Direct Connect Conversations

Episode 2: Behind the Desk – What Employers Really Want

If you’re searching for real-world advice about job hunting, hiring practices, and the Hospitality industry, the latest episode of the DCMKE podcast is for you. This time, host Jason welcomes Laura Ungemach, HR leader at Saz’s Hospitality Group in Milwaukee, and Randy McCarthy from Outpost Foods, for a dynamic conversation.

Meet the Speakers

Laura Ungemach: HR professional at Saz’s Hospitality Group, a staple in the Milwaukee food and event scene.

Randy McCarthy: HR expert with years of experience and a knack for memorable workplace stories.

Jason: The episode’s lively and thoughtful host.

One of the biggest themes in the episode is the importance of soft skills in the workplace. Both Laura and Randy agree that while technical skills can be taught, things like communication, adaptability, a positive attitude, and professionalism are crucial, especially in guest-facing industries like Hospitality. Laura summed it up best: “We can teach you skills. What we need is the personality, the appearance, the attitude, all of those components.”

Common Mistakes in Interviews

The episode dives deep into job interview do’s and don’ts, from the HR side of the desk. Top things NOT to do? Overconfidence, lack of research about the company, and poor communication. Randy shares that sometimes the biggest red flags are revealed before someone even starts: being short with staff, rolling eyes at lines, or failing to make a good first impression.

How to Stand Out

Both guests offered practical tips:

• Research the employer and mention something specific about their company in your interview.
• Bring a positive attitude and show genuine interest.
• Follow up professionally, a thank you email or even a handwritten note goes a long way.

Resume and Application Musts

Presentation matters! Sloppy errors, misspelled names, and poor formatting can be instant deal-breakers. Personalize your application and make sure it’s complete, details count.

The Hiring Process: Be Prepared

If you want to get hired fast, have your ID, direct deposit info, and any childcare needs settled before onboarding. Communication is key—if life happens or you run into issues, let your future employer know.

Stories from the Field

The episode wraps with some entertaining & insightful stories:

• Success Stories: Saz’s has multiple team members who started as teens and now hold director roles. Longevity and internal growth are big points of pride.
• Hiring Don’ts: Randy McCarthy shares a wild tale: “The one thing not to do is sexually harass the sexual harassment trainer.” Yup, don’t do that.

Do You Need All the Qualifications?

Don’t self-deselect! Both Laura and Randy encourage job seekers to apply even if they don’t meet every single requirement. A strong cover letter explaining your fit can be the difference.

Additional Notes for Episode 2:

• https://sazs.com/staff-member/laura-ungemach/ (Laura) https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-mccarthy-47154683/ (Randy) https://www.outpost.coop/careers/ (Outpost Career page)

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your job search, unsure about your next career move, or just needed a little extra motivation, you’ll want to tune into the brand new podcast—Direct Connect Conversations (DCMKE).

Hosted by Jason, DCMKE isn’t just another career advice show. It’s a dynamic space built with Milwaukee’s community at its heart. In the very first episode, Jason welcomes listeners and lays out the mission: tackling career challenges, building meaningful connections, and strengthening community, all right here in Milwaukee.

Whether you’re looking for your first role, re-entering the workforce, or just exploring your options, this podcast is made for you. Powered by Direct Connect MKE, the podcast acts as your personal career hub—bringing you resources for jobs, training programs, mentors, and support systems that help you thrive.

What’s especially powerful about Episode 1 is its honesty. Jason doesn’t shy away from the real issues: one in four Milwaukee households don’t have Internet at home, and many residents feel overwhelmed or disconnected from opportunities. DCMKE addresses the need for practical tools, relatable stories, and actionable advice—making sure you know you’re not alone on your journey.

Every other week, you can expect new episodes featuring job seekers, employers, youth leaders, and city innovators—each answering the big question: How do we build a Milwaukee where everyone has a pathway to success? You’ll get digital tips you can use today, stories you might see yourself in, and the encouragement to keep pushing forward.

Before you finish listening, Jason encourages you to take action: head to directconnectmke.com and create your free profile. In just five minutes, you could connect to your next job, mentor, or opportunity. Because here in Milwaukee, we’re building the future together—not just looking for work.

So, whether you’re listening while commuting, cooking, or taking some time for yourself, make sure to hit that follow button. The next episode dives into what local employers really want when hiring—trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

Ready to learn, connect, and grow? Start your DCMKE journey now!