Welcome back!

The recruitment landscape is shifting faster than ever, and the smartest leaders aren't just reacting - they're preparing. In this edition: discover how Belgium's leading federation is pushing for real labour market reform, learn the exact steps to make your agency visible in AI-powered search, and go behind the scenes with Bullhorn to see how they're building recruitment technology for tomorrow. Enjoy!

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Let Us Do Business: A Call to Policymakers

After 27 years leading Belgium's HR services federation, Ann Cattelain has a clear message for policymakers: stop regulating the industry to death. As CEO of Federgon, she's pushing back against the administrative burden that's stifling growth. The temporary work sector, often the first to signal economic shifts, is flashing warning signs. Her call to action? Let companies do what they do best without drowning them in red tape.

In this interview, Ann shares Federgon's lobbying priorities and roadmap for the coming years. From their Guide-me initiative - a career guidance programme helping people navigate transitions - to their stance on AI and upskilling, she outlines how the federation is trying to shape smarter labour regulations.

RECRUITMENT TECHNOLOGY

Building Your Tech Stack Right

"If you put rubbish data in, you get rubbish data out." It's a blunt truth, but Femke van Logtenstein from Bullhorn, knows it's the uncomfortable conversation most agencies avoid. In our latest interview, she explains why the smartest recruitment firms are prioritising data hygiene over chasing the latest automation trends. Without a solid foundation, even the most expensive AI tools deliver disappointing results - and waste your budget.

The conversation also dives into Bullhorn Amplify, their new automation layer designed to cut through the complexity. Femke shares a pragmatic roadmap for building a tech stack that actually empowers recruiters instead of overwhelming them with disconnected tools.

If you're planning your 2026 tech investments, this interview offers the reality check you need.

DIGITAL STRATEGY

From Google SEO to AI Recommendations: What Changed

When a client asks ChatGPT for the best IT recruitment partner in Brussels, the answer isn't based on who has the flashiest website or the biggest marketing budget. In our recent webinar, senior SEO experts Raf Polus and Mathias Noyez revealed how AI search engines actually make recommendations: they scan for consensus. ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI look across review platforms, forums, and articles to see who else trusts you. If your reputation lives solely on your homepage, you're invisible to the 2.5 billion AI prompts happening every day.

This shift to Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) creates an opportunity for (specialist) agencies - if you know the rules. It's no longer about ranking first on Google; it's about becoming the trusted answer when buyers ask AI for help. We've distilled the full webinar into a practical guide with five quick wins you can implement this week.

Thanks for reading Talent Business Insights!

This newsletter exists to help recruitment leaders navigate real challenges with proven insights. We'd love to hear from you: What topics should we tackle next? What challenges are keeping you up at night? Hit reply and share your thoughts - your feedback shapes future editions.

With enthusiasm for what's ahead,

Jeroen Van Ermen
Founder - Talent Business Partners