This week’s blog was inspired by analysing a transcript of one of my recent AI for Recruiters workshops. I wanted to share a no-fluff, real-world look at what actually goes down when we bring AI into the recruiting world. No hype, no vague slides, just practical help for sourcers, recruiters, and TA leaders who want to use AI more effectively, without the overwhelm.

I try to find time to analyse my workshops and presentations to improve any areas where I think I could explain concepts better. 😉

My goal is always the same: I want people to leave my workshops ready to implement what they’ve learned immediately, whether it’s rewriting a job ad, testing out a new prompt, or experimenting with a tool they haven’t used before.

These workshops are also adaptable to any industry. In the past month alone, I’ve trained a team of estate agents, jungle gym equipment suppliers, and lawyers. AI literacy is a real thing, and it needs to be embraced by all of us if we want to stay ahead.

TL;DR: What you’ll actually learn in My AI for Recruiters Workshop 📚

✅ Understand AI in plain English, without the waffle
✅ Master my 5-part framework to write better prompts
✅ See live comparisons between top LLMs like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Gemini and Perplexity
✅ Get tools and ideas to apply right away in recruitment

Key Facts 🧠

• Workshop Format: Live, interactive with demos, polls, and hands-on practice using examples from your current projects
• Duration: ~90 minutes to 2 hours + Q&A
• Tools Featured: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Perplexity, NotebookLM, Nano Banana, HeyGen to name a few
• Key Skill Taught: 5-part prompt writing framework, building your own GPTs, and best usage of different LLMs
• Regulatory Note: EU AI Act, never share sensitive data in open AI tools

So, What Actually Happens in My AI for Recruiters Workshops? 👀

The short answer: a lot. But here’s a deeper look at how I guide teams through the chaos and confusion of using AI in recruitment.

We Kick Off with a Warm-Up (and a Laugh) 🎉

No one likes awkward silence to start a session. I use quick Slido polls to:

• See where people are joining from 🌍
• Gauge confidence levels with AI (most say “meh”)
• Discover whether AI is used more at work or at home

And yes, my Pixar-style avatar makes an appearance. Because AI can be fun too.

Demystifying AI: What It Is (and What It’s Not) 🧩

Right from the start, we clear up confusion:

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that creates new content, like text, images, or ideas, based on patterns it’s learned.

By the 20-minute mark, you’ll understand:

• What generative AI is, in plain terms
• The difference between AI and automation tools (like Zapier)
• How AI already shows up in tools you use (Spotify, anyone?)
• Why human judgment still matters
• Why pasting sensitive info into AI tools is a no-no

Prompt Writing 101: Your Secret Superpower 🦸‍♀️

This section gets the most lightbulb moments. I teach my 5-part prompt structure:

1. Persona – e.g., “Act like a recruiter with 10 years’ sourcing experience”
2. Task – “Create a skills assessment”
3. Steps – “Include 3 types of exercises”
4. Context – “Make it relevant to tech hiring”
5. Format – “Deliver it in a Google Doc”

We compare vague vs detailed prompts, and the difference in your results will be night and day.

Live Tool Demos: The LLM Showdown 🧪

One prompt. Five LLMs. Wildly different results.

Seeing the results side-by-side helps people realise how tool choice impacts output massively.

Real Use Cases for Recruiters 🔍

This is where theory meets practice. We explore how AI can:

• Write more inclusive job ads
• Build sourcing skills assessments in minutes
• Generate human-sounding outreach messages
• Create interview questions in seconds
• Brainstorm candidate personas
• Summarise client briefings
• Use voice input to skip typing altogether 🎙️

And yes, we talk about avoiding sounding like “Karen the HR Chatbot.”

How to Build Your Own Tools (Even If You’re Not Techy) 🛠️

One of the biggest “aha” moments is when I show you how to build your own GPTs (Assistants) with zero code. Think:

• Van’s Voice – Turns notes into cheeky LinkedIn posts
• Newsletter Assistant – Formats content into newsletters
• Outreach Helper – Writes personalised recruiter messages

Saving you time without the ‘human’ in recruitment.

Bonus Tools: Notebook LM, OpenAI Projects and a few more… ✏️📁

We also explore:

• Notebook LM – A brilliant tool to summarise, build FAQs, or prep for meetings
• ChatGPT Projects – Save entire workflows for long-term use

These aren’t just shiny tools. They’re time-savers that fit into your workflow.

FAQs ❓

What’s the biggest mistake recruiters make with AI?
They expect it to do the thinking for them. AI is a great assistant, but your judgment still matters.

Do I need to know how to code?
Nope. Everything we cover can be done without a single line of code.

Which LLM is best for recruiters?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. We compare several in the session to help you choose.

Can I use this in an executive search?
Yes. Many exec search recruiters use AI for research, messaging, and mapping.

Will I get a replay or materials?
Yes, attendees get a follow-up pack with templates, prompt examples, and links to replays.

Is this workshop good for teams?
Absolutely. I run workshops for agencies and in-house TA teams, of varying sizes and AI developmental stages, every week.

Can I bring real job briefs or use cases?
Yes, and I encourage it. Real-world examples make the session even more useful.

What’s your stance on AI ethics and privacy?
I always include guidance on using AI responsibly, including data handling.

Further Reading 📚

• AI in Global Talent Acquisition: Level Playing Field or Another Digital Divide?
• AI in Recruitment Isn’t Optional Anymore. But Panic? Totally Optional
• Human Connection in Recruitment: The One Thing AI Can’t Replace

About the Author 👋

Vanessa Raath is a globally recognised powerhouse in Talent Sourcing and AI, known for her game-changing training and dynamic keynotes delivered across five continents. Since launching her business in 2019, she has helped teams from Auckland to Seattle discover hidden talent and build standout personal brands. A passionate trainer, speaker, and advocate for practical, no-BS recruitment, Vanessa’s mission is to future-proof the profession, one recruiter at a time.

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Want to bring this workshop to your team?
📩 Contact me via my website: https://www.vanessaraath.com/contact-me/
👋 Or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaraath/ for weekly AI tips for recruiters