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In this episode of the Data Career Academy Podcast, host Albert Bellamy welcomes Stephanie Holman: technical recruiter, content creator, and podcast host at MetroStar, for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the hiring process in the tech and cleared spaces.

Stephanie shares her journey from school guidance counselor to technical recruiter and offers sharp insights on how candidates can stand out, without gimmicks. She walks us through the recruiter’s screening process, how intake meetings with hiring managers shape job descriptions, and why recruiters really do advocate for candidates (when the candidate makes it easy to).

You’ll learn:

• What really happens behind the scenes during recruiter screening calls
• How to prepare for interviews using the STAR method (and why storytelling matters more than perfection)
• What a recruiter sees when you hit "Apply," and why your resume needs to be honest and targeted
• The truth behind LinkedIn’s "1,000 applicants" panic and why you should still apply
• How knock-out questions work in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and what gets your resume rejected automatically
• Why taking rejection with grace can lead to future opportunities, and how follow-up can get you hired on round 3
• Advice for military veterans: how to navigate the transition, tailor your resume, and avoid rushing into the wrong job
• The critical difference between military and civilian resumes (hint: dollar amounts and job titles alone don’t translate)
• How to use tools like ChatGPT effectively, and why you need to QC anything it gives you
• Why interviewing is a two-way street, and how to evaluate companies just as much as they evaluate you

Stephanie also gets real about her own transition journey, the challenges military spouses face, and what “being in the arena” really means when it comes to content creation and personal growth.

Whether you're a job seeker, a transitioning veteran, or someone trying to break into tech, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a tactical game plan for your job hunt.

Connect with Stephanie Holman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Data Career Academy at themajordata.com

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