Becoming a Hiring Machine

Trades are gaining attention from Gen Z as a viable career option, leading to a surge in enrollment in vocational schools and trade programs — so what does this mean for the job market, and for recruiters?Throughout this Trending Topics conversation, Lex and Sam dig into some of the forces at play here — and what is pushing Gen Z to question the value of higher education and pursue other vocational training programs instead. As the college premium shrinks, the government invests in apprenticeships and trade programs, and industries like construction and healthcare are begging for workers (while layoffs are aplenty in tech), it's no surprise that the decision between college and trades is becoming a bit more nuanced. And recruiters have a significant role to play in filling the shortage of skilled tradespeople and can focus on niche areas — when armed with the right information.If you like this episode, you'll probably be interested to hear us touch on this in our Trending Topics episode on LinkedIn's "big predictions" for 2024 — there was a lot of talk about Gen Z's impact on the workforce, and it's interesting to see which predictions are already playing out (or not).Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro04:07 - The Journey to Now: Trends and Background11:09 - Hot Industries: Where Interest is Booming13:19 - College or Trades: Assessing the True Value26:22 - The Future of Work: How AI is Shaping Jobs31:10 - Key Lessons for Recruiters: Adapting to Trends42:42 - Wrapping Up: Main Points and LessonsExplore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

On this quick-hitter Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam dives into some practical strategies to not only maintain but also expand your existing client base. This episode serves as a great follow-up to Episode 85, where we discuss tactics to land more clients. Now, we’re focusing on how to keep them engaged and satisfied.Sam details three strategies that are designed to deepen the relationships with your clients by proactively meeting their needs. From personal engagement through lunches to strategic assessments and creating transparent candidate experiences, each step helps in cementing your role as more than just a service provider but as a strategic parther and a pivotal part of your client’s extended team.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro01:02 - 1: Taking clients to lunch: the power of personal connections01:54 - 2: Conducting a hiring effectiveness assessment03:13 - 3: Creating engaging candidate experiences04:41 - Podcast wrap upExplore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

You can't afford to make a bad hire — but how can you take steps to actively avoid doing so? This conversation with Paul Stansik, PE Operating Partner at ParkerGale Capital, will shed a light on this and so much more. Through a four-step framework he's built for effective hiring, Paul shares an absolute masterclass in this episode, detailing everything from how important it is to know what you want, how to source and assess candidates, and how to learn with each and every hire. Throughout our conversation together, Paul emphasizes the importance of being structured and intentional in every step of the hiring process — and then provides actionable, tangible tips on how to do so. We say this every time, but you're REALLY not going to want to miss this one.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:35 - Paul Stansik: Insights into the Man Behind the Framework06:40 - Understanding the Shortcomings of Conventional Processes14:10 - Unlocking the Four-Part Framework17:14 - Understanding the Significance of Defining Requirements22:33 - Asking the Right Questions for Extracting Relevant Details39:12 - Strategies for Refining Your Inquiry Techniques42:32 - Techniques for Evaluating Candidate Alignment51:53 -  Incorporating Feedback for Continuous Improvement01:03:27 - Assignments for Real-World Application01:08:08 - Concluding Thoughts and FarewellExplore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

Our Tactical Tuesday queen, Vivien, is back to talk about the importance of conducting thorough welcome interviews for new hires. Why? This initial meeting is not just about introductions, but rather serves as a foundation for the employee's journey within the company.What is a welcome interview? What should it cover? When should it happen? Who should be involved? All of these questions and more are answered in a short, sub-15-minute episode, ripe with takeaways.Like this episode and want to hear more content around recruiter involvement in the new hire onboarding process? Episode 89 (another Tactical Tuesday episode) covers candidate check-ins.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:30 - Understanding the Welcome Interview Process06:07 - Beyond Greetings: Expert Guidance on Follow-Up Procedures 11:00 - Sample Questions for an Effective Welcome Interview13:10 - Podcast Farewell    Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this conversation, Sam is joined by Mike Peditto, Director of Talent at Teal, The Realistic Recruiter on Instagram and TikTok, and host of the Corporate Pizza Party Podcast. Together, they chat through common misconceptions in the hiring process.There are a lot of misleading statistics floating around out there — so in this episode, we get down to brass tacks on resumes, the role of cover letters, the balance between skills and attitude in hiring, the different approaches to job searching, and the importance of sending personalized rejection emails. They also touch on the benefits of using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share job search advice and build a personal brand as a recruiter.Covering the full-scope of both recruiter and candidate experience, this one is a must-listen! Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:16 - The Real Journey: Mike's Career Path Unraveled05:46 - Resume Realities: Navigating the ATS and Avoiding Auto-Rejection15:12 - Cover Letters Unveiled: Debunking the Debate17:02 - Recruiters as Guides: Nurturing Candidates Through the Hiring Journey19:36 - LinkedIn Lies: Challenging Myths and Misconceptions34:13 - Navigating the Job Market: Modern Strategies for Success28:06 - Rejecting with Dignity: Redefining the Candidate Rejection Process47:03 - Parting Words: Insights, Inspiration, and Farewell   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, we explore what happens after a candidate has started a new job. As a recruiter, you've done a great job of matching candidate to placement — but what comes next? Throughout the conversation, Sam and Vivien emphasize the importance of staying in touch with both the candidate and the hiring manager to ensure a successful placement — establishing check-ins with the candidate to ensure they have the tools to succeed and with the hiring manager to ensure the candidate is meeting expectations and to build a good working relationship. The communication methods (and frequency) can be tailored to the preferences of the candidate and hiring manager — bur keeping in touch, showing you care, and investing in the long-game approach with both parties can be a major differentiator as a recruiter. Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro03:25 - The Art of Post-Placement Candidate Communication05:30 - Leveraging Feedback from Hiring Managers07:07 - Perfecting Post-Placement Touchpoints12:03 - Best Practices for Candidate and Manager Communication15:04 - Wrapping Up the Episode   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this episode, Loxo's CEO Matt Chambers joins us for one of his classic Mic Drops. This time? He predicts that the best recruiting agencies in the future will operate like technology companies. He explains that some agencies are already building their own software and leveraging technology to improve their workflows and processes — however, building a full end-to-end recruiting platform is a complex and costly endeavor that may not provide enough ROI. Instead, he suggests that agencies focus on their unique strengths and use existing best-in-class tools and APIs to enhance their services. It's an interesting conversation on differentiation and carving a new path — without reinventing the wheel.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:06 - Software Development in Recruitment: The Why and the How06:29 - Challenges of Creating Custom Solutions12:02 - From Traditional to Tech-Savvy: The Evolution of Recruiting Companies15:36 - Long-Term Strategies in a Short-Term World20:49 - Driving Value with Technology Investments26:15 - The High Price of Standing Still29:20 - Moving Forward: Lasting Insights for Recruiting Agencies   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien discuss the differences between job hoppers and high growth individuals, highlighting the changing job market and the need to rethink how tenure is viewed. Job hoppers are characterized by short stints in similar positions with no growth or upward movement — and on the other hand, high growth individuals seek new challenges, take initiative, and are hungry for growth. Sometimes, distinguishing between the two requires more than just looking at a list of jobs on a resume — which is why recruiters should have conversations with candidates to understand their motivations and circumstances.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:30 - Understanding Changes in Average Tenure05:04 - Identifying Job Hopping Behaviors11:54 - Approaches to Identify and Engage High-Growth Individuals18:22 - Key Insights: Final Takeaways for Recruiters   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Trending Topics episode, Sam and Lex discuss the challenge of standing out in a noisy digital environment. Everyone's feeling the impacts of digital burnout right now — whether you're a recruiter, a marketer, or a salesperson. In an environment in which everyone is getting inundated with messages nonstop, how do you stand out? How do you create truly personalized content that goes beyond a merge field in the subject line of an email? We dive into all of this and more — highlighting the power of video, 1:1 interactions, and long-term relationship building. Interested in this topic and want to see more episodes like it? Check out all of our previous Trending Topics episodes!Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:12 - Digital burnout10:39 - Digital overwhelm from candidates. niche down15:56 - Personal outreach20:28 - Understand your audience and find the best channels23:48 - Video. Get the best of the new tool35:55 - How to start with video. Pro tips39:30 - Return to the old way of doing things46:14 - Build relationships and plan long term52:40 - Podcast Farewell   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this bite-sized Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam shares three tactics to help recruiters land more clients. Differentiate and stand out from other recruitersMake one-to-one, unscalable efforts to showcase the effort and pride in the jobPresent potential candidates to the client upfront to demonstrate the value of working with the recruiterSome of these tactics may be controversial — but we believe that by implementing these tactics, recruiters can set themselves apart and drive more business. Have thoughts? Disagree? We'd love to hear from you! Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro01:33 - Setting Yourself Apart: Strategies for Differentiation03:20 - Back to Basics: Reviving Traditional Methods04:55 - Anticipating Client Needs with Prep Work06:06 - Podcast Farewell   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Trending Topics episode, Sam and Lex discuss the pros and cons of a topic that sounds nice in theory, but may not be as practical as many would hope: skills-based hiring.Throughout the conversation, we explore the reasons behind the shift in hiring practices — ranging from the changing value of college degrees, the impact of labor shortages, and rapidly-changing market conditions. There are so many reasons why skills-based hiring seems like a valid solution to so many problems, but what does it look like for recruiters to implement (and process-ize) this mentality? This conversation explores the benefits, challenges, and potential solutions related to skills-based hiring — highlighting some of the advantages for both companies and workers and delving into the challenges of operationalizing it.  As always, we'll deliver a critical eye, some alternative approaches, and some tactical takeaways — you don't want to miss it!Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:35 - The Debate Between Education and Skills in Hiring11:07 - Current Trends in Skills-Based Hiring19:16 - Encouraging Signals for Skills-Based Hiring26:30 - Implementing Skills-Based Hiring in Practice34:26 - Tactics for Implementing Skills-Based Hiring39:17 - Leveraging Referrals: A Supplementary Approach to44:20 - Podcast Farewell   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien discuss the art (and science) of everyone's favorite part of recruitment...candidate cold calling.Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the fact that cold calling is still an effective method for reaching potential candidates — but that there are a few key considerations to keep in mind if you want to increase your chances of success.With that in mind, they also provide tips on making the call itself — including scripts, personalization, objection handling, leaving voicemails, and effective follow-up strategies.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:04 - Candidate Cold Calling: Strategies and Best Practices04:30 - Identifying Optimal Cold Calling Times07:15 - Tips for Crafting Engaging Cold Calling Dialogues10:18 - The Role of Candidate Research in Cold Calling12:33 - Effective Objection Handling in Cold Calling16:20 - Voicemail and Missed Call Strategies19:53 - Final Tricks and Tips for Successful Cold Calling   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this episode, we're joined by Joe Ray, Manager of Marketing and Experience at Lighthouse Technology Services. Joe and Sam dig into the concept of brand ambassadors and how they can be empowered to drive better results for a company. But first: what even is a brand ambassador?! Brand ambassadors are individuals who share their experiences and insights, building trust and influence with others — but there's a spectrum, and Joe helps break that down for us.By developing their recruiters as brand ambassadors, Lighthouse Technology Services has attracted more clients and candidates — increasing impressions, engagements, and referrals. If you're interested in learning how to do the same, this is a must-listen episode! Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:00 - Joe's Approach to Brand Ambassadors05:30 - Defining Brand Ambassadors07:23 - Cultivating Trust and Influence: The Power of Brand Ambassadors10:40 - Getting Started on Your Branding Journey16:48 - Examples to Kickstart Your Brand Ambassadorship20:08 - The Power of Relationships and its Impact22:48 - Exploring Various Brand Ambassador Personas28:08 - Leading Indicators for Your Brand Ambassador Strategy30:16 - Overcoming Resistance to Brand Ambassador Initiatives32:24 - Final Thoughts and Podcast Farewell   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Tactical Tuesday that feels more like a Mischief Monday, Sam and Vivien discuss the worst advice given to recruiters. They highlight the importance of building a positive reputation and avoiding misleading tactics that are often shared online. Instead of settling for cheap tricks and scammy ploys, Sam and Vivien suggest recruiters focus more on building relationships and maintaining open communication with candidates.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:30 - Exposing the Worst Advice Given to Recruiters05:59 - Common Missteps in Candidate Communication07:05 - The Risks of Deceptive Strategies09:30 - Nurturing Relationships with Candidates11:30 - Don't do interview preps13:40 - The Dangers of Avoiding Salary Talks17:40 - The Risks of Shifting Blame in Client Relationships19:10 - Parting Words and Podcast Farewell   Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Mic Drop episode, Loxo's CEO Matt Chambers joins us to discuss the common issue of recruiters not using their Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Because you could have the best tech ever, but if user adoption is low...well, what's the point?! Together, Matt and Sam explore why this problem persists despite advancements in technology and the changing recruitment landscape. The biggest takeaway? Workflow. When an ATS doesn't meet the needs of a recruiter's day-to-day process (and make that process smoother), usage and data integrity will both plummet. It's part of why Matt recommends a Talent Intelligence Platform, as opposed to a run-of-the-mill ATS. In the modern era of recruitment, streamlining your workflow matters more than anything — which is why leveraging technology that helps you do so is more important than ever!Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro01:34 - "Our Team Isn't Harnessing the ATS Potential"04:01 - Addressing ATS Adoption Barriers11:14 - Navigating Search Functionality Across ATS Platforms13:22 - Harnessing the Power of Data in ATS Utilization14:56 - Fixing the ATS Adoption Problem18:54 - Advantages of Modernizing ATS Usage22:30 - Ending the Episode on a Positive Note  Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this super-short Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam dives into a vital but often overlooked aspect of business development for recruitment agencies: positioning oneself as the product.Drawing from his experience in marketing, Sam shares a simple strategy to differentiation: freely sharing the knowledge, expertise, and unique methodologies that set you apart from the pack, and building trust from the jump. A short-but-sweet episode you can listen to while you brush your teeth or pump your gas, this one demystifies business development and makes it all feel pretty simple: deliver value, take away doubt, and you'll be on your way to building a business your competitors will envy. Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro01:17 - The Art of Recruiter Business Development Uncovered02:23 - The Power of Personal Branding for Recruiters04:30 - Podcast farewell Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Trending Topics episode, we discuss the rise of work trials in the hiring process, diving deep into pros and cons, logistics, and more. Throughout the conversation, we touch on:When a work trial makes sense and when it isn't really suitableThe pros and cons of work trials — including their ability to assess candidate skills and culture fitThe timing of work trials in the hiring process and the potential impact on candidate experienceWhether work trials should be paid or unpaidHow to advocate for or against a work trial with hiring managers ...And more.Debating whether or not to incorporate a work trial into your hiring process? Check out this episode and let us know what you think!Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro01:58 - Work Trials: Definition and Advantages03:29 - Pros of Utilizing Work Trials in Hiring09:48 - Examining the Cons of Work Trials13:20 - Incorporating Work Trials in the Interview Process18:30 - The Importance of Equitable Work Trial Expectations22:26 - Understanding When Work Trials Are Inappropriate26:32 - Weighing the Option of Paid versus Unpaid Work Trials38:18 - Work Trials: The Ultimate Verdict - Yes or No?Explore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien discuss the oft-dreaded, oft-awkward process of... asking for a raise. They provide tips and strategies for both long-term and short-term preparation, as well as advice for the day of the conversation. Some of the most important things to spend your prep time on? Documenting accomplishments, researching salary ranges, and being ready to approach the conversation with a humble and curious attitude.So whether you're ready to ask for a raise or simply want to be prepared for when the time inevitably comes, this episode is not one to miss! Like this episode and want to hear more about salary ranges — and transparency? Check out our recent Tactical Tuesday episode on pay (episode 75).Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:50 - Mastering the Art of Long-Term Planning for Salary Raises05:56 - Techniques for Highlighting Accomplishments09:20 - Strategies for Beginning the Salary Talk15:03 - Best Practices for Requesting a Raise21:51 - Parting Words and Podcast Farewell: Top-Secret Tips IncludedExplore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this episode, Sam has Loxo's Founder and CEO, Matt Chambers, on to discuss the challenges recruiters face when choosing an ATS or CRM. They share insights from their conversations with many recruiters over the years — and highlight the importance of considering long-term strategy and the impact of technology on recruitment. They also discuss the fear of change and the benefits of optimizing your workflow.This is a jam-packed episode, especially for recruiters who know things are changing and that they need to adapt, but aren't quite sure where to start.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro01:24 - Unraveling the ATS Market: A Comprehensive Guide for Recruiters06:22 - The Evolution of Technology in Recruitment13:40 - Taking a Long-Term Approach to Recruitment Strategy21:01 - Web 2.0 and the Era of Integrations25:44 - Overcoming Change Resistance: Innovation in Recruitment29:29 - The Power of Unified Workflows in Recruitment34:10 - Decentralization: Impact and Opportunities Across Industries35:16 - Closing Thoughts and Farewell from the PodcastExplore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien discuss the importance of pay in the recruitment process and how it affects job seekers' decision-making. They emphasize the need for transparent communication about pay from the early stages of the hiring process — including in job postings and screening calls. The conversation highlights the importance of negotiation skills and the role of trust in building strong working relationships — and ultimately focuses in on the takeaway that building trust with top talent includes being transparent about the things that matter the most to them. We're all searching for something, and being as open and honest as we can be in the process makes everyone's lives easier! Enjoy this episode? We've got a great Trending Topics episode (Episode 70) allllll about pay transparency — legislation surrounding it, pros and cons, and beyond. Check it out! Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro02:27 - Bridging the Gap: Salary Transparency to Combat Ghosting06:06 - Salary Transparency in Job Listings09:54 - Salary Negotiation Strategies: Ranges and Starting Points11:54 - Transparent Salary Talks in Initial Conversations15:15 - Strategies for Navigating Salary Negotiations18:21 - Salary Negotiation in Action: Practical Approaches and Scenarios24:55 - Podcast FarewellExplore all our episodes and catch the full video experience at loxo.co/podcastBecoming a Hiring Machine is brought to you by Loxo. To discover more about us, just visit loxo.co