Shows
Hire CallingAuthentic Recruiting in a Tech-Driven World With Julia ArpagWhat happens when life gives you the push you’ve been avoiding? For Julia Arpag, getting laid off just five weeks after giving birth wasn’t a setback; it was the spark that launched her recruiting agency, Aligned Recruitment. In this inspiring episode, Julia shares how losing her “stable” W-2 job opened her eyes to the power of owning your career path.With roots in therapy and a passion for meaningful connections, Julia reveals how she has built a thriving business by leading with empathy, curiosity, and authenticity, proving that recruitment doesn’t have to be transactional. She also c...2025-06-0946 minHire CallingWhy More Companies Are Turning to Staffing FirmsHiring the right people has never been more critical, or more challenging. If your team is stretched thin, facing aggressive hiring deadlines, or searching for niche talent in a competitive market, a staffing agency could be your best-kept secret.In this episode, we break down how the right partner can act as an extension of your team, handling everything from sourcing to screening to onboarding. You'll learn when it makes sense to bring in outside help, the difference between contract, direct hire, and contract-to-hire models, and how a great staffing partner can speed up hiring while raising...2025-06-0421 minHire CallingHow Recruiters Are Using Automation to Win Clients Faster With Patrick BarbourMost recruiters waste time chasing leads that will never convert. Patrick Barbour decided to fix that with a new recruitment automation tool.In this episode, we dive into the story behind RecStack, an AI-powered business development platform built specifically for staffing firms. Patrick, a former oil and gas recruiter, shares how a single insight changed everything: at any given time, only 3–5% of companies are actively looking for recruiting support. The rest? Wasted outreach.RecStack flips the script by using AI to track real-time sales triggers, like funding rounds, leadership changes, and key departures, so you on...2025-05-2955 minHire CallingHiring the Right Recruiter: A 7-Step GuideHiring a great recruiter isn’t as simple as it sounds, and getting it wrong can hurt your entire hiring strategy. In this episode of the Hire Calling Podcast, we break down a proven 7-step process to help you hire a recruiter who can actually deliver results.In just 20 minutes, you’ll learn how to define the role based on hiring volume, time-to-fill goals, and specialization needs, so you don’t end up misaligned from day one. We’ll help you choose the right level of recruiter—entry, mid, senior, or executive—and explain what each brings to the table...2025-05-2721 minHire CallingInterview Red Flags You Can't IgnoreBad hires are expensive, costing companies upwards of $50,000 each. But beyond the financial hit, they disrupt team morale, stall productivity, and can damage your culture from the inside out. And here's the kicker: 74% of employers admit they've hired the wrong person.In this episode, we're breaking down 17 red flags every hiring manager should watch for—before it's too late. From candidates who arrive late or dodge tough questions to more subtle signs like vague references or deflecting past mistakes, these warning signals are often easy to overlook but hard to recover from.You'll le...2025-05-1510 minHire CallingCrafting Job Descriptions That Attract Top Talent: A Complete GuideMost hiring managers are writing job descriptions wrong...If you want to know how to write a job description that actually attracts the right candidates, this episode is your blueprint.I’ll unpack why some roles get flooded with qualified applicants while others barely get a glance. Spoiler: it’s not just the job itself—it’s how you talk about it. In this episode, I break down the strategy behind writing job descriptions that convert, treating them like the powerful marketing assets they are.You’ll learn the seven must-have elements every e...2025-04-1610 minHire CallingWhat’s Evergreen in Recruiting—And What’s Coming Next With John RuffiniOur host, Pete Newsome, sits down with John Ruffini—VP of Professional Development at HealthTrust Workforce Solutions and author of Money Makers—to explore how recruiting is evolving and which fundamentals still hold strong.While technology and AI have transformed the way recruiters operate, Ruffini reminds us that relationships remain at the heart of great recruiting. He states, “Our business is still about relationships, and people want to interact with other people. It’s just human nature.”He shares his “million-dollar questions”—thoughtful, disarming prompts that turn reluctant candidates into open conversations—and contrasts this relationship-first...2025-03-2136 minHire CallingExploring AI's Role in Revolutionizing Recruitment With Varun KhuranaAre outdated hiring practices slowing you down? Join us for an insightful chat with Varun Khurana, co-founder of Wayfaster, as he shares his journey from employee to entrepreneur. Frustrated by recruitment inefficiencies, Varun and his co-founder built a cutting-edge voice AI solution to revolutionize high-volume hiring.We dive into how AI is reshaping recruitment—streamlining resume screening, optimizing interviews, and enhancing efficiency while keeping the human touch at the forefront. But as AI evolves, does it threaten recruiter jobs or simply refine them?Get the inside scoop on...2025-02-2139 minHire CallingFrom Good to Great: Transforming Your Hiring Approach With Vicky BrownThe hiring landscape is shifting—are you keeping up? In this episode, Vicky Brown, CEO of Idomeneo, shares expert insights on navigating the challenges of today’s job market, from the remote vs. in-office debate to finding and retaining top talent.We’ll explore how businesses can rethink recruitment, treating it like marketing to attract the right candidates. Vicky breaks down the importance of clear career paths, smart hiring strategies, and the role of compliance in building strong teams. Plus, we discuss the impact of AI in hiring—when to embrace it and why human oversigh...2025-02-0343 minHire CallingHow to Treat Job Candidates Like Customers With Thad PriceWhat if you could revolutionize your recruitment strategy and attract top talent like never before? Join us as Thad Price, CEO of Talroo and Ready Set Hire, shares his expertise on transforming the way companies approach hiring. Learn how to turn the internet into your ultimate help wanted sign and treat candidates like valued customers. Thad breaks down the importance of effective job postings and timely engagement, offering insights into how Ready Set Hire leverages recruitment marketing best practices to streamline the candidate experience and bring in higher-quality applicants.We also explore how tools like one-click apply...2024-09-2023 minHire CallingUnderstanding Employment Labor Laws: Insights From HR Expert Ricky BaezNeed help navigating the labyrinth of employment labor laws? HR consultant Ricky Baez joins us to unravel these complexities and offer practical strategies for business owners. Listeners will discover essential resources like SHRM.org, EEOC.gov, and DOL.gov, and learn the benefits of attending industry conferences and hiring a knowledgeable consultant. Ricky also dispels common misconceptions around employment at will and right-to-work laws, underscoring the importance of understanding legal protections in employment practices. Effective communication can make or break labor union elections, and Ricky shares compelling stories highlighting this truth. One notable case from a New...2024-08-1614 minHire CallingEffective Onboarding Strategies to Set Your New Hires Up for SuccessAre you waiting until a new hire's start date to begin the onboarding process? If so, you should reconsider! In this episode of Hire Calling, HR consultant Ricky Baez shares the importance of starting your onboarding process the moment a candidate applies and best practices for integrating new hires into your organization. Additionally, he will touch on ways you can leverage technology (especially AI) to streamline your processes and how to give candidates constructive feedback who didn't secure the role. Additional Resources:1. New Hire Checklist: The Easiest Way to Onboard2. How t...2024-08-0108 minHire CallingHow to Navigate Complex Employee RelationsIn this episode, we explore the complexities of employee relations with HR consultant Ricky Baez. Topics include:1. Understanding Employee Relations: The importance of respecting diverse personalities and maintaining a positive work environment.2. Common Challenges: How differences in opinion and communication impact productivity.3. Balancing Empathy and Strategy: Essential skills for HR professionals.4. Navigating Sensitive Topics: Practical advice on handling politics and religion at work.5. Proactive Leadership: Encouraging civility and respect, especially during election years.Join us for valuable insights and tips on how to improve employee relations in your organization. Don't...2024-07-3010 min
finding career zenNavigating the Job Market: Actionable Advice for Young ProfessionalsEver wondered why your resume isn’t getting the attention it deserves? We have special guest Patrick Sirmeyer, CEO of the Luxus Group. here to help us dissect the common pitfalls of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and debunk the myths around one-click applications. Patrick shares his wealth of experience in recruiting, offering actionable tips on resume formatting and the importance of specificity in job applications to boost your visibility and response rates.Discover how to get noticed by potential employers through strategic LinkedIn connections and direct messaging. Patrick emphasizes the value of internships and even suggests taking low...2024-06-2742 minfinding career zenHow to Make Your Resume Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market With Stephen GreetEver found yourself staring at a blank document, the cursor blinking mockingly as you try to encapsulate your career on a single page? Fear not, as Stephen Greet of BeamJobs steps up to the plate in our latest episode, bringing his tech-savvy approach to the age-old quandary of resume writing. We tear down the intimidating walls of drafting the perfect resume, offering guidance for those struggling to showcase their professional journey.We start this episode by dissecting the elements of a standout resume, including the surprisingly overlooked part: personalization. With Stephen's expertise, we cover the essential steps...2024-05-2232 minfinding career zenRedefining Education: A Glimpse into the Future with Alpha SchoolImagine a school where classrooms are extinct, and artificial intelligence is your teacher. Join us as we take a closer look at Alpha School in Texas with our guest, Kate Lieimandt, aka Austin Scholar, a high school senior who is shaking up the very foundation of education. This episode showcases a world where two hours of academics a day is the norm and mastery-based learning reigns supreme. Kate, a perfect SAT scorer and future Stanford freshman, shares her personal narrative of academic achievement and the critical role of mastering fundamental knowledge. Additionally, we'll explore the historical foundation...2024-05-2030 minHire CallingHow to Scale a Recruitment Business With Diane PrinceOn this episode, special guest Diane Prince shares her secrets of entrepreneurial success in the staffing industry. From her start as a temp to selling her thriving business, Diane’s story is all about vision, grit, and chasing your dreams.In our conversation with Diane, we explore her unique path as a solo founder, balancing independence with the power of partnerships. Learn how her creative approach to reference checks opened doors to unexpected opportunities, highlighting the underrated art of networking. We also tackle the challenge of growing sales teams, discussing how to shift from being a star sa...2024-05-1650 minfinding career zenA New Perspective on Cover LettersHR consultant Ricky Baez joins Pete Newsome again on Finding Career Zen, but this time, he's in for a bit of a challenge. Pete is on a mission to shift his stance on cover letters, and by the end of their chat, you might be rethinking their relevance too! They get into the nitty-gritty of employment gaps, frequent job changes, and early career dilemmas, proving your resume alone can't tell the whole story. You're in for a debate that's anything but dry as Ricky and Pete fight over the purpose and potential of cover letters in securing...2024-04-1011 minfinding career zenBecoming a Corporate Leader with Dr. Gary MontouteOn today's episode, Pete interviews Dr. Gary Montoute, an IT leader with more than 25 years of team-building success in professional services, global outsourcing, hospitality, and healthcare. Dr. G's leadership expertise has transcended from the corporations he has served through many years as a soccer coach and a 40-year veteran in the martial arts arena. He is the co-founder of LeMontoute Group, where he coaches tenured leaders as well as the up-and-coming to become impactful and unforgettable trailblazers wherever they are planted.Pete and Gary dive into the generational, societal, and parenting shifts that impact today's y...2024-03-1551 minHire CallingTechnical Recruitment Tips: Insights from Tech Talent ExpertsAre you struggling to find and hire exceptional IT professionals?Sioux Logan is our special guest on this episode of the Hire Calling Podcast! She is the visionary founder and president of RedStream Technology, an IT staffing firm located in New York City. Immediately, you will be whisked into Sioux's world, revealing the raw, unfiltered experiences of launching a tech staffing firm from the ground up. Pete and Sioux begin by discussing the job market's post-pandemic seismic shifts, which have left many professionals uncertain, but they share their optimism for the future. They analyze the e...2024-03-1448 minfinding career zenDoes Your College Major Matter?Join hosts Pete and Ricky on this episode as they tackle the pressing question: Do college majors matter? Starting off, Pete and Ricky discuss a Georgetown University's recent study on the correlation between college majors and paychecks. Trust us, you don't want to miss this!As a political science grad turned career chameleon, Pete knows all about degrees not guaranteeing jobs in their specific fields, and it's a story many of us share. This episode explores the pivotal decisions young adults face when choosing their academic paths, highlighting the impact of such choices on their fi...2024-02-0537 minHire CallingHow to Build an Effective Team in Today's Digital Era With Kate O'NeillHow does a team go from good to great? Kate O'Neill, CEO of Teaming, joins Pete today with an insider's perspective on how their team intelligence software revolutionizes how managers foster high-performing teams. From providing personalized communication coaching to enhancing interaction within diverse teams, Teaming's AI-driven platform is making waves in the professional world.Kate recounts the strategic decisions that helped her startup flourish before diving into the heart of why Teaming was created—a solution to the void left by traditional project management tools. As CEOs, she and Pete also talk about the importance of communication sk...2024-01-2453 minfinding career zenHow to Build Your Personal Brand at WorkHave you ever wondered how some professionals seem to rise to the top of their profession so effortlessly? It all comes down to the power of a strong personal brand, and Pete and Ricky are here to guide you through crafting yours to perfection. They kick things off by discussing the importance of personal branding, framing it as more than just a buzzword—it's your reputation, your workplace identity, and your ticket to opportunity.In this candid discussion, they discuss the potential pitfalls and advantages of your online persona. Pete and Ricky share a story that resonates wi...2024-01-1535 minfinding career zenIs College Necessary?Having grown up in an era when success seemed to be determined by a college diploma, Pete Newsome and Ricky Baez sit down to discuss what career pathways are like today. As Gen-Xers, they've witnessed the seismic shifts in the job landscape, prompting a lively debate on whether a college education still holds its weight amidst emerging alternative routes.They explore the complexities of higher education and its potential pitfalls. Pete and Ricky scrutinize if colleges are truly equipping students with the tools needed to carve out successful careers or if they're just handing over an expensive...2023-12-2941 minfinding career zenWhy More People Are Choosing Unconventional Career PathsEver wondered how a passion for gaming or vlogging could translate into a paycheck that rivals corporate salaries? Join our hosts, Pete Newsome and Ricky Baez, as they take you through the intricate maze of unconventional career paths.This episode peels back the layers of careers once dismissed as hobbies and reveals how authenticity and dedication can spark a transformation into a thriving profession. From the thrill of professional gaming to the art and craft of content creation, they discuss the evolving definition of success and how passion is becoming an increasingly powerful driver in carving out...2023-12-2239 minfinding career zenHow to Address Being Overqualified for a JobDo you feel like your expansive resume is a double-edged sword in the job market? You're not alone. Join hosts Pete Newsome and Ricky Baez as they unpack the 'overqualified' label, offering insights and strategies from their own recruitment and HR backgrounds to help you turn a surplus of experience into an asset.To start, Pete and Ricky share some of their top resume and cover letter techniques for steering clear of the overqualification trap. They walk you through ways to present your professional history that align with the roles you're eyeing and discuss how to articulate...2023-12-2040 min