Have you ever wondered if the increasing reliance on AI in hiring is slowly eroding the very human touch that makes recruitment so personal? In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, Joel Lalgee sits down with Jessica Begley, COO of Very, to explore key topics such as recruitment trends, employee engagement, and the role of AI in the workforce. Jessica shares her journey from Chief People Officer to Chief Operating Officer and emphasizes the importance of treating employees as individuals. The discussion covers strategies for engaging a remote workforce, the risks of AI implementation, and the crucial need for upskilling in the evolving job market. They also address recent layoffs at Workday and Meta, underscoring the emotional toll and the need for transparent communication. The conversation delves into job market segmentation, discussing the challenges faced by skilled workers, wisdom workers, and knowledge workers, while also addressing issues like overqualification for entry-level roles and the impact of job report revisions on economic decisions. Finally, they offer practical advice for job seekers on the power of networking and building meaningful professional relationships.

In this episode:

(00:00:03) Introduction to the episode

(00:01:38) Guest introduction

(00:03:03) Jessica's career journey

(00:04:41) Importance of people in business

(00:09:26) Engagement strategies

(00:10:38) Creating a people-centric culture

(00:13:45) Intentionality in engagement

(00:15:34) Recent layoffs discussion

(00:16:01) Impact of AI on jobs

(00:17:56) Identifying replaceable jobs

(00:19:33) AI in corporate strategy

(00:20:18) Implications of AI on workforce

(00:21:12) Upskilling employees

(00:22:14) Zapier's hiring philosophy

(00:23:40) Meta layoffs and employee perception

(00:24:20) Communication and transparency issues

(00:25:31) Skill set definition challenges

(00:29:57) Understanding job segmentation

(00:30:03) Challenges for wisdom workers

(00:30:41) Networking for executive roles

(00:31:10) The role of knowledge workers

(00:32:01) Job growth analysis

(00:33:01) Hiring challenges in trades

(00:34:15) Overqualification issues

(00:34:36) Job report revisions

(00:36:03) Economic decisions impact

(00:37:07) Interconnected economic systems

(00:38:28) Government worker exits

(00:39:09) Networking advice

(00:41:27) Long game mentality in networking

(00:42:23) In-person interaction opportunities

(00:43:09) Sustainable networking practices

(00:45:24) Closing remarks

About Jessica Begley

Jessica Begley is the COO of Very, a leading provider of IoT hardware services. With a diverse background in human resources, Jessica transitioned from Chief People Officer to Chief Operating Officer, bringing her expertise in people management, employee engagement, and organizational development. She is passionate about fostering people-centric cultures and navigating the evolving landscape of technology and recruitment.

Jessica Begley  Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website

About Joel Lalgee 

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok  
• X (formerly Twitter

A job seeker submits their application. They wait. And wait. But there’s no call, no email—just silence. What they don’t know is that their fate was sealed in milliseconds, judged by AI-driven algorithms they’ll never see, for reasons they’ll never understand.

Are we witnessing a revolution that will elevate recruitment to new heights? Or are we on the verge of losing the human touch in hiring forever? 

In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, Joel Lalgee sits down with Matt Pietsch to unravel the truth behind recruitment’s rapid evolution.

With decades of experience in human capital management, Matt has seen it all—the rise of cutting-edge HR tech, the fragmentation of applicant tracking systems, and the growing pains of an industry struggling to keep up with change. But with AI transforming hiring at an unprecedented pace, one question looms large: Are we making recruitment more efficient, or are we losing the personal touch that truly makes a difference?

Matt and Joel dive deep into the current job market, exposing the hidden challenges candidates face and the technology gaps recruiters must overcome. Can a more unified system bring order to the chaos? And in a world where automation is king, how do we keep genuine human relationships at the heart of hiring?

But that’s not all. The debate over remote work versus returning to the office is more intense than ever. How do companies measure productivity fairly? Are younger workers really craving in-person collaboration, or is flexibility the ultimate key to success? And what about working parents—how can they navigate a workforce that wasn’t built with them in mind?

With fresh insights, bold predictions, and a no-nonsense look at the future of human capital management, this episode is a must-listen. The future of work is changing—are you ready to adapt? Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

(00:03) Introduction to the episode

(01:12) Guest introduction

(01:48) Matt's background in recruitment

(02:01) Early recruitment experience

(02:45) Client relationships in recruitment

(03:15) Volume of calls in early career

(04:32) Evolution of recruiter value

(06:00) Face-to-face interactions in recruitment

(07:21) Progression in Matt's career

(08:26) Experience with startups

(09:33) Understanding HR tech landscape

(11:09) Innovation in ATS market

(13:16) Total talent management concept

(14:48) AI's impact on recruitment

(15:29) Candidate experience challenges

(17:18) Human interaction in recruiting

(19:13) Disconnect in recruitment processes

(20:14) The evolution of recruitment technology

(21:36) The future of recruitment staffing

(22:00) The impact of technology on human interaction

(23:39) The importance of face-to-face interaction

(24:36) Building an offline brand

(25:37) Value over discounts in sales

(26:06) Shifting focus to value in job applications

(28:00) ROI in employment relationships

(29:09) Changing dynamics of job security

(29:40) Discussion on remote work

(30:45) Deferred resignation announcement

(31:47) Flexibility in work environments

(32:42) Measuring productivity

(33:36) Remote work benefits

(34:36) Young workers' preferences

(35:33) Impact of return-to-office mandates

(36:34) Corporate decision-making

(37:15) Commuting challenges

(38:53) Childcare challenges

(40:14) Measuring productivity challenges

(41:05) Outlook for hiring market in 2025

(42:32) Networking opportunities

(43:09) Closing remarks

About Matt Pietsch

Matt Pietsch is a C-Suite Executive, CRO / CSO / Advisor, with over 25 years of experience in Human Capital Management, HRTech, and innovative SaaS products businesses. He is a proven business transformer, revenue accelerator, and creator of exceptional shareholder value. Whether in a situation that requires restructuring, turnaround, accelerating a successful business, revamping the go-to-market strategy, or global expansion, he positions companies for success, including exit.

Matt Pietsch Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website

About Joel Lalgee 

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok  
• X (formerly Twitter

Mentioned 

• Article on Human Capital Management / HR Tech Recruiting Market
• HR Tech Conferences

Recent Gallup findings show employee engagement is at its lowest in a decade, even worse than during the pandemic. In this thought-provoking episode of Recruiting is No Joke, host Joel Lalgee sits down with Josh Drean, co-author of "Employment is Dead: How Disruptive Technologies are Revolutionizing the Way We Work." Together, they dive deep into the seismic shifts reshaping the modern workplace, from the lingering effects of the "Great Resignation" and "Quiet Quitting" to the growing chasm between corporate profits and employee compensation.

Josh and Joel explore the critical role of employee experience design in fostering engagement and retention, particularly as younger generations redefine their relationships with work. They challenge traditional corporate practices, arguing that companies must prioritize employee well-being and adapt to evolving workforce expectations to thrive in the long term.

The conversation takes a hard look at the pitfalls of traditional employee engagement surveys, using a striking example of employees being fired after an "anonymous" feedback session. This underscores the urgent need for trust, transparency, and actionable change in workplace culture.

Looking ahead, Josh and Joel envision a future of work powered by decentralized, skill-based employment models enabled by web3 technologies. They discuss how these innovations could democratize opportunities and redefine the employer-employee relationship.

The episode wraps up with Josh sharing insights from his book and promoting his upcoming events, while Joel encourages listeners to join the conversation and rethink the future of work. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

(00:00:03) Introduction to the Episode

(00:01:36) Guest Introduction

(00:02:20) Overview of the Book

(00:02:50) Employee Engagement Trends

(00:03:55) Reflection on 2021

(00:05:57) Employee Experience Design

(00:07:18) Culture vs. Employee Satisfaction

(00:08:34) Short-Term Gains vs. Workforce Needs

(00:09:58) Shifts in Employee Mindset

(00:11:10) Rise of Content Creation

(00:12:50) Bank CEO Salaries vs. Employee Raises

(00:13:08) Employee Frustrations at JPMorgan Chase

(00:15:55) The Contractual Nature of Employment

(00:16:56) Resentment in the Workforce

(00:17:54) Job Market Realities

(00:18:04) Employee Retention vs. Engagement

(00:19:37) HR Limitations and Automation

(00:20:18) Diversity and Inclusion News

(00:21:31) Impact of Political Changes on D&I

(00:22:05) Equity in the Workplace

(00:23:26) Generational Divide in HR Perspectives

(00:24:24) Corporate Compliance and D&I Efforts

(00:26:38) Public Perception of D&I Value

(00:28:04) Future of D&I Over the Next Four Years

(00:28:42) Rise of the Gig Economy

(00:29:50) The Importance of Trust in Employee Surveys

(00:30:16) The Consequences of Honesty

(00:31:42) The Disconnect in Workplace Culture

(00:32:40) Employee Expectations vs. Reality

(00:34:57) The Creator Economy as a Model

(00:39:44) The Future of Work and Decentralization

(00:41:06) Skill Verification and Employment Dynamics

(00:44:04) The Role of Education in Freelancing

(00:45:12) Promoting Engagement and Connection

About Josh Drean

Josh Drean is a visionary leader in the future of work, employee experience, and decentralized work models. As a co-author of "Employment is Dead", Josh challenges traditional workplace paradigms and advocates for innovative approaches to employee engagement and satisfaction. With a deep understanding of the evolving work landscape, he explores how emerging technologies, such as web3 and the gig economy, are reshaping the way we work and connect.

Josh is passionate about empowering individuals to thrive in decentralized work environments and is a strong proponent of skill verification and education as tools for success in the modern economy. Through his thought leadership, speaking engagements, and writing, Josh inspires organizations and individuals to rethink work culture, embrace equity, and build trust in the workplace.

About Joel Lalgee 

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

● LinkedIn

● Website

● Instagram

● TikTok  

● X (formerly Twitter

Josh Drean Social Media

● LinkedIn

● Website

Mentioned

Book: Employment Is Dead: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to land a job in GovTech or defense tech? In this season-opening episode of Recruiting is No Joke host Joel Lalgee sits down with Tommy Weinert, recruitment lead and founder of Mount Indie, a dynamic agency specializing in government and defense tech recruiting. Tommy shares his unique journey into the world of clearance jobs, focusing on recruiting top-tier engineering talent for roles that require security clearances. From his beginnings in audiovisuals to now leading a thriving recruitment agency, Tommy reflects on the importance of speaking up, seizing opportunities, and adapting in a fast-paced, competitive industry.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the complexities of recruiting within a small, specialized candidate pool and how Mount Indie’s success stems from actively listening to clients and tailoring solutions. Tommy also opens up about the challenges of balancing confidence and imposter syndrome, emphasizing the value of taking risks for personal and career growth.

But that’s not all. The episode explores some hot-button topics in today’s professional landscape, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). The speakers examine the often-polarizing nature of DE&I discussions and how these conversations carry emotional weight in the workplace. They also touch on the appropriateness of sharing political views on LinkedIn, with a LinkedIn poll revealing that most respondents believe political discourse should be avoided on the platform. These reflections spark a larger conversation on maintaining professionalism while navigating sensitive topics in today’s digital world.

Additionally, Tommy and Joel offer valuable job-seeking advice, emphasizing the importance of applying directly through company websites rather than relying solely on LinkedIn. This strategic approach, they argue, can significantly enhance engagement with potential employers and improve a candidate’s chances of standing out in a crowded job market.

Tune in for a candid and insightful episode packed with actionable advice, career wisdom, and a fresh perspective on recruitment in a rapidly evolving world. Whether you’re a job seeker or an agency leader, this episode offers essential tips for navigating the complexities of today’s recruiting landscape.

In this episode:

(00:03) Introduction to the podcast

(00:36) Announcement of new format

(02:32) Guest introduction: Tommy Weinert

(03:00) Insight into clearance jobs

(04:03) Working with government contractors

(04:20) Tommy's journey into recruitment

(06:07) Imposter syndrome discussion

(08:52) Starting own recruitment agency

(10:11) Agency structure and growth

(12:02) Current events and TikTok discussion

(12:56) TikTok's ban and national security

(14:01) Tommy's experience with TikTok

(15:24) Mixed signals about TikTok

(17:39) Reflections on data security

(19:03) The impact of TikTok layoffs

(19:36) Reactions to LinkedIn controversy

(20:51) The risks of platform dependency

(22:24) The need for content creation skills

(24:11) Federal workers returning to office

(25:12) Remote work trends post-COVID

(26:24) Conflicting views on office return

(27:09) Speculation on workforce reduction

(28:14) Federal employee remote work statistics

(29:19) Predictions for candidate pool chaos

(29:53) DE&I polarization

(31:42) Emotional nature of D&I

(33:59) LinkedIn poll on politics

(35:31) Impact of political discussions

(36:27) Nuance in political conversations

(40:45) Job-seeking strategies

(42:41) Recruitment system disconnect

About Tommy Weinert

Tommy Weinert is the founder and president of Mount Indie, specializing in national security recruitment since 2008. His unique approach to recruiting focuses on aligning strategies with a company's goals, creatively enhancing talent, and streamlining processes. He also founded ShadowLabs, training recruiters in the cleared space. Tommy is a recognized expert, serving on the Advisory Panel for ClearanceJobs and speaking at key industry events like Sourcecon and Talent42.

About Joel Lalgee 

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok  
• X (formerly Twitter

Tommy Weinert Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website

Is the return-to-office trend finally losing steam? In this week’s episode, Joel Lalgee tackles a growing corporate misstep as companies like Dell struggle with flawed return-to-office policies that penalize parents and strain employee well-being. You’ll also hear a rare, heartwarming layoff story—yes, you read that right! Joel highlights how empathy can turn even the toughest moments into opportunities for growth.

As Gen Z loses faith in traditional college paths, there’s a growing movement towards skilled trades. Joel dives into why more young people are choosing hands-on careers and how industries like construction are evolving to meet the demand. Plus, if you’re juggling multiple jobs or considering a side hustle, you’re not alone. Joel breaks down the rise in multi-job holders and what it means for the future of the workforce.

Tune in for raw takes on the future of work, the return of layoffs, and why flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a recruiter, job seeker, or curious about the trends reshaping work, this episode offers insights that will keep you ahead of the curve.

In this episode:

00:04: Introduction to the episode

00:37: Overview of the week's episode

01:07: Meet the host, Joel Algee

01:35: New segment announcement and how to stay in touch

02:27: Sponsor message: Source Whale

03:58: Feel-good moment: Layoff with empathy

08:21: Thoughts on the return to office policies

13:42: Dell's childcare policy controversy

16:20: Final thoughts and call for feedback

16:36: Teens losing faith in college and rise in skilled trades

17:28: Rise in Vocational Programs

20:26: Introduction to Multiple Job Holders

22:31: Conclusion and Closing Remarks

About Joel Lalgee 

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok  
• X (formerly Twitter

This episode is brought to you by Sourcewhale, the ultimate platform for streamlining your recruitment process and connecting with top talent efficiently. Discover how Sourcewhale can transform your hiring strategy and empower your team to thrive.

Are you a job seeker trying to find your way in today’s tricky job market? Let’s be real—networking can feel like the magic key to unlocking career opportunities, right? But with so many people competing for the same roles, what challenges are you bumping into? And how has remote work changed the game for us all?

In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, host Joel Lalgee dives into the ever-changing landscape of recruitment and job searching. He highlights the vital role of networking and shares insights from the recent Breakfast USA event in Nashville. Joel also tackles the current job market hurdles, touching on a viral story about Summer Meyers’ unconventional LinkedIn strategy. He sheds light on economic narratives that often overlook the real struggles faced by job seekers and discusses the effects of return-to-office mandates.

The episode goes further to explore generational workplace dynamics, the redefinition of professionalism, and the value of mentorship. Joel encourages you to think outside the box when job hunting.

Ready to unlock your career potential? Tune in and discover strategies to help you stand out in this competitive landscape!

In this episode:

• (00:03) Introduction to the episode
• (00:37) Live event experience
• (01:12) Value of networking
• (04:26) Viral job search story
• (08:01) Job market dynamics
• (10:43) Return to office mandate
• (13:46) Employee sentiment on office return
• (17:21) Generational workplace issues
• (19:15) Generational perspectives on professionalism
• (21:37) Mentorship in the workplace
• (22:35) Defining professionalism
• (23:31) Engagement with the audience
• (24:19) Podcast wrap-up and future plans

About Joel Lalgee 

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok  
• X (formerly Twitter

Resource Links

• Summer Meyers' LinkedIn Profile
• Yahoo Article on Job Market

This episode is brought to you by Sourcewhale, the ultimate platform for streamlining your recruitment process and connecting with top talent efficiently. Discover how Sourcewhale can transform your hiring strategy and empower your team to thrive.

Ready to dive deep into recruitment strategies and tech innovations that are shaping talent acquisition? In this special episode recorded live at RecFest USA, Joel Lalgee sits down with Amy Cropper from TriCentis, Asud Anderson from Equinix, and Brian Fink from McAfee. You’ll hear unfiltered insights on how these leaders are using AI to revolutionize sourcing, build global talent pipelines, and address the ever-changing landscape of recruiting.

Brian Fink kicks things off by sharing how McAfee’s AI-driven deepfake detection is enhancing tech hiring and protecting digital identities. He emphasizes the value of staying excited in the recruiting field and the impact of building tech teams aligned with a strong mission.

Amy Cropper then delves into strategies for transforming hiring at a scaling B2B company, sharing candid advice on navigating challenges when budgets are tight, and the power of transparency in attracting top talent.

Asad Anderson wraps up by exploring how Equinix manages global sourcing through personalized outreach, data-driven strategies, and the art of building trust with passive candidates. He shares practical tips for crafting authentic employer branding and ensuring your EVP resonates across diverse global markets.

Don’t miss these actionable takeaways and expert perspectives on what’s next in talent acquisition!

In this episode:

00:00:04: Introduction to the episode

00:00:37: Recap of last week's live interviews

00:01:20: Introduction of guests for this episode

00:02:04: Live from RecFest USA

00:02:22: Interview with Brian Fink from McAfee Security

00:02:57: Discussion on the September surge in recruitment

00:03:30: Brian Fink on McAfee's new deep fake detector

00:04:41: Insights from RecFest and the importance of D&I

00:05:47: Recruitment marketing and employer branding

00:06:34: Strategies for building community in recruitment marketing

00:08:43: How to start with content creation for talent leaders

00:09:36: Using mediums like Medium for engaging developers

00:10:41: Employer branding mistakes and using video

00:12:13: Crafting job descriptions and storytelling

00:13:47: Future of recruitment skills and technology

00:15:51: Introduction to AI and Personalization

00:16:13: Strategies for Authentic Communication

00:17:15: Techniques for Personal Video Messaging

00:17:33: Predictions for 2025 in Hiring

00:19:01: Where to Find Brian Fink Online

00:21:45: Introduction to Amy Cropper from TriCentis

00:23:41: Discussing AI at RecFest

00:24:39: Automating Basic Recruiting Tasks

00:25:03: Use Cases and AI in Recruiting

00:26:12: Transformations at TriCentis

00:26:55: Preparing for Future Growth

00:27:49: Key Strategies for New Leadership Roles

00:29:16: Engaging Candidates with a Growth Story

00:30:31: Honest Conversations About Startups

00:30:33: Discussion on layoffs and the unpredictability of the job market

00:31:01: Advice on personal development and networking for job seekers

00:31:23: Growing a company in uncertain times

00:31:30: Thoughts and predictions for the talent acquisition space in 2025

00:32:21: Strategies for optimizing existing resources

00:33:03: Benefits of networking and attending conferences

00:33:54: Changes observed in conferences compared to the previous year

00:34:08: Anticipation for upcoming conference sessions

00:34:40: Introduction to Asud Anderson and the company Equinix

00:36:11: Trends in global hiring and the commoditization of job searches

00:37:24: Research and data-driven approach to sourcing talent

00:38:36: Targeted sourcing and defining the role of sourcing

00:40:14: Managing and expanding global talent pools

00:41:13: Authentic messaging and employer brand

00:42:38: Importance of an individualized candidate experience

00:43:37: Maintaining authenticity and continuous candidate engagement

00:44:47: Personalizing AI Messages

00:45:41: Importance of Analytics in Recruitment

00:47:13: Unique AI Use Case - Covey

00:49:01: Big Bet for 2025 in Talent Acquisition

00:51:19: Connecting with Asud Anderson

00:52:12: Closing Remarks

********************************************************

This episode is brought to you by Built In. As the premier online community for national startups and tech companies, Built In connects you with exciting startup job opportunities, the latest tech news, and events happening in the national tech scene.

Resources

• Amy Cropper
• Asud Anderson
• Brian Fink
• TriCentis
• Equinix
• McAfee

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok  
• X (formerly Twitter

About Joel Lalgee

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Did you know that your employer brand could be the game-changer in attracting top talent today? In the latest episode of Recruiting is No Joke, host Joel Lalgee dives into the exciting world of employer branding with insights from industry pros like Maria Katris (Built In), Tannum Sullivan(Golden Hippo), and Celinda Appleby (Visa).

Broadcasting live from Breakfast USA in Nashville, Joel and his guests discuss how recruitment has transformed from a simple transaction to a savvy marketing strategy. Maria highlights how candidates are now doing their homework on companies just like they would when making a big purchase. This makes building brand awareness and keeping potential candidates engaged super important, even when you're not hiring.

Tannum shares why it’s crucial for recruiters to focus on building real relationships with candidates. Personal touches and valuable content can make all the difference!

Celinda chimes in on the need for authenticity in employer branding, reminding us that what you promise during recruitment should align with the actual employee experience. Authentic stories and consistent messaging are key to winning trust.

Want to know how AI fits into all this? Tune in to Recruiting is No Joke and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on navigating the future of recruiting!

In this episode:

(00:36) Live interviews at Breakfast USA

(02:25) Maria Katris introduction

(03:14) Recruitment as marketing

(05:13) Candidate awareness and engagement

(06:48) Shifting mindsets in recruitment

(08:54) Challenges in implementing new strategies

(10:21) Building community and talent pools

(14:01) Global recruitment trends

(16:26) Content creation for global markets

(18:02) Authenticity in employer branding

(18:17) Employer engagement through raw video

(19:14) Market differences in recruitment

(19:52) Future of recruitment technology

(20:42) Resources for recruiters

(21:14) Power of video content

(22:05) Introduction to Golden Hippo

(23:39) Building employer brand from scratch

(24:27) Impact of employer branding on hiring

(24:50) Getting leadership buy-in

(26:10) Measuring employer branding success

(27:22) Common employer branding mistakes

(28:45) Authenticity in employer branding

(31:10) AI in employer branding

(33:04) Pitfalls of using AI

(34:34) Encouraging employee participation

(35:41) Employer branding and career videos

(36:52) Recruitment strategy integration

(37:27) Finding Golden Hippo

(38:43) Future of recruitment marketing

(39:44) Using Gen AI in recruitment

(41:02) Common employer branding mistakes

(41:58) Balancing aspirational and authentic branding

(43:23) Focus group strategies

(44:20) Leadership challenges in recruitment

(45:00) Talent attraction metrics

(45:35) Team structure in talent attraction

(46:08) Video content in recruitment

(47:52) Future of employer branding

(49:04) Tracking candidate journey

Maria Katris Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Built In

Tannum Sullivan Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Golden Hippo

Celinda Appleby Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Visa

This episode is brought to you by Built In. As the premier online community for national startups and tech companies, Built In connects you with exciting startup job opportunities, the latest tech news, and events happening in the national tech scene.

About Joel Lalgee 

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok  
• X (formerly Twitter

Are we truly witnessing job growth, or is it just another statistical illusion? The U.S. August jobs report claims 142,000 new positions and a dip in unemployment to 4.2%, but can we really trust these figures? Is the much-anticipated September surge on the horizon, or simply wishful thinking? And why are recruiter job postings climbing when so many Australians are taking on multiple jobs just to get by? Could this be a sign of economic resilience—or a red flag we’re overlooking?

In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke host Joel Lalgee takes a closer look at the August jobs report, questioning the accuracy of the numbers and warning that revisions could be coming. He challenges the idea that 142,000 jobs were actually created and stresses the importance of digging deeper into the data for a clearer understanding of the job market.

Joel also explores the emotional toll job searching can take, sharing the struggles of job seekers who face rejection after countless applications. He offers practical advice on staying resilient and tips for those labeled "overqualified" to better tailor their applications and showcase their true value.

Wrapping up, Joel discusses the growing trend of people in Australia balancing multiple jobs and the risk of burnout that comes with it. 

Curious to know what these trends mean for your career or business? Tune in to Recruiting is No Joke, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on navigating today’s complex job market!

In this episode:

(01:16) August jobs report discussion

(01:46) August jobs report video

(02:53) Job market skepticism

(03:36) Job seeker experiences video

(05:28) Job search challenges highlighted

(06:35) Analysis of job types added

(08:32) Understanding unemployment rate

(10:12) Critique of common job search advice

(12:07) Job market realities

(13:55) Economic overview and layoffs to cut costs

(14:53) Introduction to September surge

(16:29) Reality check on September surge

(18:39) Conclusion on job market trends

(19:27) Discussing the August jobs report

(21:14) Emerging job trends in Australia

(22:08) Impact of extra jobs on workers

(23:40) Closing remarks and future topics

About Joel Lalgee 

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok  
• X (formerly Twitter

Resources

• Video: US Adds 142,000 Jobs in August, Unemployment Rate 4.2%
• Greglangstaff September Surge Video

Have you ever wondered how a seemingly thriving workplace could conceal a tragedy, or if your job security is at risk due to layoffs and deceptive scams? What if a radical shift like a four-day workweek could transform our work lives, or if massive strikes signal a desperate need for change in how we treat our workforce?

In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, Joel Lalgee explores pivotal stories and trends affecting the recruitment industry. He begins with a tragic case where a Wells Fargo employee was found dead at her desk after four days, sparking a critical discussion about corporate culture and employee well-being. Joel then introduces "career cushioning," a proactive strategy for preparing for potential layoffs, and offers practical advice on effective networking. He also touches on the recent Labor Day strikes in U.S. hotels, highlighting growing concerns over worker conditions and their broader industry impact. Additionally, Joel examines Japan's potential move to a four-day workweek and raises awareness about job offer scams. Throughout the episode, Joel incorporates personal anecdotes with industry insights, urging listeners to stay informed and take control of their careers.

In this episode:

(02:15) Wells Fargo tragedy

(05:13) Career cushioning 

(08:05) Networking strategies

(13:32) Four-day workweek in Japan

(16:16) Job offer scams warning

(18:05) Labor Day strike

(18:58) Hospitality worker shortage

(19:52) Teaching job challenges

(20:44) Healthcare worker issues

(21:36) Manufacturing job realities

(22:30) Need for better job incentives

(23:20) AI and automation in the workforce

(24:04) Wrap-up and future topics

About Joel Lalgee 

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok  
• X (formerly Twitter

Resources

• News Article: Wells Fargo Employee Found Dead
• Japan's Four-Day Workweek Proposal
• News Article: Labor Day Strikes in U.S. Hotels

This episode is brought to you by Sourcewhale, the ultimate platform for streamlining your recruitment process and connecting with top talent efficiently. Discover how Sourcewhale can transform your hiring strategy and empower your team to thrive.