Is AI Really “The Answer”
September 30, 2025
Is it just me, or does everyone seem to be asking the same question these days… is AI the answer?
Well, if you’re a late ’90s, early 2000s Sixers fan, then yes… Allen Iverson was ABSOLUTELY “The Answer.”
But, if you’re a 2025 Recruiter, Hiring Manager, or Candidate and you’re wondering if Artificial Intelligence is “The Answer,” my response is less enthusiastic.
Actually, the more I think about it, NO, AI is not “The Answer.” But, it does make for a fun comparison with the other AI.
The Original A.I.
Allen Iverson was electric. He had elite quickness, a lethal crossover, and the toughness to score at the rim against guys a foot taller. He created his own shot, thrived under pressure, and willed his team forward.
In short, Iverson showed up and did the job.
Artificial Intelligence A.I.
Artificial Intelligence, on the other hand, can be a helpful teammate. It can suggest matches between people and jobs, rank candidates, write job descriptions, and transcribe interviews. But, it’s not dropping 40 in a Game 7.
Meaning….
As a Hiring Manager, just because AI says a candidate is a perfect match, you might still want to actually read the resume. As a recent Family Guy episode reminded me, AI can be effusive in praise for some of your worst ideas.
As a Candidate, just because AI tells you you’re the “Best Fit out of 10,000 applicants,” this doesn’t mean you’ve found your perfect job. Maybe do some research on the company and take a deep look at the job description before rushing to tell your spouse you found the perfect match… only to find out it’s a $47K Senior Staff Accountant role requiring you to be in downtown Portland five days a week.
As a Recruiter, you’re still paid to be a high-touch questioner and listener. That means thinking critically and paying attention during interviews, not zoning out while your AI note-taker does the heavy lifting.
The Bottom Line
Artificial Intelligence? It’s helpful. It’s efficient. It’s like practice. (And as Allen Iverson once reminded us, we’re talking about practice).
But Allen Iverson wasn’t about practice. He was about showing up on game day and competing.
And that’s the real parallel, in recruiting, hiring, and job hunting, AI can get you ready, but it can’t close the deal for you. You still have to do the job.
So is Artificial Intelligence the answer? No. Not yet. But yes, Iverson was.
Founder / Managing Partner
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