Rethinking Early Talent: Recruiting and Retaining Gen Z in an AI World

​Early-career hiring is changing—fast. Between AI-generated resumes, ghosted interviews, and a new generation of candidates with evolving expectations, recruiters are facing unprecedented challenges in identifying and connecting with real, high-potential Gen Z talent.

​This session brings together experts in talent development, recruitment strategy, and AI-driven tools to explore what’s working (and what’s not) in the new hiring landscape. We’ll unpack how to spot genuine skills beyond automated applications, how to evaluate fit when everything looks polished by AI, and how to build hiring processes that resonate with today’s emerging workforce.

​Expect real case studies, practical strategies, and honest dialogue about:

​· Navigating AI-generated applications and avoiding false positives

​·  Understanding what Gen Z candidates actually want—and why they ghost

​· Rebuilding your early-talent playbook to prioritize authenticity, connection, and long-term fit

​Whether you’re hiring interns, apprentices, or entry-level full-timers, this session will help you cut through the noise and find the future leaders hiding in plain sight.