The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruitment processes marks a transformative shift in human resource management, offering new efficiencies and insights while also introducing challenges and ethical considerations. Furthermore, this study posits a hypothesis that underscores the significance of positive organizational shock as a mediating factor in the relationship between AI adoption in recruitment and career development. This study aims to explore the multifaceted impacts of AI adoption in recruitment, examining how it influences positive organizational shocks and career development. It further seeks to understand how family support and emotional intelligence serve as moderating factors in this dynamic, offering insights that could guide both future research and practical applications in HR technology integration. A quantitative study took place in March 2023 among 246 h directors, HR managers, and HR officers in higher education institutions in Nigeria. SEM-PLS and SPSS were applied for data analysis. The results revealed that emotional intelligence enables educators to manage stress, regulate their emotions, and effectively communicate with colleagues and administrators, fostering a more conducive work environment amidst technological transformations. In the Nigerian higher education context, where interpersonal relationships and collaboration are highly valued, educators with high emotional intelligence may serve as role models for their peers, facilitating the smooth transition towards AI-enhanced recruitment practices and contributing positively to career development initiatives within academic institutions.