Job seekers aren’t playing games in 2025. Between AI, inflation, and ghosted applications, candidates are demanding better. We sat down with Stephanie Manzelli to unpack the latest Job Seeker Nation Report and why it’s more than just stats—it’s a warning sign. From broken trust to burnout, this conversation dives deep into how recruitment is being redefined.

In this episode we talk about how AI is changing the hiring experience, why transparency isn’t optional anymore, and what employers can do to rebuild trust before talent walks out the door.

Key Takeaways

➡ 57% of job seekers expect to hear back within 3 days of applying—slow comms kill trust.

➡ Only 28% of candidates think salaries are keeping up with inflation.

➡ 77% are fine being recorded during interviews—privacy concerns are shifting.

➡ 85% are open to leaving even if they’re “happy.” Retention isn’t just about satisfaction.

➡ Loyalty is no longer a given—workers are prioritizing self-preservation.

➡ Compensation transparency is table stakes, not a perk.

➡ Burnout is fueling job searches even more than bad bosses.

➡ AI is becoming an accepted tool—especially when it improves fairness.

➡ Candidates would rather hear bad news than be ghosted.

➡ Employer branding means nothing without follow-through and clarity.

➡ Re-engaging past candidates isn’t just smart—it’s expected now.

➡ Technology is fine, but without a human element, it still falls flat.

Chapters

00:00 – Who is Stephanie Manzelli?

04:57 – Candidate Expectations and the Role of Technology

08:04 – Compensation Trends and Perceptions

11:06 – The Impact of Inflation on Salary Expectations

14:07 – The Role of AI in Interviews and Candidate Experience

17:54 – The Value of Reconnecting with Past Candidates

20:15 – Setting Clear Expectations in Hiring

21:31 – The Importance of Transparency in Employer Branding

26:17 – Balancing Human Connection and Technology in Recruitment

30:38 – The Shift in Employee Loyalty and Job Satisfaction

33:59 – Understanding Burnout and Its Impact on Job Searches

Connect with our guest:

Stephanie Manzelli, Chief People Officer at Employ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmanzelli/

Connect with us

William Tincup LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/⁠

Ryan Leary LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/⁠

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Twitter (X): ⁠https://twitter.com/WRKdefined⁠

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