Adder Intelligence uses AI to transform NZ recruitment process
JobAdder has launched Adder Intelligence, a new artificial intelligence capability designed to simplify recruitment for HR and talent teams in New Zealand.
The AI operates in the background, analysing historical candidate data within existing applicant tracking systems, and proactively identifies high-potential candidates for open roles. Early adopters have reported faster hiring and improvements in both the quality and diversity of shortlisted candidates.
Background automation
Adder Intelligence works without prompts or manual intervention. It reviews years of candidate history stored in recruitment systems and automatically suggests suitable candidates, including those who have not reapplied for roles. This approach aims to address challenges faced by recruiters who struggle to process increasing volumes of job applications with limited resources.
The AI can track candidates' evolving skills and experience, supporting more accurate and up-to-date matches for job vacancies. Recruiters trialling the tool have noted that it can identify experienced talent who may otherwise be overlooked during initial shortlisting rounds.
Recruiter workflows
Two primary functions have been included in the initial release: Smart Summary and Smart Sync. Smart Summary compiles essential candidate information into a single profile, including historical interactions and data relevant to role requirements. It also provides a recommendation on the candidate's match strength, which is intended to help recruiters prioritise candidates more efficiently.
Smart Sync maintains and updates candidate profiles automatically by analysing unstructured data, such as recruiter notes and activity logs, to close information gaps and update records as necessary. These tools are integrated without requiring recruiters to alter their established workflows or input prompts.
Industry pressures
The employment landscape in New Zealand and Australia has shifted, with hiring activity softening even as candidate applications reach historic highs. According to JobAdder's data, application volumes have increased by 42% year-on-year. In the same period, hiring levels declined by 17% in New Zealand and 5.4% in Australia, resulting in more candidates competing for fewer opportunities.
JobAdder's research also shows rising expectations among both clients and job candidates. Around 63% of recruiters report heightened demands from applicants for more communication and transparency during the hiring process. Meanwhile, 78% of agencies are turning to AI specifically to ease administrative burden, though most current uses remain limited to basic tasks rather than candidate sourcing and matching.
Recruitment impact
During early trials, recruiting firms reported that Adder Intelligence reduced time-to-hire by up to 67%. Users also pointed to improved candidate visibility, greater shortlisting accuracy, and enhanced equity in the hiring process. Some recruiters noted that by having the AI recognise skills progression and profile changes, strong candidates were less likely to be missed due to manual oversight or time pressure.
"Recruiters shouldn't have to talk to their tools. Adder Intelligence does the heavy lifting, analysing, learning and surfacing insights automatically, so they can focus on hiring people, not managing software," said Martin Herbst, CEO, JobAdder.
Joel Delmaire, Chief Product Officer at JobAdder, said, "We're entering a new era of AI; one that's powerfully simple, specialised and genuinely useful. Recruiters don't need to prompt or configure it. The intelligence happens behind the scenes, helping them make faster, more confident hiring decisions."
Herbst said, "Our mission is to simplify recruitment and empower recruiters to build more human connections. Adder Intelligence is our answer: powerfully simple AI that delivers results on day one. Ultimately, it creates a better experience for candidates too, with faster responses, fairer decisions, and more meaningful human interaction."