Becoming a Hiring Machine

In this episode, Sam is joined by Dante Nino, managing partner at Tiello, a rapidly growing recruitment agency focused on the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Dante walks us through something he's personally passionate about: specialized recruiting. Niching down isn't just about staking your claim — it's also, Dante explains, about building trust and authority. Dante's team leverages subject matter expertise to develop deeper strategic partnerships with their clients — relationships in which their clients trust them to understand the nuances of their industry and the market. Have you been feeling the pull to niche down a bit? This conversation may just be what you need to hear to make the leap! Chapters:00:00 - Why niching down is the key to recruitment agency growth02:28 - How Tiello became an AEC recruiting powerhouse06:30 - The secret to building a high-performing recruiting team11:00 - How to onboard new recruiters into a niche market14:04 - The specialist strategy: From generalist recruiter to market leader22:24 - Actionable steps to build authority in your niche26:40 - How niching down leads to better clients and higher fees33:40 - Developing deep industry expertise to win better clients36:54 - Expert advice on scaling your recruiting agencyExplore 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

Feel like an Account-Based Prospecting expert yet? If not, you'll get there in no time.In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien are back to dive a bit deeper on ABP — this time getting into advanced strategies like job-based prospecting tactics, tapping into niche markets, and leveraging CRM systems effectively in your bizdev efforts. Like in most things recruitment-wise, the conversation really comes back to just how important it is to build — and maintain — a warm approach. Building relationships > pitch-slapping, every time. Chapters:00:00 - Becoming an expert in account-based prospecting for recruitment02:50 - A practical guide to job-based business development06:08 - How to dominate your recruiting niche for better candidate sourcing09:10 - How account-based prospecting transforms your client pipelineExplore 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 switch-up episode, Lex interviews Sam re: the topic on everyone's mind: Account-Based Prospecting. Proactive business development is the name of the game — but why should recruiters really care? And how can they actually get started? As VP of Marketing at Loxo, Sam knows a lot about Account-Based Marketing, Sales, and Prospecting. He walks us through:How recruiters can leverage this approach to systematically win more clientsDefining an ideal client profile (ICP)The role of AI in this processEffective outreach strategiesMeasuring successAnd more!It's your practical guide to getting started with ABP — and a must-listen for modern recruiters. Want to learn more about business development as a recruiter? Check out our playbook here. And be sure to listen to our Tactical Tuesday episodes on the topic (which bookend this episode) for even more tips. Chapters:00:00 - The ultimate account-based prospecting guide for recruiters03:48 - Why account-based prospecting is a game-changer for recruiters09:30 - How to define your ideal client profile (ICP) in recruitment15:50 - The recruiter's guide to effective client outreach strategies20:26 - The best outreach channels for connecting with new clients20:10 - Getting started with account-based marketing (ABM) for your agency29:50 - Measuring what matters: Recruitment KPIs for ABM success39:40 - Continuing your business development journeyExplore 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 proactive business development in recruitment, focusing on Account-Based Prospecting and how to effectively leverage Most Placeable Candidates (MPCs).Throughout the conversation, they explore strategies for identifying suitable companies for candidates — and emphasize the significance of tailored outreach to enhance engagement and build relationships. Are you currently doing any proactive bizdev? If not, this episode will give you a great overview of the basics and a good idea of where to start! Chapters:00:00 - The proactive playbook for recruitment business development03:10 - Marketing your MPCs: How to find the perfect companies for your top candidates06;00 - How to build your recruitment business development engine08:04 - The hidden goldmine: Building a talent pipeline from rejected candidatesExplore 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 bring back Paul Stansik, Partner at ParkerGale Capital, to explore the critical distinction between what he calls Simplifiers and Complicators.Throughout the conversation, Paul and Sam discuss how to identify Simplifiers, the challenges of being a Simplifier (and what makes them truly special), and effective interview techniques to find candidates who embody this mindset. Paul dives into the nuances of hiring, focusing on the importance of enthusiasm, the right metrics for assessing business health, and the balance between micromanagement and excellence.We're not exaggerating when we say this is an episode that had both our audio and video editors picking up their pens to take notes. So don't be a Complicator — just give it a listen. Want to listen to Paul's first guest appearance on Becoming a Hiring Machine? Check that out here. You can also follow him on LinkedIn or subscribe to his newsletter, Hello Operator. Chapters:00:00 - Decoding talent: Insights for recruiters03:40 - Simplifiers vs. complicators: The critical hiring distinction12:12 - Unmasking complicators: Key behavioral indicators for recruiters17:00 - Strategic questioning: Identifying key candidate traits in interviews20:50 - The recruiter's guide to identifying and hiring simplifiers24:02 - Data-driven recruiting: Essential metrics for candidate assessment34:03 - From talk to action: Identifying candidates who execute and deliver results41:37 - Attracting top talent: Expert advice for recruiters and agenciesExplore 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 dive deeper into the evolution of email deliverability and the importance of building genuine relationships in recruitment — through better content. They emphasize the need for recruiters to move away from checking boxes and instead focus on personal connections, networking, and understanding industry trends. The takeaways? More strategy, more intention. Less doing things just to do them. Chapters:00:00 - This week on Tactical Tuesday: Elevating recruiter outreach02:30 - Maximizing impact: The optimal length for recruiter outreach03:45 - Essential tips for recruiter content that drives candidate engagement05:20 - Beyond the job spec: Using valuable content for strategic talent attraction09:28 - Boost email deliverability: Critical words recruiters must avoid to beat spam filters12:56 - Final thoughts: Proactive strategies to elevate your recruitment resultsExplore 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 special episode, Lex is joined by Tara Flickinger, partner at ON Partners, to discuss the critical topic of gender equity in the executive suite — drawing insights from ON Partners' 2025 Women's Report. Throughout the conversation, they explore the persistent compensation gap between men and women, the importance of salary negotiation, and the need for structured hiring practices to ensure equity across all levels. The conversation also highlights the impact of workplace flexibility, common traits of successful women in leadership, and the societal biases that affect work-life balance.Ultimately, Tara emphasizes the importance of women advocating for themselves to accelerate progress towards economic parity — but paints a hopeful picture for what's ahead. Chapters:00:00 - Unlocking gender equity in leadership: A deep dive03:50 - Unpacking the complexities of the gender pay gap08:50 - What female executives value in a compensation package12:50 - Driving change: Practical steps to improve gender equality in your company19:57 - Identifying top talent: Key leadership traits of successful women24:38 - Building an inclusive workplace: Strategies to eliminate hiring bias30:20 - Accelerating equality: What's the outlook for women in leadership?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, Sam and Vivien discuss the importance of social networking for recruiting — especially now that cold emailing has begun to see a dropoff in success. They discuss changing email deliverability regulations — and the effect they have on cold email — and why modern recruiting requires a return to an old school recruitment strategy.The moral of the story? Focus on personal connections, networking, and understanding industry trends — and be ready to zig when others zag. Chapters:00:00 - Cold email is cooling: What's next for talent acquisition?04:02 - Beyond outreach: Building lasting talent relationships 06:20 - Navigating the noise: Smart channel selection for effective recruitmentExplore 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

Do you ever feel like you're shouting into the void? Like it used to be so easy to send an email and get a response...but that now something has changed? In this episode, Vivien interviews Will Spengler of Frederick Fox about the state of recruitment outreach in 2025. From the shift in email outreach strategies, the impact of COVID on hiring trends, changes in email deliverability regulations, and beyond... This is a juicy episode, jam-packed with tips for anyone who is looking to improve their outreach efforts. Chapters:00:00 - Recruitment outreach 2025: Navigating the new landscape03:23 - When recruitment email was king: A look back05:46 - The 2024 recruitment shift: What's impacting your outreach strategies?08:11 - Solving the recruiter outreach puzzle: Proven strategies for success10:00 - Back to basics: Classic BD strategies for modern recruiters15:20 - Inbox intelligence: Mastering email deliverability for recruiters20:44 - Building trust: Effective reputation management for recruitment agencies24:11 - Crafting compelling email outreach: Content strategies that convert28:20 - Smarter outreach: Quality over quantity in candidate engagement33:29 - Team tactics: Managing your agency's email domain reputation38:10 - The AI revolution: Reshaping recruitment outreach and the future recruiter43:28 - Parting advice: Thriving in modern recruitment outreachExplore 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

We've talked before about the importance of data in recruitment — but in this episode, Sam and Vivien dig deeper to explore key metrics for assessing client health, including job performance and the duration jobs remain open.Recruiters who utilize data to identify issues in the hiring process and improve overall recruitment strategies — especially before larger issues or frustrations can develop — are the ones who will rise to the top, get repeat business, and win more clients. Chapters:00:00 - Recruitment intelligence: Using recruitment analytics for more placements 02:33 - The power of data-driven recruitment: Why metrics matter 05:12 - Beyond spreadsheets: Data visualization techniques for recruiters 08:02 - Essential recruitment reports: KPIs every top recruiter should track 10:08 - Actionable strategies: Turning recruitment data into results12:13 - Bonus: Mastering time to fill - The game-changing recruitment KPIExplore 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 special episode Sam, Lex, and Vivien discuss the difference in quality between sourced and applied candidates.Loxo is currenlty hiring for several roles, so we've learned some some lessons and noticed some trends — and are sharing the wealth. The conversation also delves into identifying red and green flags during interviews, the benefits of proactive sourcing, personal branding, the pros & cons of putting the salary in the job description, and the integration of AI in the interview process.In short: we cover a lot of ground — sharing our own experience, anecdotes, and tips in hopes that they'll help you refine your own recruitment & hiring processes. Chapters:00:00 - Hiring intelligence: Unpacking today's top recruiting challenges02:11 - Sourced talent vs. applied candidates: Decoding the quality divide10:38 - Candidate differentiation: What makes an applicant memorable?11:50 - Referral strategies that actually work for recruiting agencies19:43 - Raising hiring standards: How to identify exceptional talent24:13 - Dodging bad hires: Key red flags throughout the application journey27:49 - AI in recruitment: How candidates are using AI and what it means for you37:50 - Salary transparency in job ads: Pros, cons, and best practices for recruiters40:48 - Recruiting career pivoters: How they enrich your talent pool44:38 - Final insights: Elevating your agency's recruitment successExplore 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 evolving landscape of recruitment, focusing on the need to reevaluate traditional hiring advice given how much things have changed.Throughout the conversation, they explore the implications of job hopping, the necessity of industry experience, the relevance (or lack thereof) of college degrees, and — of course — AI and its ripple effect.Chapters:00:00 - Beyond the basics: Fresh recruiting strategies for modern recruiters01:58 - Resume screening decoded: Effectively evaluating modern resumes05:30 - Tenure vs. talent: Rethinking how recruiters view candidate job history08:55 - Recruiting for adaptability & potential: Is industry experience overrated?12:16 - Skills-based hiring: Does a college degree still define capability in the new talent pool?16:04 - The AI advantage: How recruiters thrive with AI recruiting toolsExplore 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 a recent DM exchange Lex had with a recruiter on LinkedIn. This recruiter reached out regarding a role — one that Lex clearly had relevant experience for. Because this recruiter had clearly done her research, Lex felt compelled to respond. She told the recruiter she wasn't interested in the position but that she appreciated the outreach...And what the recruiter did next was surprising and impressive.Listen to this episode to get a peek at how you can turn even a "no" into an opportunity — and to see how impactful innovation at every stage of your workflow can be.Chapters:00:00 - The art of the follow-up: Turning candidate rejection into recruitment gold03:44 - Unlocking new talent pools: The power of recruiter referral programs05:40 - Elevating your agency: How innovative candidate outreach benefits recruiters08:47 - The creative recruiter: Enhancing every stage of your talent acquisition workflowExplore 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 the final episode of our Top Billers series, Sam and Vivien focus on the importance of candidate scorecards and candidate highlights in the recruitment process.Scorecards help recruiters align with hiring managers on candidate evaluations, and highlights can provide additional context to a candidate's qualifications so that hiring managers can see, at high level, which candidates could be the best fit. At the end of the day, the conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication and the use of structured methods to improve recruitment outcomes — which is something that we see top billers doing in Loxo on every single job. Chapters:00:00 - The ultimate guide to candidate assessment: Top billers edition02:24 - Maximizing hiring accuracy with strategic candidate scorecards06:46 - The alignment advantage: Getting on the same page for optimal recruitment08:50 - Candidate highlights: Your secret weapon for engaging hiring managersExplore 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 one simple move that top Loxo users employ: post placement outreach. They explore effective strategies for engaging with both candidates and hiring managers through regular check-ins — during the first week, month, and year of a candidate's placement — as well as the role of automation in streamlining these processes. Ultimately: consistent outreach not only enhances candidate experience but also opens doors for new business opportunities through referrals and expanded accounts.Chapters:00:00 - Why post-placement outreach is crucial01:33 - Implementing an effective post-placement strategy04:06 - Workflow for post-placement for recruiters05:50 -  Key questions for post-placement candidate check-ins09:30 - Essential questions for hiring manager follow-ups14:05 - Using automation effectively for post-placement follow-upsExplore 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 special episode, Sam and Lex discuss Loxo's Shape the Future campaign, which celebrates the pivotal role recruiters play in shaping candidate careers and our collective future. As part of this campaign, the team made a Buzzfeed-style quiz to determine which "recruiter archetype" you are, based on some iconic figures throughout history. On today's episode, Sam takes the quiz live. Take the quiz yourself to determine your own archetype — and send us an email with your result at podcast@loxo.co if you want a cool sticker with your archetype on it! Take the quizChapters:00:00 - Setting the stage for recruiter innovation02:20 - Defining your impact: the future-shaping recruiter types05:44 - Uncovering recruiter profiles: a practical example18:00 - How we developed the recruiter architect assessment23:40 - Explore the 'shape the future' initiative for recruitersExplore 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 one simple move that top Loxo users employ: post placement outreach. They explore effective strategies for engaging with both candidates and hiring managers through regular check-ins — during the first week, month, and year of a candidate's placement — as well as the role of automation in streamlining these processes. Ultimately: consistent outreach not only enhances candidate experience but also opens doors for new business opportunities through referrals and expanded accounts.Chapters:00:00 - Tactical Tuesday: Mastering post-placement strategy03:16 - Keeping candidates warm: The art of the status update05:47 - Let automation handle interview logistics: Focus on talent06:59 - Bonus insights: Elevating your candidate screening effectiveness09:07 - Implementing effective post-placement automation workflows10:53 - Unlock referrals and expand accounts with automated follow-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

In this episode, Sam is joined by Lauren Price Adams, Director of Recruitment at Career Innovator — a 100% talent partner. Career Innovator is known for their human-centric approach, so it only made sense for us to dig into the ins & outs of relationships in recruitment — on both the candidate and client sides. They also dig into: Job fit versus job match, proactive recruitment strategies, and the significance of building trust with clients. Along the way, Lauren shares insights on how Career Innovator approaches recruitment differently, focusing on unique candidate engagement and leveraging technology to enhance their processes.Long story short: The conversation highlights the value of personal relationships in recruitment and the need for recruiters to embrace change and innovation in their practices. It's a must-listen! Chapters:00:00 - Meet Lauren Price Adams: Architect of human-centric recruiting03:16 - Moving beyond keywords: Why job fit isn't the same as job match06:20 - When strategy shifted: Embracing a people-focused approach08:43 - Putting theory into practice: How skill-based hiring works11:34 - The art of building deep trust and partnership with clients13:28 - Case studies: Applying unique engagement strategies in practice19:42 - How RecTech can empower, not replace, recruiter connections24:05 - Effectively championing your candidates to hiring managers26:29 - Lauren Price Adams's parting advice for future-focused recruitersExplore 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 often daunting topic of... Data migration in recruitment. They explore the emotional challenges associated with data migration, the importance of reevaluating what data is truly necessary, and best practices for ensuring a smooth transition to a new ATS.The biggest takeaway? User adoption is everything — and the early stages of migrating to a new platform can make or break you. Creating a training and onboarding experience that builds buy-in and encourages team members to adhere to best practices can be your winning formula. 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 dive into two recent reports — one detailing skills on the rise and the other detailing in-demand jobs — both of which highlight the transformative impact of AI on the job market. The most surprising thing? Many of these skills and roles didn't even exist 10 (or even five) years ago. The conversation explores the importance of soft skills in an AI-driven world, the latest trends in recruitment, and the necessity of upskilling for future success. Check it out! If you want to dig a bit deeper on your own, the two reports we discuss in this episode are: LinkedIn's Skills on the Rise 2025The Most In-Demand Jobs on LinkedIn Right Now

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien talk about a powerful question that you can use to instantly improve your candidate (and client) outreach efforts. That question? "Why did you respond to this message?" Sam and Vivien explain why it's so important to understand what prompts candidates and hiring managers to engage — and open-ended questions can give you the feedback you need to improve your efforts.Chapters:00:00 - Episode kickoff: Outreach mastery for recruiters02:01 - Instantly improve your recruiting outreach with one question05:56 - Enhancing your recruiting reach: Practical tipsExplore 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 is joined by Benjamin Mena, Managing Partner at Select Source Solutions and host of The Elite Recruiter Podcast. Throughout the conversation, Sam & Ben cover all of the bases — discussing the significant changes in recruitment over the past two years, particularly focusing on the impact of AI and technology.Together, they explore:The ideal tech stack for modern recruitersThe importance of proactive talent pipeliningThe challenges of maintaining clean databasesHow AI is going to make it easier to focus on candidatesWhy differentiation is more important now than ever beforeAll in all, the discussion highlights the need for integration and efficiency in recruitment processes —  emphasizing the enduring value of relationships, even in this tech-heavy world we're living in. Chapters:00:00 - Recruitment redefined: insights from industry leaders05:12 - Building a robust talent pipeline: strategic proactive recruiting16:50 - Essential recruiter tech stack: tools for modern efficiency27:00 - Leveraging AI in recruiting: enhancing efficiency and focusing on people34:38 - Personalizing recruitment: the importance of agency personality37:20 - AI in action: leveraging LLMs and machine learning in talent acquisition45:28 - Recruitment's evolution: parting insights for modern agenciesExplore 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

Understatement of the year: recruitment has changed a lot, and will continue to.With that in mind, for this Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien discuss the evolving landscape of recruitment —  emphasizing the need for us to adapt our communication strategies in order to engage candidates and clients effectively. Differentiation is the name of the game — and with our help, you'll be on your way to implementing strategies that help your outreach stand out. Chapters:00:00 - Navigating recruitment's new landscape04:07 - Recruitment trends over the years09:45 - Stand out: recruitment differentiation strategies19:50 - Final recruitment advice 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

All good things must come to an end...and today brings the final episode of our 3-part series on contract recruitment. In this episode, Lex and Reegan explore some of the nuances of contract recruitment, focusing on the candidate side of the process. They discuss the importance of adapting the Most Placeable Candidate (MPC) strategy for contract roles, emphasizing the need for long-term relationships with contractors.The conversation also highlights the consultative approach recruiters need to adopt — regardless of whether they're working with contract or perm placements — providing industry insights and maintaining transparency with candidates. In short: a lot of ground gets covered in 30 minutes. Jump in! Chapters:00:00 - Launching the final contract recruitment episode04:04 - Mastering the MPC strategy in contract recruitment08:44 - Building long-term contractor relationships14:04 - Pipeline strategies for contract teams20:16 - Tech and workflows for contract recruitment success24:40 - Essential automations for contract recruiting30:35 - Closing advice for contract recruitment successExplore 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 today's episode, Sam and Vivien dive into the ~fascinating~ world of Boolean operators, discussing their importance in recruitment — and how to effectively use them to enhance candidate sourcing. Throughout the conversation, they explore both advanced and basic techniques, emphasizing the need for recruiters to adapt their search strategies to find the best candidates. Different candidates may express their skills and experiences using different terminology — which is why using Boolean effectively can help ensure you find the best possible match.Chapters:00:00 - Welcome to Boolean Mastery: Sourcing Top Talent02:30 - Circumflex Power: Ranking Variables in Boolean Searches06:06 - Logic in Sourcing: Harnessing AND, OR, and Parenthesis08:54 - Getting Started with Boolean: Practical Advice for RecruitersExplore 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

Great news: it's time for part 2 of our 3-part series on contract recruitment featuring Loxo's very own Reegan Coleman! In this episode, Lex and Reegan delve into the intricacies of contract recruitment — focusing on how to structure contracts effectively, the differences between W-2 and 1099 contracts, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with contractors.This conversation touches on everything from the long-term benefits of contract recruitment, to the nitty-gritty details, to the role of technology & automation, retention strategies, and beyond. In short? You don't want to miss it. Don't forget to check out the first episode in this series, too!Chapters:00:00 - Trending Topics: Advanced Contract Recruitment Strategies03:40 - The Anatomy of a Contract: Best Practices for Recruiters10:38 - Contract Types Explained: Navigating W-2 and 109914:13 - From Candidate to Client: Building Long-Term Contract Relationships23:35 - Nurturing Relationships: Essential for Contract Recruitment28:08 - Final Tips: Mastering the Contract Talent MarketExplore 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 intricacies of reference checks in the recruitment process — from when and how to effectively use them, to the importance of context in evaluating references, best practices for conducting them, and beyond.The conversation emphasizes:The types of references to considerThe need for personal interaction over surveysKey questions to ask to ensure a comprehensive understanding of a candidate's fitChapters:00:00 - Tactical Tuesday: Effective Reference Checking Techniques04:32 - When to Seek References: Optimizing Your Recruitment Process08:36 - Asking the Right Questions: Reference Check Best Practices15:33 - Quick Tips for Reference Check SuccessExplore 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, Lex is joined by Reegan Coleman, a Strategic Account Manager at Loxo, to discuss the evolving landscape of contract recruitment. We've talked a lot on this podcast about the rise in freelance talent and the gig economy — so we figured it was time to talk about how recruiters can structure their business in a way that supports this shift. Part 1 of a three-part series, in this episode we explore the benefits of contract recruitment for both businesses and candidates, the industries that are best suited for this model, and the critical role of technology and AI in enhancing recruitment processes. Stay tuned for parts 2 & 3, where we'll get more into the nitty-gritty of contract recruitment! Chapters:00:00 - Exploring the Gig Economy: Contract Recruitment Insights05:08 - Contract Talent Advantages: A Win-Win for All Parties14:07- Targeting Contract Talent: Key Industries and Niches21:38 - Digital Tools for Contract Talent: Efficiency and Growth27:55 - Enhancing Sourcing Efficiency: Leveraging AI in Contract Hiring30:45 - Final Insights: Navigating the Modern Contract Talent MarketExplore 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 intricacies of candidate evaluation — especially striking the right balance between charisma and true fit. Structuring your interviews in a specific way can help you avoid getting too wrapped up in a candidate's charm, so that you can make balanced, informed decisions about who is truly the best fit for the role. This conversation will give you the tips you need to get a good process in place — from interview techniques to ways to prime hiring managers to make well-rounded decisions, too. Chapters:00:00 - Tactical Tuesday: Evaluating Candidates Beyond Charisma04:20 - Beyond Charisma: Critical Factors in Candidate Assessment06:50 - Applying Evaluation Strategies: A Practical ScenarioExplore 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 is joined by Nick Poloni, president of Cascadia Search Group, to discussing the evolution of recruitment practices. They cover everything from fundamental best practices in recruitment to the impact of AI on candidate experience and the necessity of maintaining a human touch. The takeaway? Balance is everything in when it comes to modern recruitment — combining the right use of tech with human interaction & genuine connection. Nick shares his journey from corporate America to the recruitment world, emphasizing the lessons learned along the way. One of his biggest nuggets of wisdom? The fact that your attitude as a recruiter can have a major impact on the candidate's experience of job-seeking, interviewing, and even rejection. How you navigate these experiences with them can be the thing that sets great recruiters apart from good ones.Chapters:00:00 - Modern Recruitment: Balancing Tech and Human Connection02:33 - Nick Poloni's Path: Lessons Learned in Recruitment09:34 - Understanding Cascadia Search: Their Unique Approach11:33 - Human Connection vs. Automation: The Future of Recruiting15:01 - The Downsides of Easy Apply: Inbound Recruiting Challenges19:18 - Humanizing Recruitment: Practical Strategies24:40 - Approaching Rejected Candidates: Building Positive Experiences32:30 - Trust and Transparency: Essential Recruitment Practices41:50 - Final Thoughts: Balancing Tech and Human ConnectionExplore 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

Ah, culture fit: the elusive yet all-important component in the interview process. So difficult to pin down, but so critical to making the right hire.In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien explore how to effectively assess candidates not just based on their skills but their compatibility with the hiring organization's culture.The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics between hiring managers and candidates, the nuances of communication preferences, and the techniques for interviewing that can reveal a candidate's true potential fit within a team. As with every Tactical Tuesday episode, you can expect some practical takeaways — this time, on gauging culture fit throughout the interview process. Chapters:00:00 - Tactical Tuesday: Decoding Culture Fit in Hiring03:42 - Understanding Hiring Manager Culture Preferences for Better Matches08:47 - Extracting Culture Clues: How to Interview for True Compatibility 20:16 - Last Word of Wisdom for RecruitersExplore 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

How can you take steps to actively improve your Quality of Hire? Today, we're revisiting this conversation with Paul Stansik, PE Operating Partner at ParkerGale Capital, to 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 Farewell

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien discuss the challenges of coordinating interviews in the recruitment process — and why keeping things moving is of the utmost importance. The conversation highlights the role technology can play in streamlining the scheduling process — and, as you can always expect from a Tactical Tuesday episode — offers practical tips for recruiters to improve their efficiency. Chapters:00:00 - Tactical Tuesday: Mastering Interview Coordination02:45 - Interview Scheduling: Pros, Cons, and Solutions07:00 - The Impact of Interview Coordination on Candidate Experience09:00 - Streamlining Interviews for Hiring Managers: Best Practices14:30 - Interview Coordination Tips: Last Word of Advice for RecruitersExplore 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 thought-provoking episode, Loxo's CEO Matt Chambers interviews Kelli Vukelic, CEO of N2Growth, to discuss the future of executive search and recruitment agencies — with a focus on how technology is very rapidly transforming the industry. Throughout the conversation, the two will talk about everything from purpose-driven work, to how search firms can become more tech-enabled, and beyond. Matt and Kelli also dive into N2Growth's proprietary platform, Vue, which is built on Loxo's API and helps uncover talent insights that drive better decision-making. Vue allows N2Growth's clients to have real-time access to candidate information, and provides a holistic view of candidates beyond their resumes. With this in mind, Matt and Kelli also discuss how tech can help search firms develop more collaborative and strategic partnerships with their clients — positioning themselves as not just "recruiters" but true talent advisors. This episode is chock-full of wisdom from two fantastic leaders and experts in the space — as well as some practical tips for you to chew on.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro04:45 - Transforming the Executive Search Industry12:16 - The Turning Point: Embracing Change14:00 - Speed and Efficiency: Why They Matter17:05 - Developing a Proprietary Recruitment Tool26:03 - Boosting Team Performance and Client Satisfaction29:48 - The Impact of Choosing the Best Recruiting Platform37:20 - Final 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

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Samand Vivien dive into the importance of efficiency — covering everything from strategies to get interviews scheduled more quickly to establishing more clear, open communication channels between recruiters and hiring managers so that presenting candidates becomes more streamlined. A 15 minute episode jam-packed with tons of takeaways you can start acting on today — we're not joking when we say we're about efficiency! 

We're revisting some of our most helpful content — especially content that's more relevant now than ever. This episode is a replay of our conversation on business development for recruiters with  guest Kyle Coleman, CMO at Copy.ai.This conversation focused on the role of AI in business development for recruiters. Sam and Kyle dive into the importance of research and relevance in outreach, the benefits of leveraging AI in the prospecting process, and the need to maintain a human touch in recruitment.But they don't just live in the Land of Theory and Good Ideas. Kyle shares strategic frameworks for crafting effective messaging, all while emphasizing the power of AI in increasing productivity and improving outreach quality, so that recruiters can leverage human connection to go the last (and most important) mile.Jam-packed with frameworks you can start putting into practice TODAY, this one is the first of several highly-relevant bizdev conversations you're going to want to hit "save" and keep coming back to.Want to dive deeper on this or just get a head-start when it comes to taking notes? We've got a write-up on Kyle's tips on business development for recruiters.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast intro02:40 - Boosting bizdev with smart prospecting08:18 - Enhancing outreach relevance and effectiveness13:47 - AI strategies to build better relationships19:30 - AI in action: examples for recruiters29:38 - Final takeaways and podcast sign-off

In this almost-Valentine's Day Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam and Vivien discuss the significance of showing appreciation in the recruitment process — whether to clients, candidates, or colleagues.Remember this: small gestures can go a long way toward creating better relationships and improved outcomes! This conversation highlights: several practical ways to show appreciation, the impact of positive reinforcement, and how to ~show the love~ while still being the consummate professional. 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 emerging concept of Agentic AI — which refers to autonomous digital workers designed for specific roles.Throughout the conversation, they explore the implications of these AI agents on recruitment, the future of work, and the philosophical questions they raise about human and AI coexistence.The ultimate takeaway: recruiters need to adapt and position themselves strategically in a landscape increasingly influenced by AI technology. The train is in motion, and the time is now to firm up your competitive advantage against both other recruiters and AI-only solutions. Chapters:00:00 - Podcast intro: How AI is reshaping the future of recruitment02:22 - Agentic AI explained: The rise of autonomous digital workers11:17 - How Agentic AI is impacting recruiters and the hiring process19:12 - Future-proofing your recruitment strategy in an AI-powered world26:14 - Final thoughts: Preparing for AI's growing role in recruitmentExplore 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 effective recruitment strategies — focusing on building trust with candidates, structuring conversations, and understanding candidate motivations. Candidates won't open up and be as transparent if they feel like they can't trust you — which is why building true rapport is more important than almost any other aspect of an interview. Treating an interview like an interrogation is an easy way to ensure you never get to know the real person on the other side of the phone or screen. Throughout this conversation, Sam and Vivien emphasize the importance of authenticity and human connection in recruitment, providing practical tips for recruiters to engage candidates more effectively and help connect them to the right job opportunities.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast intro: Mastering trust and connection in recruitment03:12 - The key to better interviews: Establishing trust with candidates06:26 - How to understand and identify candidate motivations12:50 - Podcast wrap-up: Key takeaways for stronger candidate relationshipsExplore 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 is joined by Vivien to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) in recruitment — with a focus on how to improve metrics such as time-to-source, time-to-submission, and submission-to-hire conversion rates. Throughout the conversation, Sam and Vivien emphasize the importance of leveraging technology and AI to streamline the recruitment process, enhance candidate engagement, and improve outreach strategies — because sometimes, the right usage of automation can help make our efforts more human, not less. That being said: the conversation also touches on the increasing significance of creativity in communication and the need to stand out in a crowded market, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. It's a must-listen episode! Chapters:00:00 - Podcast intro: Mastering recruitment KPIs and creative outreach02:25 - Time-to-source optimization: Finding top talent faster09:36 - Time-to-submission optimization: Tips for efficient hiring workflows15:24 - Submission-to-hire success: Turning candidate submissions into hires19:55 - Mastering LinkedIn InMail: Engaging candidates in a crowded spaceExplore 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 REPLAY episode, we're running back some thoughts on AI in recruitment that our CEO, Matt Chambers, shared in early 2024. This conversation is even more relevant today — and it's important to understand the context before forecasting the future. So:What's the reality of AI in recruiting? How does this buzzword *really* fit into your daily routine as a recruiter?Matt joins us for a Mic Drop episode to explain his POV, debunk misconceptions, and explore the different use cases of AI in the recruiting industry.From generative AI to automated sourcing, we uncover the possibilities and discuss how recruiters can prepare themselves for the future.Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro01:21 - Exploring AI's Role in Recruiting: Unveiling Its Impact and Origins05:26 - The Rise of HR Tech Giants: Y Combinator and Its Influence on Recruiting11:18 - Preparing Recruiters for the AI-Powered Future14:37 - Practical AI Applications for Recruiters: Current Use Cases22:35 - Understanding Knowledge Graphs: The Foundation of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment27:00 - 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

In this Tactical Tuesday video, Sam and Vivien discuss the importance of understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) in recruitment. They emphasize that technology alone won't improve hiring results; instead, it's about strategy, execution, and measuring the right metrics. In particular, the conversation covers various metrics in recruitment — such as time to source, time to hire, and the significance of conversion rates — and how to evaluate these metrics to enhance your effectiveness. Chapters:00:00 - Podcast intro: Mastering KPIs to improve recruitment results03:59 - Breaking down time-to-hire and time-to-source metrics11:07 - How conversion metrics can improve your recruitment outcomes 16:40 - Closing thoughts: Elevating your recruitment game with better metricsExplore 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

Ah, predictions. If you've been around for a while, you likely know how we feel about them...which is that they're very frequently wrong. But in this Trending Topics episode, Sam and Lex dive into a few studies that focus on the fastest growing jobs, industries poised for growth, and the state of job hunting in 2025 — with an emphasis on studies that have taken current macrotrends into account. We also have some fun diving into Harvard Business Review's "Charts That Help Make Sense of 2024." If you're a visual learner (or just want to see where "humans working alongside robots" falls in a visualized timeline), take a look! Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Exploring the fastest growing jobs and recruitment trends in 202504:20 - The 25 fastest growing jobs recruiters should watch in 202512:20 - The fastest growing industries and what they mean for recruitment15:10 - How job seekers feel about finding jobs in 202521:22 - How layoffs are shaping employee morale and expectations26:30 - Funny and fascinating studies from 2024 you need to see30:48 - Podcast farewell: Looking ahead to 2025Explore 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 takes to the mic solo to discuss the (still) evolving landscape of recruitment, focusing on the integration of AI and machine learning tools. It's 2025, and these tools aren't going away — if anything, they're only going to become more prevalent. That's why finding a way to strike the balance between automation and manual effort is so critical. In particular, Sam emphasizes the importance of automating repetitive tasks, improving candidate sourcing through diverse channels, and utilizing predictive analytics for better hiring decisions. The future is here — it's time to roll with the punches.Chapters:00:00 - Welcome: Striking the balance between automation and human effort01:58 - Top skills recruiters aim to master in 202503:17 - Saving time by automating repetitive recruitment tasks05:03 - Improving candidate sourcing with new tools and strategies08:32 - Transforming recruitment strategies with predictive analytics10:40 - Podcast goodbye: Rolling with the punches in recruitment's futureExplore 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 and Lex discuss LinkedIn's predictions for 2025. It's a list that's much shorter than last year's — which we're taking to mean that LinkedIn is just as confused as the rest of us when it comes to what's to come in the year ahead. Throughout the conversation, we focus on the predictions like the rise of millennial CEOs, the importance of supporting workers for global growth, and the evolving role of corporate employees as influencers. And, of course, we explore how these trends will impact recruitment and workplace dynamics. Chapters:00:00 - Podcast intro: Exploring LinkedIn's 2025 predictions for recruitment03:30 - The rise of millennial CEOs: What it means for recruitment08:38 - How global growth is reshaping recruitment strategies13:50 - The rise of employee influencers: What recruiters need to know20:40 - How subject matter experts are reshaping workplace dynamics24:00 - Podcast wrap-up: Key trends shaping recruitment and workplace dynamicsExplore 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 first episode of 2025 (WILD), Sam is joined by Vivien to discuss New Year's resolutions —  specifically tailored for recruiters, of course. They reflect on the changes in recruitment communication from 2024, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, prioritizing quality over quantity in outreach, and developing a strong personal brand. The conversation also highlights the need for creativity in recruitment strategies as we move into this new year — especially with AI and other technological advancements continuing to shake things up. Chapters:00:00 - Welcome to 2025: New Year's resolutions for recruiters02:12 - Lessons from 2024 and what's ahead for recruitment in 202503:23 - Prioritizing relationships: The key focus for recruiters in 202504:40 - Why quality over quantity matters in recruitment outreach06:22 - Building your personal brand to boost word-of-mouth referrals07:35 - Creating value to make an impact in recruitment strategies10:50 - Closing thoughts: Resolutions to elevate your recruitment gameExplore 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

Today's Trending Topic episode is a replay of one of our most popular early episodes — in which Loxo's Founder & CEO, Matt Chambers, joins us to dive into the world of business development in the recruitment industry. It's no surprise that bizdev has been a HOT TOPIC this year — and for good reason. We thought it was timely to resurface these insights as we start looking ahead into 2025. From understanding market conditions to setting goals and measuring progress, we cover it all. Whether you're a small boutique agency or a large organization, this episode has a takeaway for everyone! 

This is a replay of our very first episode of 2024 — which we thought was fitting as we wind the year down.In it, Sam and Vivien explore personalized approaches for hiring — emphasizing human connection and addressing common frustrations among recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates.They advocate for open communication, personalized interactions, and feedback-driven strategies — as well as keeping the humanity in recruiting, especially as AI-powered solutions pop up left and right.The episode stresses the need for recruiters to lead by example, fostering positive change by integrating integrity, customization, and human touch into their recruitment practices — take a few minutes out of your day to listen!Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro01:16 - Personal Development for Recruiters03:11 - Navigating Relationships: Recruiters & Hiring Managers09:10 - Refining Candidate Interactions: Tips & Tricks15:31 - Recruiters Leading the Change Charge20:27 - Tactical Advice for Hiring Manager Collaborations22:00 - 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

In this Trending Topics episode, Sam and Lex talk DATA. But before you make any assumptions about how much of a bore this episode must be, listen to this: According to a recent survey, 72% of recruiters don't know their conversion ratios. Which means that 2/3 of recruiters are missing out on critical data insights that could help them be more effective.In this conversation, we spend time talking about the fact that even when things are working, it's good to understand why they're working — so you can double-down on winning behaviors and keep improving with every day. We'll get into why performance metrics are more powerful than volume metrics, the role technology plays in recruitment data, and the importance of data integrity. And we promise that, even with all that data-talk, it's not boring. Chapters:00:00 - Podcast intro: Why recruitment data matters more than ever04:02 - Recruiter.com insights: The future of talent acquisition in 202505:40 - The inefficiency of recruiter analytics and how to improve them13:05 - How recruiters measure performance: Metrics that matter21:56 - High costs and low returns: The challenge of outdated recruitment tech28:22 - Expert advice for improving recruitment strategies with data32:36 - Podcast farewell: Using data insights to drive recruitment growthExplore 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 quick Tactical Tuesday episode, Sam shares a powerful strategy for improving your recruitment outreach: leveraging senior leadership as senders.Learn why having executives send personalized messages to top candidates can significantly boost your response rates and candidate engagement, especially for executive search and critical roles. Discover the three key benefits of this approach and how to implement it in your recruitment process. Tune in for this short — but impactful! — look at how to elevate your hiring game!Chapters:00:00 - Podcast Intro01:21 - The power of senior leadership in recruitment outreach02:05 - The ultimate outreach tip to engage top candidates04:27 - 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

In this guest episode, Sam joins the crew at Ringover on their The Staffing Ring podcast to talk about everything from: why some tech tools get used daily (while others are left to wither away in tech purgatory), to honing in on your Ideal Customer Profile, to how play the long-game when it comes to building trust and brand awareness, and beyond.Of course there are some subtle plugs for Loxo in there — but the point of this episode is really to highlight how vital workflow integration is to user adoption. Adding more tech to your stack is always going to come at a cost — and if you're not getting the most possible use out of that investment, across your entire team, it starts to raise some bigger questions. Tune into this episode if you're thinking about switching technology providers, contemplating adding more tech to your stack, or looking for ways to build a trusted brand. We cover a lot of bases, and it's a good time!Chapters:00:00 - Podcast intro02:00 - Sam takes the hot seat to talk about recruitment's biggest challenges04:03 - Round 1: Key priorities for recruiters in today's market12:50 - Round 2: How recruiters can improve business development strategies25:24 - Round 3: Technology's impact on leadership in recruitment31:03 - Round 4: A personal Q&A with Sam38:00 - Innovations and opportunities shaping the future of recruitment41:10 - Sam's parting thoughts on recruitment successExplore 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