Breaking into the workforce is tough—staying in and thriving is even tougher. In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Alexa Mikhail, Senior Health & Wellness Reporter at Fortune, to discuss her journey from Northwestern to CNN, facing layoffs early in her career, and landing her dream role at Fortune. They dive into the realities of job hunting, career pivots, and the strategies that actually help you stand out in a competitive job market. Whether you're applying for your first job or figuring out your next career move, this episode is packed with insights on navigating uncertainty, leveraging your network, and building a career that aligns with your passions.

Key topics:
🔄 Getting Laid Off Early in Your Career – How to bounce back stronger
💼 The Reality of Job Hunting – Why intention matters in applications
📌 Finding the Right Fit – How to align your values with your career choices
📢 Building a Strong Network – The power of references & recommendations
💡 Asking the Right Questions in Interviews – How to evaluate company culture
🚀 Career Growth vs. Job Hopping – Staying vs. pivoting in today’s market
⚖️ Balancing Career Ambition & Mental Well-being – Avoiding burnout

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Rich Johnson, founder of Lexiant Advisors LLC, to break down what it takes to stand out in today’s job market. From leveraging AI wisely in job applications to building genuine networking connections, Rich shares expert insights on how early career professionals can navigate the evolving hiring landscape. Whether you're looking for your first internship or a stepping stone toward your dream job, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you succeed.

Key topics:

📍 Remote vs. In-Person Work – Pros and cons of starting your career remotely vs. in an office.

🔑 Standing Out in a Crowded Job Market – Why networking and research give you a competitive edge.

🤖 Using AI in Your Job Search – How to leverage AI without losing the human touch.

🎯 Quality Over Quantity – Why targeted job applications are more effective than mass applying.

⏳ Patience in Career Growth – How to plan your career as a long-term strategy.

📚 The Education Gap – Why college alone may not prepare you for today’s workforce.

🤝 Building Real Connections – The power of strategic conversations with industry professionals.

Timestamps:

💼 Rich’s Background & Career Journey (00:00:00)

🏢 Remote vs. In-Person Internships: Pros & Cons (00:02:53)

🎯 How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market (00:04:20)

⚠️ Common Mistakes Candidates Make in Applications (00:05:56)

🤖 Using AI in Your Job Search Without Over-Reliance (00:07:32)

📑 What Hiring Managers Look for in Applications (00:08:50)

🔄 Shifting from Quantity to Quality in Job Applications (00:12:09)

🚀 The Importance of Career Patience & Long-Term Planning (00:14:28)

🎓 The Education Gap: Is College Preparing You for Work? (00:19:09)

💡 Self-Learning vs. Traditional Education (00:21:07)

📈 Why Career Growth is a Marathon, Not a Sprint (00:22:50)

🔗 Where to Connect with Rich Johnson (00:23:17)

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:

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

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Kevin Johnson, Senior Talent Recruiter at Caylent, to explore the dynamic world of recruitment and career growth. With over 25 years of experience and a journey through explosive company growth, Kevin shares invaluable insights on building talent pipelines, leveraging AI in hiring, and the importance of networking for job seekers. Tune in to discover actionable strategies to stand out in today’s job market!

Key topics:

📈 How to scale hiring during explosive company growth

🤝 Why networking and referrals are essential for landing jobs

🤖 How AI is transforming the recruitment process

🎯 Key tips for standing out as a job seeker in competitive markets

📚 How to build experience and overcome entry-level barriers

🌍 Why building a talent pipeline is critical for recruiters and candidates

🎓 The power of internships and early career planning for success

Timestamps:

💼 Introduction to Kevin Johnson and His Career in Recruiting (00:00:00)

📈 Scaling a Company from 30 to 650 Employees (00:03:32)

🤝 The Importance of Networking and Referrals in Hiring (00:05:53)

🎯 Strategies for Standing Out as a Job Seeker (00:08:37)

🤖 The Role of AI in Recruitment (00:10:31)

✍️ How to Personalize Applications and Avoid Common Mistakes (00:21:10)

📚 Overcoming Entry-Level Barriers and Gaining Experience (00:25:15)

🎓 The Value of Internships for Career Growth (00:30:18)

🎙 Kevin’s Final Advice for Job Seekers (00:32:07)

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:

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

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso chats with Charlotte Lidster, Senior Talent Partner at Chapter 2, about the evolving landscape of recruitment. From leveraging AI to navigating networking in the digital age, Charlotte shares invaluable insights for job seekers and employers alike. Whether you're an early-career professional or a seasoned candidate, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive in today's competitive job market.

Key topics:

🚀 The impact of AI on recruitment and how to use it effectively in your job search.

🧠 Building a strong personal brand and networking on LinkedIn.

✅ The importance of tailoring job applications for success.

🔑 Choosing between startups and corporate environments in your early career.

🌍 International recruitment trends and what to expect in 2025.

Timestamps:

🎙️ Introduction to Charlotte Lidster, Senior Recruiter at Chapter 2 (00:00:00)

🌍 Charlotte's journey from PR and marketing to international recruitment (00:01:09)

🔑 Understanding company culture and its nuances in hiring (00:02:22)

📈 Adapting to shifting recruitment markets and trends in 2025 (00:04:39)

🤖 The role of AI and automation in modern recruitment practices (00:07:13)

💼 How candidates can leverage AI to improve their job applications (00:10:04)

🏆 Tips for standing out as a candidate and advancing in your career (00:13:55)

🚀 Benefits and challenges of working in startups versus large organizations (00:23:25)

📋 Optimizing job boards and understanding job titles (00:26:01)

🤝 Networking strategies to build your personal brand and land roles (00:29:04)

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:

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

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Jake Citrano, Founder and GTM Recruiter at ClosedWon Talent, to uncover the secrets to breaking into the competitive world of sales. Whether you're a recent graduate or an aspiring sales professional, Jake shares actionable strategies to help you stand out, ace interviews, and kickstart your career. From leveraging AI tools to perfecting your pitch, this episode is packed with insights to give you the edge in today's job market.

Key topics:

🌟 The Key Traits of Successful Sales Candidates.

📹 Standing Out in a Crowded Market.

🤖 AI’s Impact on Sales Careers.

🎯 Quality Over Quantity: Why a targeted application strategy beats the "spray and pray" approach.

🧠 Tips to communicate confidence, answer key questions, and close next steps like a pro.

Timestamps:

🎙️ Introduction to Jake Citrano (00:00:00)

🔄 Jake’s Journey into Recruiting and Founding ClosedWon Talent (00:01:27)

📈 Key Traits of Successful Entry-Level Sales Candidates (00:02:35)

💡 Standing Out in a Crowded Job Market (00:05:27)

🤖 The Role of AI in Sales and Recruitment (00:07:51)

🏆 How to Showcase Initiative and Prepare for Sales Interviews (00:09:15)

🔍 Assessing Career Growth and Cultural Fit in a Sales Role (00:15:00)

📊 The Value of Entry-Level Sales Experience and Transitioning Roles (00:18:08)

🎯 Mastering Interview Techniques and Handling Objections (00:24:12)

📬 Closing Thoughts and Where to Connect with Jake Citrano (00:29:02)

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:

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

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Marlon Vargas, Senior Sales and Marketing Recruiter at 80Twenty, to unpack the secrets of standing out in today’s competitive job market. From the importance of in-person experience early in your career to leveraging LinkedIn and navigating hybrid work environments, this episode is packed with actionable advice for college graduates and early career professionals looking to land their dream job.

Key Takeaways:

🚀 Stand out by showcasing your unique skills and projects.

🔄 Be flexible and open to hybrid work opportunities.

🎯 Tailor your applications to fit the job and company needs.

🤖 Use AI as a tool, not a replacement, in your job search.

💪 Demonstrate grit and determination to impress employers.

Timestamps:

📌 Introduction to Marlon Vargas (00:00:22)

🏢 Why In-Person Work Experience Matters Early in Your Career (00:03:30)

🚩 Common Mistakes Job Seekers Should Avoid (00:06:48)

💼 How to Stand Out in the Application Process (00:09:30)

🤝 Building Relationships with Recruiters and Clients (00:11:03)

📚 Essential Tools and Steps for College Graduates Entering the Workforce (00:13:23)

⚙️ The Role of AI in Recruiting: Opportunities and Challenges (00:16:22)

💡 Advice for Navigating Hybrid Work Environments (00:08:19)

🔥 Why Perseverance is Key to Career Success (00:15:10)

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:

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

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Priscilla Philavong, Senior Technical Recruiter at Abnormal Security, to uncover what it takes to land your dream tech job. From the power of networking and mentorship to navigating AI in the recruiting process, Priscilla shares actionable advice for early career professionals and job seekers aiming to break into tech or elevate their careers.

Here's What You'll Learn:

🚀 Navigating Different Work Environments: How to decide between joining a startup or a large organization.

🤖 AI in Recruitment: How AI is transforming both the hiring process and job applications.

✨ Standing Out: Tips for making your application stand out in a competitive job market.

🤝 Networking and Referrals: Why building connections can help you skip the job application line.

⚠️ Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Mistakes job seekers make and how to avoid them.

🧠 Mentorship Matters: How finding the right mentor can supercharge your career journey.

🔑 The Power of Keywords: How to tailor your resume for high-volume recruiting processes.

📊 Job Market Realities: Balancing quality versus quantity in job applications.

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:

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

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Amanda DeHaas, partner and senior recruiter at TEEMA, to uncover the secrets to navigating the hiring process and thriving in your early career. Amanda shares her journey into recruiting, actionable tips for standing out in the job market, and the impact of AI and remote work on hiring practices. Whether you're a new grad or a professional looking for career growth, this episode is packed with invaluable advice to help you achieve your goals.

Here's What You'll Learn:

🎯 How to stand out in the competitive job market.

💼 The do's and don'ts of networking in a remote world.

🤖 The role of AI in the hiring process—helpful or harmful?

🛠️ Key skills recruiters look for in top candidates.

🌟 Why personal branding is critical to career advancement.

📈 How to progress and excel in your first job.

🔍 Red flags to watch for when joining a startup.

🚀 The importance of taking calculated risks in your early career.

Timestamps:

🎙️ Introduction to Amanda DeHaas, Senior Recruiter at TEEMA (00:00:00)

🌟 How Amanda Chose Recruiting as a Career and Her Journey (00:01:03)

💼 Changes in Recruitment: Improvements and Areas for Growth (00:03:28)

🤖 The Role of AI in Recruitment and Building Candidate Relationships (00:03:57)

📈 The Challenges of Recruitment During Hiring Booms and Slowdowns (00:05:14)

🎯 Tips for Job Seekers: Networking, Standing Out, and Following Up (00:07:29)

🌐 Remote Work Challenges and Building Connections Virtually (00:11:24)

🚀 Career Growth Strategies: Leaning Into Opportunities and Learning (00:16:10)

💬 The Importance of Confidence and Problem-Solving in Career Success (00:20:49)

📊 AI's Impact on Job Search and Recruitment Processes (00:22:05)

📉 Performance Improvement Plans: Insights and Realities (00:24:23)

📌 Key Factors to Look for When Joining a Startup (00:28:27)

💰 Salary Negotiation Tips for Early Career Professionals (00:31:37)

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:

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

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso chats with Jason Koslow, Manager of Talent Acquisition at SEVENROOMS, about the evolving landscape of hiring and career growth. Jason shares actionable insights on competency-based hiring, the power of personal branding, and how candidates can stand out in today’s competitive job market. From embracing AI tools to building meaningful connections, this episode is packed with strategies for both job seekers and professionals looking to climb the ladder.

Here's What You'll Learn:

🚀 How competency-based hiring is changing the game for job seekers

💼 Why personal branding is essential for career success

🌐 Navigating remote work challenges and building connections in a virtual world

🤖 The role of AI in hiring—when it helps and when it hurts

🧠 Why learning mindset and adaptability are key to career progression

🔍 How to optimize your job search through networking and job boards

🎯 Tips for hiring managers to improve the candidate experience

🔄 The reality of career changes and how to leverage transferable skills

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:

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

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso chats with Jeff Celentano, a seasoned recruiter and hiring manager at PhoneSales.com. Jeff shares his journey from the live entertainment industry to the high-stakes world of remote high-ticket sales. Learn about the skills, strategies, and networking tactics needed to thrive in this competitive field and avoid common pitfalls as you launch or pivot your career.

Here's What You'll Learn:

🎯 How to stand out as a candidate: Essential traits and tips for success in the high-ticket sales space.

🔎 Red flags in job opportunities: Avoiding scams and finding legitimate roles.

🎥 Why intro videos matter: How to showcase your communication skills effectively.

💡 Starting with no experience: Where to get training and how to break into the industry.

🌟 The power of personal branding: Tips to build a standout digital footprint.

🔀 Career transitions: How Jeff pivoted into sales and how you can, too.

🚀 The importance of networking: Unlocking hidden job opportunities.

🛠️ Soft skills vs. technical skills: What really matters to recruiters and hiring managers today.

Get in touch with Jeff Celenteno

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

Get in touch with Brandon Amoroso:

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

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon