Ever applied, interviewed, and…silence? You’re not alone. In this episode, we crack open the hiring black box: the rise of ghost jobs (roles that never close or never existed in the first place), the avalanche of AI-boosted applications, and why 31% of rejected candidates never even get an email. 

My guest Ariana Moon, VP of Talent Planning & Acquisition at Greenhouse, a software platform managing the hiring process, explains how their Greenhouse Verified badges reward employers who actually walk the talk—communication, fairness, respect, and preparation—so candidates can spot companies that treat people like people.

We also get real about what great hiring actually looks like: structured scorecards, clear rubrics, and leaders who blend experience with fresh perspectives. Ariana shares lessons from a very millennial workforce moment (when ~10% of the company went on parental leave at once!) and how Greenhouse supports parents with thoughtful leave, re-entry, and caregiver communities—without letting careers evaporate.

Whether you’re job hunting or leading a team, this episode is a playbook for a fair, respectful, and effective process—because employer brand is a long game, and candidates remember how you made them feel.

Update: Since this recording, Ariana has given birth to a healthy baby boy! Both mom and baby are doing great.

“Greenhouse Verified is a way that we can signal to the talent market that we are a company that prioritizes things like good communication, being prepared in how we run our interview processes, being fair in how we think about our interview processes, and being respectful when we're interacting with candidates. ” 

~ Ariana S. Moon

In This Episode:

-What are ghost jobs?

-Greenhouse Verified initiative

-Improving internal processes in the workplace

-Experiences with ageism in the workplace

-ERGs and supporting parents in the workplace

And much more!

Resources:

-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide

Connect with Ariana S. Moon:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariana-s-moon/

-Website: https://www.greenhouse.com/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/