‘In the Irish market there is a supply and demand for niche senior roles’

Tech Recruitment in the Age of AI: How Claire Griffin of IAS Is Shaping the Future of Talent in Ireland

In an industry often dominated by algorithms and automation, Claire Griffin, a technical recruiter at IAS, is reminding us that the heart of recruitment still beats with human connection. With over a decade in the field, Griffin’s journey from performing arts and teaching to tech recruitment is as unconventional as it is inspiring. In a recent interview with SiliconRepublic.com, she opened up about the evolving landscape of tech recruitment, the challenges facing the industry, and the opportunities that lie ahead for professionals in Ireland’s booming deep-tech sector.

From the Stage to the Boardroom: An Unexpected Career Pivot

Griffin’s career began far from the tech hubs of Dublin. With a background in performing arts and teaching, she spent years in people-focused roles where building relationships and understanding individuals were at the core of her work. “Making the leap into something completely new is what brought me into recruitment,” she shared. “But it’s the people side of the role that’s kept me here for more than 10 years. Every day is different, and I still genuinely enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories, and helping connect them with opportunities where they can really thrive.”

Her transition into recruitment wasn’t planned, but it was fueled by a passion for connecting people with purpose. Today, Griffin is at the forefront of tech recruitment in Ireland, navigating a landscape that’s as dynamic as it is challenging.

The Challenges of Tech Recruitment in 2024

The tech recruitment industry is facing a perfect storm of challenges, and Griffin is candid about the hurdles. “There’s a supply and demand issue for filling certain niche senior roles that require specific skillsets,” she explained. “AI, while driving us forward in many ways, has also inhibited certain aspects of recruitment processes. We’re seeing an influx of AI-generated CVs that list technologies without context, and the use of undeclared tools during technical interviews is becoming a concern.”

But it’s not just about technology. Ireland’s housing crisis and skyrocketing rents are deterring skilled workers from relocating, making the competition for talent even tighter. “It’s a complex puzzle,” Griffin admitted. “But it’s one we’re committed to solving.”

Ireland: A Deep-Tech Powerhouse

Despite the challenges, Griffin is optimistic about the future of deep tech in Ireland. “Ireland is a really strong place to build a career in deep tech right now,” she said. “There’s a healthy mix of world-class research, multinational R&D, and a growing number of ambitious startups, which gives candidates a lot of choice in how they go about shaping their careers.”

From Ireland’s universities and research centers to global tech giants and innovative startups, the opportunities are vast. “Deep tech in Ireland isn’t just about technical roles anymore,” Griffin emphasized. “It’s about long-term careers that combine innovation, impact, and global relevance.”

Standing Out in a Crowded Field

In a world where AI-generated CVs are becoming the norm, how can candidates stand out? Griffin’s advice is simple yet profound: focus on impact, not just skills. “A strong CV will clearly explain what they’ve built, why it mattered, and what problem it solved,” she said. “Strong candidates also demonstrate curiosity and adaptability. Technology moves quickly, so hiring managers look for people who are actively learning.”

Side projects, open-source contributions, and staying up-to-date with emerging trends are all ways to showcase this. But it’s not just about technical prowess. “Communication is another key differentiator,” Griffin noted. “The ability to explain complex ideas clearly, work across teams, and understand the business context behind the technology is often what separates good engineers from great ones.”

Skills for the Future

For deep-tech professionals, Griffin emphasizes the importance of core technical skills, particularly in areas like software engineering, AI, data, and systems design. But technical expertise alone isn’t enough. “Adaptability is a key differentiator,” she said. “Ireland’s tech ecosystem spans multinationals, startups, and research centers, so professionals who can work across environments, learn continuously, and collaborate with diverse teams tend to stand out.”

Clear communication and commercial awareness are also critical. “Being able to explain complex technology simply and understand how it supports business outcomes is increasingly important in Ireland’s growing tech industry,” Griffin added.

Advice for Fellow Recruiters

For other technical recruiters, Griffin’s advice is to go beyond keywords and truly understand the technology they’re hiring for. “A lot of tech roles are nuanced, and strong candidates don’t always fit a standard profile,” she said. “Taking the time to understand the problem a team is trying to solve makes a huge difference.”

Building strong, trust-based relationships with both hiring managers and candidates is key. “Ireland’s deep-tech talent pool is small, so taking the time to establish and nurture relationships for long-term engagement is far more valuable than making quick wins,” she explained. Engaging with research centers, startups, and industry networks is also a great way to stay ahead of the curve.

The Future of Tech Recruitment

As the tech industry continues to evolve, so too does the role of the recruiter. For Griffin, it’s about more than just filling roles—it’s about shaping the future of talent in Ireland. “We’re not just recruitment partners,” she said. “We’re enablers of innovation, helping to connect the right people with the right opportunities.”

In a world where technology is advancing at breakneck speed, Griffin’s message is clear: the human touch still matters. Whether you’re a candidate looking to stand out or a recruiter navigating the complexities of the industry, the key is to stay curious, stay adaptable, and never lose sight of the people behind the technology.

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