The recruitment landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as companies increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to streamline hiring. With job applications soaring, particularly in graduate programs, employers are leveraging advanced AI platforms to enhance efficiency and candidate experience. This article delves into how one such platform, Maki, is redefining recruitment through its innovative use of conversational AI agents.

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Navigating the Surge in Job Applications

The surge in job applications has left many employers overwhelmed. In the UK, for instance, each graduate training position now attracts an average of 140 applicants—a 59% increase from the previous year. The influx of Gen Z candidates, who now outnumber Millennials, has further intensified this challenge. Companies like Maki are responding by deploying AI solutions that can handle vast volumes of applications efficiently.Founded in 2022, Maki’s platform conducts interviews via voice, video, or text, allowing it to assess candidates' skills comprehensively. Its rapid growth—over 300% in 2024—has been fueled by contracts with global giants such as H&M, BNP Paribas, PwC, Deloitte, FIFA, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Capgemini. By automating up to 80% of the recruitment process, Maki reduces time-to-hire by threefold, offering significant advantages over traditional methods.

Achieving Personalized Candidate Experiences at Scale

Contrary to concerns about impersonal interactions, Maki's AI agents provide personalized experiences for each candidate. For example, H&M’s AI agent, Maria, engages candidates in natural language conversations, assessing critical skills like empathy, collaboration, and resilience. Maria can conduct interviews in multiple languages, providing a seamless 24/7 service that enhances the overall candidate experience.Candidates who do not progress receive tailored feedback, complete with actionable tips to improve their future applications. This approach not only maintains positive brand perception but also fosters goodwill among applicants. BNP Paribas reports that 98% of its candidates now consider its recruitment process the best they have experienced, significantly boosting their willingness to join the company.

Reducing Bias and Promoting Diversity

One of the most compelling aspects of Maki’s technology is its ability to reduce bias in hiring. Audited by the state of New York, Maki’s AI has demonstrated lower bias levels compared to human recruiters regarding ethnicity, gender, and age. As more data becomes available, the system continues to refine its algorithms, ensuring fairer and more diverse hiring practices. This could herald a new era of inclusivity in the workforce.

Competitive Edge in the Recruitment Market

Maki stands out in a crowded market of HR tech solutions. Competitors like SHL, EON, Pymetrics, and Saville offer similar services, but Maki differentiates itself by focusing on automating human tasks through intelligent agents. Rather than selling traditional HR software, Maki enables organizations to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and decision-making. Investors like Blossom Capital recognize this potential, leading a $28.6 million Series A funding round to support Maki’s expansion.

Funding and Future Prospects

With substantial backing from investors, including DST Global, Frst, GFC, and Picus Capital, Maki plans to accelerate its product development and expand into the US market. The funds will also bolster team growth, ensuring the company can meet increasing demand. As LinkedIn introduces its own AI-driven job matching tool, the timing couldn't be better for Maki to solidify its position as a leader in AI-powered recruitment.