When we hear the word tech, we hear opportunity. Attending HR Tech again this year gave us a first-hand look at the latest technology solutions, real-world use cases, and insights into how progressive HR teams will leverage technology to get ahead in 2026. Candidates, employees, and leadership are expecting more out of HR teams, and proactively leveraging the right tech stack to get the job done is the key to meeting those expectations.
Today’s HR teams can forget about keeping the pace; it’s about setting it, and we want to help you be a part of it. We decided to share our key tech-specific takeaways for HR professionals across industries who couldn’t attend and recap those who could. Here are our three top takeaways from HR Tech that we would like to share with you.
Unsurprisingly, real-world applications of artificial intelligence had a strong presence at HR Tech. It’s starting to finally feel like AI and automation are moving past the hype, and HR can experiment with tools that make a meaningful difference. Demonstrations included AI for candidate scoring and predictive analytics to identify best-fit applicants faster before proceeding to background screening.
Using AI to complete tasks as an employee is referred to as an “AI agent”… and don’t worry, you aren’t being replaced. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that while AI offers efficiency, human oversight is non-negotiable for fairness and compliance. However, getting familiar with AI agents to meet demands like employee engagement, data analysis, and support can help free up your schedule. HR leaders are gravitating away from using AI as an assistant and instead are deploying a team of AI agents to get the job done faster while managing the process.
Research shows that unconscious human bias, for example, assuming the best fit for a role based on gender stereotypes, might be even more prone to affecting hiring decisions than we thought. Due to human bias that is often unconsciously brought to the table for certain roles, HR leaders are relying more on AI and data-driven decision-making tools to help minimize bias in the recruitment process. In fact, according to a research study from Arxiv, AI can reduce sentiment-driven bias by up to 41.2%. Organizations are adopting AI-driven platforms that use structured assessments, blind resume screening, and predictive analytics to evaluate candidates based on skills and performance indicators rather than subjective impressions. However, using AI in your HR processes should be implanted with caution. As we have discussed in our compliance updates, many states (such as Texas) have started to regulate the use of these tools.
Application volumes are spiking, and meanwhile, so is resume fraud. According to a session with Socure, resume applications have surged by as much as 800%, as applicant tracking systems and recruiting teams are now prime targets for increasingly sophisticated fraudulent applicants. With an influx of resume applications and less easily detectable resume fraud, sifting through information properly to find the best candidates for the job has become even more difficult and time-consuming, and HR leaders who want to stay ahead are having to adapt.
Pairing custom background checks, professional verifications, and identity verifications with AI-based tools can help you verify candidate history quickly before they start, without burning the candle at both ends. Additionally, leveraging automation in your hiring and screening process can help reduce administrative risks, ensure audit readiness, and proactively flag compliance issues, making the hiring process smoother and more secure.
While resources have become more limited and executives demand more from HR, candidates are raising their expectations as well. HR platforms are evolving into branded experiences that drive employee loyalty through seamless interactions. With the right tools, these platforms can also enhance convenience for both employees and HR teams. From onboarding to career mobility, HR teams that want to get ahead are leveraging integrated and seamless branded experiences with less friction to grab top talent.
An easy place to start is the first impression candidates have of your brand by incorporating a branded, user-friendly onboarding and background screening experience. The Verified Credentials Candidate Portal simplifies background checks and verifications for both candidates and HR teams, offering a mobile-friendly interface with real-time updates, custom branding support, and built-in FAQs and assistance. Our streamlined platform reduces administrative questions, keeps candidates informed, and helps create a smooth, professional experience throughout the verification process.
Or maybe keeping employees and candidates in a single platform can create a better experience. Integrating your current HR system with your screening process is another way HR can cut down on hiring time without cutting corners. Verified Credentials partners with top ATS, HRIS, and other HR ecosystems. Integrating your screening process with your current system allows candidates to enter their information just once, pulling data automatically from your current system to create a faster, more seamless experience and grab top talent. Starting the candidate journey with less friction not only accelerates hiring but builds trust and confidence from day one.
Ready to take the next step? Our team can guide you through the process from start to finish.