What Recruiters Need to Know About Google’s AI Overviews

How do you rank in Google search when AI overviews dominate the recruitment-related results your clients and candidates see? This guide will help answer that.  

Search engine optimisation (SEO) has always been crucial for recruitment agencies. But as Google’s AI overviews gain traction, it’s important to understand how they impact search rankings and user behaviour. This post will break down what AI overviews are, why they matter to recruiters, and how your agency can make the most of this SEO development.  

What Are AI Overviews?  

Google introduced AI overviews in 2024 as a new way to respond to search queries. These overviews use generative AI to provide summarised answers to a user's question, displayed prominently at the top of search results.  

Think of them as advanced, AI-driven Featured Snippets, designed to aggregate information from the top search results to deliver concise answers. They scrape high-ranking pages for relevant content and include small citations linking back to the original sources.  

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However, these overviews don’t always generate clicks. Because they present immediate answers on the SERP (Search Engine Results Page), some users may never leave Google to visit the linked websites. That said, earning a citation in these overviews still offers value for brand awareness and authority.  

Another Venn SEO client appearing in an AI overview 

Why Are AI Overviews Important for Recruiters?  

With competition for visibility already high, Google's AI Overviews are another challenge recruiters face to their SEO efforts. These AI-driven summaries: 

• Influence how your agency’s content is presented in search results  
• Push traditional organic results further down the first page of Google, reducing visibility and clicks  
• Consolidate organic search rankings, meaning top-ranking content has a better shot at being cited but low-ranking pages may find it harder to gain visibility.  

For recruitment marketing agencies, this intensifies the need to optimise your SEO strategy to stay front of mind with both clients and candidates.  

SEO for Recruitment in the Age of AI Overviews  

SEO strategies must evolve to align with AI-driven search. To position your agency’s content for AI citations and maintain visibility, here’s what you need to know.  

1. Focus on People-First Content  

AI overviews favour "people-first content", as emphasised by Google’s recent core updates. Google rewards content that serves the reader's needs rather than content simply optimised for keywords. Here's how to create valuable people-first content for recruitment: 

• Answer Specific Questions: Research the common queries your clients and candidates are searching for. Create blog posts, guides, and FAQs that address these directly. For example, “How to build a product team for SMEs?” or “How to create a skills first recruitment strategy”. A great way to source these is by reviewing recent recruiter interactions and objections 
• Use Original Research: Share insights from your agency’s database or unique perspectives from your recruiters, clients or candidates. Google prioritises content with first-hand expertise.  
• Ensure Relevance: Write content that is timely and specific to your audience. Discuss industry trends, workforce changes, or regional hiring challenges.  

2. Optimise for Long-Tail Keywords  

AI overviews tend to focus on long-tail, informational search queries. To align your content with these queries: 

• Use specific, conversational search terms like “how to attract candidates for remote roles” rather than generic keywords like “recruitment tips”.  
• Optimise your headings with question-based phrases (e.g., “Why is candidate experience critical for hiring?”).  
• Incorporate naturally flowing keywords into body copy.  

Remember, the goal is to match not only the query but also the intent behind it. Think about why a candidate or client is searching for that term and address their pain points.  

3. Maintain a Strong Technical SEO Foundation  

Without solid technical SEO, your recruitment website won’t have a fighting chance at ranking in the top 10 results, which are key for being cited in AI overviews.  

• Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor rankings, index coverage, and structured data implementations.  
• Ensure your site is mobile-friendly and optimised for fast loading speeds.  
• Organise content with clear headings, subheadings, and concise paragraphs for improved readability.  

4. EEAT Everything! 

Google’s focus on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT) is more critical than ever, particularly for topics such as recruitment.  

• Showcase your first-hand expertise through real-world insights and case studies.  
• Build credibility by citing reputable sources and including client testimonials. 
• Establish authority by consistently publishing high-quality content on topics within your niche.  

Stay Front of Mind with Clients and Candidates  

With queries containing AI overviews continuing to expand, recruitment agencies can’t afford to lag behind. By refining your SEO strategy with people-first content, keyword optimisation that is built on a strong technical foundation, you’ll increase your chances of ranking not just in traditional search results but also in these AI-driven snippets.  

Still unsure how to optimise for AI-powered search? Don’t leave your visibility to chance. Speak to Venn today and ensure your recruitment website is primed to perform in every search scenario.