In a bold move to transform its hiring practices, Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) has adopted Oracle’s advanced AI capabilities through its Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM). As the holding company of the largest Native American tribe in the U.S., CNB is now leveraging artificial intelligence to modernize HR processes, enhance talent acquisition, and improve the candidate experience. This initiative not only supports CNB’s growth but also aligns with its mission of bolstering the economic well-being of the Cherokee Nation.
For small business owners navigating today’s competitive labor market, CNB’s experience offers compelling insights into the practical applications of AI in recruitment. With a diverse workforce exceeding 10,000 employees across various sectors—from hospitality to government contracting—CNB needed a scalable solution to optimize its recruitment processes. By utilizing Oracle Fusion Cloud Recruiting and Oracle Recruiting Booster, the organization has substantially streamlined its hiring operations, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
“AI has become essential in helping us identify and engage the right candidates faster,” said Julie Schnepel, manager of HR systems at CNB. This sentiment highlights a common challenge among small businesses: the difficulty in finding the right talent quickly. By automating repetitive tasks and personalizing candidate outreach, CNB has not only improved its efficiency but has also accelerated its ability to fill critical roles.
One standout feature of this new AI-driven approach is a candidate messaging assistant that facilitates personalized communication with potential hires. By using this tool, CNB’s recruiters are reportedly saving between 30 to 45 minutes each day—adding up to nearly four hours a week. This enhancement frees up valuable time that can be redirected toward strategic initiatives or nurturing existing employee relationships.
Moreover, AI-powered job fit feedback has played a significant role in enhancing the candidate experience. Since its implementation, CNB has generated nearly 200,000 personalized job fit assessments, assisting candidates in identifying roles that match their skills. This tailored approach not only aids candidates but also allows CNB to find qualified individuals more swiftly, bolstering its overall workforce.
Acknowledging the impact of this AI integration, CNB was awarded the “GenAI Applications Innovation Award for North America” at the 2025 Oracle Excellence Awards. This recognition emphasizes how businesses can effectively harness generative AI to address real-world challenges. As Nagaraj Nadendla, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Oracle, stated, “In today’s competitive talent landscape, where organizations are struggling to find and engage the right candidates quickly, Cherokee Nation Businesses is a powerful example.”
However, while the benefits of deploying AI in recruitment are evident, small business owners may want to consider potential challenges. Implementing advanced technologies involves an upfront investment. Smaller firms must assess whether they have the resources to integrate such solutions into their workforce processes.
Additionally, companies need to remain vigilant about data privacy and ethics. Ensuring that AI tools are used transparently and equitably is crucial to maintaining trust among candidates and employees alike. Striking a balance between modernizing hiring practices and upholding ethical standards can be complex, particularly for businesses with limited staff or expertise in AI.
The future is clear: businesses that leverage technology strategically will have a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining talent. With Oracle Cloud HCM’s capabilities connecting every HR function from hire to retire, organizations can access a unified view of their workforce data. This allows HR teams to make informed decisions, optimize their people strategies, and ultimately create enriched work environments.
As small business owners look to improve their hiring practices, CNB’s transformation serves as a valuable case study. Implementing AI solutions can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and candidate experience. Adopting such technologies may pose challenges, but the potential rewards of streamlining hiring processes and enhancing workplace culture are invaluable.
For more details on Oracle Cloud HCM applications, check out the original press release at Oracle.
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