Host Jane Khodos Beyer sits down with Chaz Cirame, founder of Big Fish Recruiting, who specializes in placing top talent in public affairs, public policy, and communications. Chaz shares why LinkedIn applications are basically a black hole, why a handwritten thank-you note is still the ultimate power move, and how AI-generated cover letters are backfiring on candidates in ways they don't expect.

You'll also hear:

• Why networking beats cold applying every single time (the real numbers will surprise you)
• How to negotiate an offer without pricing yourself out
• What employers are doing wrong — and how it's costing them great hires
• Why experience almost always trumps a graduate degree
• The career pivot framework Chaz used himself to leave public affairs and build Big Fish from scratch

Plus book recommendations you'll want to write down: Designing Your Life, Aware, and How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Chaz also shares his favorite spots in Old Town Alexandria — from Bollywood Masala to St. Elmo's Coffee — in our lightning round.

00:00 AI Job Search Mistakes

00:15 Meet Chaz Cirame

01:24 How We Met

02:18 Career Pivot Story

04:27 Designing Your Life

07:15 Hiring Market Reality

09:01 Standing Out in Interviews

11:13 Candidate Interview Donts

13:32 Networking Beats Applying

16:12 Using LinkedIn Wisely

18:53 AI Cover Letter Pitfalls

20:07 AI Resume Pitfalls

21:26 Beating ATS Bots

22:36 Employer Hiring Mistakes

25:45 Offer Negotiation Reality

32:03 What Drives Top Pay

33:44 MBA Versus Experience

37:23 Job Search Timelines

38:35 Networking And Books

40:20 Old Town Lightning Round

41:34 Wrap Up And Contact

Chaz’ favorite places around Old Town:

• St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub: 529 Montgomery St | stelmoscoffeepub.com | IG: @stelmos
• Southside 815: 815 S Washington St | southside815.com | IG: @southside815
• Bollywood Masala: 219 King St | bollywoodmasalaalexandria.com | IG: @bollywoodalexandria

Further Reading Recommendations

• Cirame recommends two pivotal books on career design and self-awareness: "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, and,
• "Aware" by Les Csorba. 

The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.

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