candidate experience with AI ranking tools and blind recruitment.

💡 Key fact: 50% of candidates in the GCC already use tools like ChatGPT to write CVs and cover letters.

Digital Strategies to Attract Talent in the GCC

The webinar highlighted best practices to strengthen talent acquisition in the region:

AI matching on LinkedIn and multi–job board postings to increase the reach of job offers.
Leveraging local social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram, which are rapidly growing especially in Saudi Arabia.
Traditional networking and partnerships with universities to engage Generation Z, increasingly mobile-first

Soft Skills and AI: The Real Differentiator

While AI supports the pre-selection phase, soft skills remain decisive:

Communication, adaptability, and collaboration are still evaluated by humans.
Blind recruitment reduces bias and improves the quality of hires.
Personalized feedback through AI-based tests increases engagement and enhances the candidate experience.

Future Trends in Recruitment in the Middle East

According to Juliana Canjano, the trends that will shape the future of recruitment in the GCC include:

Automation of entry-level roles and the rise of skills such as prompt engineering.
The centrality of soft skills and cultural fit in decision-making processes.
The need for continuous AI upskilling, both for recruiters and for candidates.

AI as a Strategic Partner for HR

How is recruitment changing in the GCC? AI is accelerating the transformation. Companies that can combine digital tools with the enhancement of soft skills will gain a competitive advantage in attracting and managing talent.

FAQ

Will AI Replace Recruiters in the GCC?: No, AI supports recruiters by automating repetitive tasks. Strategic decisions and the evaluation of soft skills remain in human hands.
What are the main AI tools used in recruitment?: Automated sourcing, candidate ranking, blind screening, engagement chatbots, and CV analysis systems.
Which social media platforms are most effective for attracting talent in the Middle East?: LinkedIn remains central, but Snapchat and Instagram are growing rapidly in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
How are soft skills evaluated if AI manages the pre-selection phase?: Soft skills are always assessed by recruiters and hiring managers through interviews and assessments. AI helps reduce bias and provides personalized tests, but the final judgment remains human.