At our recent Job Boards Connect conference, Alexander Chukovski, Founder of Elevate HR Tech and HR Tech Lab, delivered a fascinating session on where the industry is heading and how job boards can prepare for the next few years. Here are the key takeaways from his “State of the Industry – October 2025” presentation.
Hiring Isn’t Slowing Because of AI
Despite what LinkedIn influencers might say, the current slowdown in hiring has less to do with AI and more to do with years of over hiring and derisking. According to a recent Yale study (Oct 2025), the market correction we’re seeing is part of a natural cycle, not a sign that AI has replaced human workers.
In short: this is an adjustment period, not an existential crisis.
Job Seekers Are Flooding the Market
Candidates are reporting hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications with little response. That volume creates both frustration for job seekers and opportunity for job boards to improve matching, filtering, and user experience through smarter use of data and automation.
B2C Monetisation Is Back
Chukovski noted an “explosion” of paid job boards where job seekers pay to access premium listings, enhanced tools, or faster feedback.
This B2C model, he explained, works best in tight labour markets, and we’re seeing it resurface as platforms look for diversified revenue streams.
SEO Is Getting Harder (Thanks, AI)
AI-generated search summaries are starting to reduce clicks for informational keywords, and job boards are not immune.
However, there’s good news: transactional keywords, like “marketing jobs in London”, are still relatively safe from AI overviews.
The takeaway? Traditional SEO is more important than ever. Keep investing in strong technical SEO and content built for humans, not algorithms.
Indeed Is Leading the AI Charge
Indeed is currently setting the pace in AI adoption across the job board landscape, but Chukovski’s advice was clear: you don’t need to copy them, you just need to start.
From job enrichment and taxonomy improvements to automated customer service and internal process optimisation, there are countless ways to integrate AI into your operations today.
AI Applications: A Threat and an Opportunity
AI-assisted and automated job applications are rising fast and, yes, they pose real challenges. But as Alexander pointed out, they also represent a huge opportunity for job boards to build better verification systems, smarter matching algorithms, and even new kinds of marketplaces.
New Players and Platforms Are Emerging
New marketplaces like Mercor, have appeared almost overnight, solving problems that didn’t exist two years ago. Meanwhile, another major tech player is reportedly entering the online recruiting space, though its exact plans remain under wraps.
The message is clear: disruption is accelerating, and job boards must stay agile to compete for job seeker attention.
Key Takeaways
- Use AI – but be smart about it. Don’t chase trends; focus on practical integrations that improve your platform and user experience.
- Understand your customers’ pain. Employers and candidates are both frustrated – there’s opportunity in solving that.
- Shape the future of your marketplace. Don’t wait to see where the industry goes; define your part in it.
Alexander Chukovski’s full work can be found at alexanderchukovski.com, and he regularly hosts webinars on crowdcast.io/@hrtechlab.
A big thank you to Alexander for sharing his insights at Job Boards Connect, and for reminding us that the future of our industry isn’t being written by AI, but with it.