Exhibitor News

1. HR is really stretched, chances of things falling through the cracks are high

Can AI fix this? To an extent. AI tools like Mathilda.io can automate follow-ups, parse CVs, and manage workflows to reduce admin load. It’s a real game-changer for overworked HR teams for hiring especially at scale.

But when time, capacity, or in-house expertise is limited, AI alone won’t solve your hiring bottlenecks. Especially when it comes to crucial roles like your functional leaders. That’s when using a trusted agency will work—to own the search, engage passive talent, and ensure hiring doesn’t stall. 

One of our local enterprises had a Head of BD role open for months.  We stepped in, listened and observed what is needed, wrote the JD to resonate with market-fit candidates, directly reached out to passive talent, and filled the role in four weeks. AI can manage the process; but a good agency brings the judgment, storytelling, and high-touch outreach that tech alone can’t replicate. 

2. Misaligned expectations; no access to talent market data

Can AI fix this? AI can offer basic analytics and hiring funnel insights, and a system like mathilda.io provides data on where candidates drop off or how long decisions take.

But AI can’t interpret market movements, navigate negotiation dynamics, or realign hiring managers' expectations when they’re off the mark. Hence, working with an agency you trusted, can provide you with up-to-date salary benchmarks, candid market feedback, and advisory grounded in ideally 10-20 years of hiring experience. AI can surface the symptoms. A good agency will diagnose and fix the root problem—bridging the gap between what you want and what the market can offer.

3. Tough competition from large MNCs for candidate attraction

Can AI fix it? Depends on the tools you are using. If that system features employer branding tools—custom career pages, automated candidate touchpoints, and a smooth application journey, perhaps. But AI can't inspire, persuade, or build credibility from scratch. When you’re up against bigger brands, storytelling and reputation matter.

With paired with a good HR partner, they can work hand in hand to help you compete with bigger brands. The system provides the air cover that tell your story at scale. The HR partner can take it further by personally engaging top talent one to one, pitching your opportunity as a meaningful career—not just a job.

For us, while mathilda.io reduces dramatically the work and builds credibility, it’s the human touch from our consultants that captures hearts and minds. Together, we help our Singapore Inc stand out and win over candidates who’d otherwise look elsewhere.