In the ever-evolving world of recruitment, few things remain constant—except the relentless pursuit of crafting the perfect candidate experience. Enter Mohit Sharma, a forward-thinking Head of Talent Acquisition at KPMG India who is not just embracing the future but actively shaping it with a blend of technology and creativity. From transforming interviews into learning opportunities to reinventing hackathons as cutting-edge Code Jams, Mohit’s approach extends far beyond the traditional recruiter’s role. His vision is focused on the bigger picture—where AI and other advance tech aren't just tools but key players in the recruitment process.
In this dynamic conversation, Mohit shares his transformative insights on leveraging AI-powered solutions and how cutting-edge technologies are streamlining processes, boosting engagement, and reshaping the entire recruitment landscape.
Spoiler alert: it’s no longer just about filling positions—it’s about crafting a candidate experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Q: You’re a big advocate for a positive candidate experience, and you've mentioned how treating a candidate says a lot about a company. How do you see this value aligning with AI in recruitment, especially when it comes to enhancing the candidate experience?
Mohit: Recruitment is like a 5-step dance! Post the job, attract applications, engage with candidates, assess them, and then boom—make an offer! But it's during these steps that things can get a little "twist-and-turn-y." You could either make someone's day or leave them wondering, “Did they even like me?”
Here’s where AI comes in like the perfect dance partner! Picture this—at the very start, AI tweaks job descriptions to be more bias-free. Then, AI acts like an e-commerce site—remember when you browsed for something and, suddenly, it’s like you’re being followed by “related product” suggestions? AI does the same in recruitment. It’s all about proactive engagement.
But that's not all! AI-powered BOTS step-in as candidate relationship tool, engaging with applicants throughout the process. They provide candidates with relevant information—whether it's interview tips or company insights—and capture real-time feedback. This keeps candidates informed and ensures they feel valued at every step, making the whole dance a lot smoother and more enjoyable.
Q: AI is pretty much becoming a matchmaker for jobs and candidates! But beyond that, how does AI elevate the whole interview and application process?
Mohit: Here’s a use case: No more filling out long, boring forms. The AI scans your resume, creates your profile, and even suggests jobs that fit you—no more “Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V” madness! You talk to the AI about your experience, and it listens like the best job therapist you’ve ever had.
And the interview? Not just a “Hey, let’s schedule you in for next week” call. AI can help you prepare for the interview and even give you real-time feedback. So, it’s not just an interview—it’s a learning experience. You walk away smarter, even if you don’t get the job.
Q: Speaking of learning, you mentioned turning interviews into "learning opportunities." How would that change things for candidates?
Mohit: Imagine you're in an interview, and regardless of the outcome, you walk away feeling like you've gained something—whether it's advice or insights on where you could improve. We’re moving from “just assessing” to creating a learning opportunity for candidates. It’s like a free career workshop wrapped in an interview!
Q: Now, you've mentioned a pretty intriguing shift—recruiters becoming more like "career consultants." Can AI help with that?
Mohit: Absolutely! We’re talking about career coaches now! AI looks at a candidate's trajectory—what they’ve done, what they’re great at—and gives my team or the recruiter a cheat sheet of where they could be headed. So, when I call someone, I’m not just like, ‘Hey, here’s a job.’ I’m saying, ‘Hey, have you thought about where your career could go next?’
I’m super curious to see how bots can handle this too. Imagine a bot calling you up, not just to tell you about an interview but to help you prepare! And after the interview, it asks for your feedback. So, it’s not just AI doing busy work; it’s making the process more human.
Q: It sounds like AI is taking over the admin work and letting recruiters do the fun stuff! So, what does this mean for recruiters? How do they stay ahead in this AI-powered world?
Mohit: Recruiters can focus on being human connectors—building relationships, giving personalised advice, and making that hiring experience memorable.
And here’s where the fun begins—recruiters need to start thinking ahead, like 3 years ahead. What will candidates want three years from now? Less time at work? More time for hobbies? AI helps us spot these trends and adapt. So instead of sticking to best practices, we’ll be thinking about what’s next. Forward-thinking is the new must-have skill.
Q: You've emphasised how interviews and assessments can be more than just evaluations—they can be learning opportunities. Could you share more about how you’ve put this into action?
Mohit: Oh, absolutely, it’s all about flipping the script. In recent years, there’s been a trend of rebranding hackathons into more creative experiences, like Code Jam. It’s not just about changing the name—it transforms the entire candidate experience. These events shift from being mere assessments to becoming engaging learning moments where participants walk away with improved skills, even if they don’t win the big prize. This evolution, turning assessments into fun and developmental experiences, has completely reshaped recruitment strategies.
Q: How do these tech innovations fit into the broader strategy at KPMG?
Mohit: It’s all part of what we call the ‘E-Cube’ Strategy for Talent Acquisition—delivering Efficiency, enhancing Experience, and driving Engagement. Think of it as the ultimate recruitment trifecta. We’re leveraging technology to streamline processes, but with an equal emphasis on improving the candidate experience and maintaining their engagement throughout.
Mohit has a clear vision for the future of recruitment at KPMG, where technology doesn’t just support the process—it transforms it. With AI at the core of this E-Cube strategy, the future looks bright, efficient, and decidedly candidate-centric.
Mohit Sharma, Head of Talent Acquisition at KPMG India, has more than two decades of global industry expertise. He excels in implementing innovative recruitment strategies and technology interventions. He is an enthusiast and a leader in true sense. Mohit also actively contributes to academia and the Talent Acquisition professional community.
