Mike Sunderland from Hudson RPO explains how music, AI, and strategy are reshaping recruitment, and why curiosity is your strongest skill.
At the Recruiting Innovation Summit, Mike Sunderland, Global Lead of Talent Intelligence at Hudson RPO, shared insights that went far beyond typical recruiting discussions. Right from the start, Mike introduced the idea of walkout music—the custom songs athletes choose when entering a stadium – as an overlooked recruiting insight.
In recruiting, walkout music is the hypothetical track candidates might choose if they entered interviews like athletes enter the playing field. Mike sees this as more than just a playful exercise. According to him, it reveals deep clues about a candidate’s personality, confidence, and mindset.
Your Walkout Music Says More Than You Think
Sunderland believes walkout music isn’t just for fun or spectacle. Instead, it's an authentic way to understand how candidates view themselves.
"Walkout music sends a powerful signal about who a candidate really is," Mike said. "It reflects confidence, personality, and the kind of energy they bring. Recruiters often miss these subtle but meaningful cues."
He warned that biases toward music genres can quietly influence hiring decisions, and recruiters should be aware of these hidden signals to ensure fairness.
AI is Changing the Game Faster Than Recruiters Can Adapt
According to Sunderland, AI isn’t something recruiters need to watch for in the future. It’s already here, reshaping the industry faster than many can keep up. Candidates have quickly adopted AI tools to optimize resumes, automate applications, and practice interview responses.
"Candidates don’t have legal teams slowing down their adoption of tech," Mike explained. "They’re already using AI to tailor resumes, automate applications, and prepare better than ever. Recruiters need to catch up fast."
Recruiters who hesitate to embrace AI now risk losing talent to those who actively integrate these tools into their workflow.
Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Is Still Misunderstood
Sunderland clarified that Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) occupies a unique space between staffing agencies and internal recruiting teams. RPO providers embed deeply within a client’s culture, yet remain external partners with high expectations from the companies they serve.
"RPO recruiters are seen as insiders, but clients hold them accountable as external providers," Mike said. "This dual role means high visibility and even higher performance expectations."
Strong communication, aligned expectations, and genuine partnership make RPO relationships effective.
Strategy Now Beats Execution Every Time
Sunderland highlighted a shift in recruiting priorities. With routine tasks becoming increasingly automated through AI, recruiters must now prioritize strategic thinking.
"Execution is now table stakes," Mike said. "Recruiters need to shift toward strategy, understanding hiring needs deeply, interpreting data, and guiding talent decisions. That’s where recruiting’s future will be won or lost."
He encouraged recruiters to position themselves as strategic talent advisors rather than transaction-focused roles.
Continuous Learning is Essential, Not Optional
Continuous learning is critical for recruiters aiming to remain relevant, according to Mike. The rapid evolution of recruiting technology demands constant adaptation.
"Recruiters must stay curious and keep learning," Mike noted. "Relevance means embracing new ideas, technologies, and methodologies. Standing still simply isn’t an option."
Industry Events Offer Genuine Insights, Not Just Networking
While many recruiters view conferences primarily as networking events, Mike emphasized the deeper value they provide through genuine conversations.
"The real value at events isn’t collecting contacts," Mike said. "It’s the honest dialogue about what’s happening in recruiting right now. Genuine insights come from real conversations."
Curiosity Isn’t a Soft Skill – It’s a Recruiting Superpower
Sunderland believes curiosity is a recruiter’s greatest strength. Staying genuinely curious keeps recruiters adaptable, engaged, and ahead of industry shifts.
"Curiosity is a recruiter’s superpower," Mike explained. "It’s what makes you effective in spotting trends, learning new technologies, and continuously improving."
Bottom Line: Recruiters Must Adapt Quickly
Mike Sunderland’s candid session at the Recruiting Innovation Summit makes clear the necessity for recruiters to adapt rapidly. By paying attention to overlooked insights like walkout music, strategically leveraging AI, prioritizing learning, and valuing genuine conversations, recruiters can remain effective and relevant.
Those who fail to evolve risk falling behind.
This article is part of Chatterworks’ exclusive series, capturing real insights from talent leaders at the Recruiting Innovation Summit.
