OpenToWork

For our 50th episode of the Open To Work Podcast, we're doing something special.I'm joined by my wife — Mrs. Parker — for an honest conversation about what it's really like to support someone through a job search.From the moment I was made redundant, through the highs, lows, and uncertainty, to finally landing a new role, she was there through it all. This episode shares her side of the story — the emotions, the surprises, and what we both learned along the way.In this episode, we talk about:- What it felt like when I was first made redundant- The toughest moments during the job search (for both of us)- How she supported me, and what she found hardest- The emotional impact of finally landing a new role- Advice for anyone supporting a partner through career uncertaintyWhether you're the one searching or the one supporting, we hope this episode helps you feel less alone.And now check out the How To Get Hired Playbook https://bit.ly/matthewgethiredSign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/interview-questionsAs ever thank you to our Sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

In this episode of the Open To Work Podcast, career coach and former tech recruiter Farah Sharghi joins us to break down everything you need to know about navigating internal job moves—from preparing for internal interviews to dealing with the politics that often come with making a move inside your own company.If you're eyeing a promotion, a lateral shift, or just want to grow without leaving your current employer, this episode is packed with practical advice and real talk about what works (and what doesn't).Topics Covered: • How internal interviews differ from external ones • What hiring managers really look for in internal candidates • How to prepare when you're already “known” inside the company • Managing internal reputation and handling tricky manager dynamics • How to advocate for yourself without stepping on toesWhether you're ready to level up or just want to be ready when the right opportunity opens up, Farah's advice will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on job search strategy, career growth, and hiring insights.Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/i...As ever thank you to our Sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

What actually happens during a background check? What can make or break a reference call? And could your social media presence soon be part of the process? Hamraj shares his legal insight and practical advice to help job seekers understand what's being checked, why it matters, and how to prepare.

How do you become AI-ready in today's fast-changing job market? In this episode, we speak with Martyn Redstone, founder of genAssess and an expert in AI for recruitment, about how both job seekers and companies can prepare for the future of work.Topics covered: • What does it really mean to be AI-ready? • The key difference between an AI-enabled candidate and an AI-ready employee • Practical AI skills to put on your resume • How companies are integrating AI into hiring and operations • Why AI literacy is becoming a must-have skill across industriesWhether you're job hunting, hiring, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will give you clear, practical insights into navigating the AI-driven workplace.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly episodes on job search strategy, hiring trends, and career growth.Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/i...As ever thank you to our Sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

Stop Spamming. Start Connecting! Mike Peditto on Authentic NetworkingIn this week's episode, Matthew is joined by Mike Peditto, content creator, Talent Acquisition Director and job search advisor offering sound advice to those seeking to find the right job. The pair discuss the key topic of networking, focusing on what makes the process authentic and what you can do to improve your network.Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/ Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type - https://www.hireguide.com/resourcesAs ever thank you to our Sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

So, what does a recruiter actually do for candidates to help them find the right role for them?Today, Matthew is joined by none other than Steve Jacobs, fellow recruitment professional, managing director at AJ Exec, who has also worked at many household names including, McDonalds, Wayfair and Troi. The pair discuss how recruiters tackle the day to day influx of candidates, and give their two cents on what candidates can do to approach different types of recruiters and maximise their success when job searching.Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/ Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type - https://www.hireguide.com/resourcesAs ever thank you to our Sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

In this week's episode, Matthew is joined by CEO of Mews, Matt Welle, as the pair discuss what candidates can do to stand out and excel when applying for roles at top companies. Matt shares his journey at Mews, highlighting key moments and experiences on what has impressed him from candidates he has interviewed, how the company tackles important issues such as diversity, gives advice on what you can do to stay one step ahead whilst job searching. You'll want the notepad for this one!Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/ Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type - https://www.hireguide.com/resourcesAs ever thank you to our Sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

How to actually use LinkedIn to get your next job!In today's episode, Matthew is joined by Gabi Preston-Phypers, top recruitment consultant who has worked with various big names such as Google Fibre, GSMA, and many more. The two discuss how job sourcing is changing for candidates, and what they can do to improve both their job searching successes, and supporting job sourcing to work with recruiters. Tune in to find out more!Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/interview-questionsAs ever thank you to our Sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

The great diversity debate, and how it impacts you as a job seeker.In this week's episode, Matthew and Aubrey Branche-Sarellano tackle the hot topic of recent weeks, exploring the impact of change in government in the US on diversity and the job seeker landscape. As a VP at Culture Amp, Aubrey is well versed in the difficult conversations surrounding modern work environments, and shares her insight on what can be done to create the best possible environment for both employees and employers alike.Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/interview-questionsAs ever thank you to our Sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

If you only watch one video to find your next job, watch this! In this week's episode, Matthew is joined by Farah Sharghi, who shares her experiences as a technical recruiter at several household names such as Google, Lyft and TikTok. The two share their know-how on how to best prepare for your next job interview, CV horror stories and how to make yourself more employable, both in the eyes of a recruiter and an employer. You won't want to miss this one!Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/interview-questionsAs ever thank you to our Sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

Do you think it's getting harder for trans people to find jobs? In this week's episode Matthew sits down with Talent Acquisition leader Bertie Jenner who talks through her experience on the job market, as a recruiting leader, and as a trans person.Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/interview-questionsAs ever thank you to our Sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

We've been assessing a foolproof framework for finding your next job! In today's episode, Matthew is joined by Alex Ayin, founder of Elite Team Tactics, with conversation focusing on high performers and what candidates can do to adopt the mentality required to operate at the highest level. The podcast features several key tips on how to focus your time and what you can do now to be better prepared for the future. Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://gethiredtoolkit.substack.com/ Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type - https://www.hireguide.com/resources/interview-questions As ever thank you to our Sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

Companies don't hire candidates for skills, but we think they should! This week, Matthew is joined by Steve Lewis, the managing director of Hire Guide as our two experts discuss the current problems facing modern day company hiring techniques. AI continues to be a hot topic as the duo look at defining the right balance between structured interview approaches and proper company feedback. Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://gethiredtoolkit.substack.com/ Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type - https://www.hireguide.com/resources/interview-questions As ever thank you to our Sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

Structured, skills-based interviews lead to better interview decisions. This episode we really dig into the future of interviewing and why you're not getting your skills assessed properly.

This week Matthew is joined by Darren Bush, the Head of Talent Acquisition at Ericsson as they outline their predictions for the Job Market in 2025. AI came up (more than once), but importantly they outlined how AI can help and hurt your job search. Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://gethiredtoolkit.substack.com/ As ever thank you to our Sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

In episode 37 Darren and Matt review the big changes that could impact Job Seekers in 2025

In this episode, Open to Work Podcast host Matthew Parker—LinkedIn Top Voice and founder of the Open to Work Community—is joined by Daniel Space (known as TheDanFromHR on TikTok), a seasoned HR Business Partner with over 20 years of experience in Big Tech and consulting. Together, they uncover the golden rules of job seeking and share actionable advice on what candidates should do differently to stand out in today's competitive market. Special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James: ⁠https://aldersonjames.com/ ⁠Metaview: ⁠https://www.metaview.ai/⁠

Eric Guidice is a seasoned recruiting leader with an impressive background. He has held key roles at Uber, Bird, and Clutter and is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of Headcount365.

Morgan Williams is the Founder and CEO of Peak HR and serves on the Harvard Business Review advisory council. With over a decade of expertise in employee lifecycle development, corporate diversity, and people operations strategy, Morgan is recognized for her compassionate approach and strategic insight. She has successfully led large-scale initiatives across various industries, including downsizing, employee engagement, and performance optimization. Her experience spans unionized and non-unionized organizations, where she has played a key role in driving cross-functional collaboration and organizational growth. Special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James: https://aldersonjames.com Metaview: https://www.metaview.ai

Luke Victor is a seasoned talent leader and current Head of Talent at Cleo, bringing a robust background in technical recruitment. Known for his transparent approach and deep industry insight, Luke champions open conversations about compensation and career growth, empowering candidates and organizations to navigate the hiring process more effectively. Special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James: https://aldersonjames.com/ Metaview: https://www.metaview.ai/

Matt Alder is the host of "The Recruiting Future" Podcast, one of the most influential Talent Acquisition podcasts globally, with over two million downloads across 600+ episodes. A published author and highly regarded Talent Acquisition expert, Matt brings over 20 years of experience guiding organizations through the rapidly evolving TA landscape. Special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James: https://aldersonjames.com Metaview: https://www.metaview.ai

In this episode of Candidate Journeys, Matthew chats with Chris Redmond, Head of Recruitment at Abstraction Gaming, to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how to prepare and show up confidently throughout the interview process, from the recruiter screening to final interviews. Discover what it takes to make a lasting impression and explore exciting career opportunities at Abstraction Gaming by visiting their careers page: https://abstraction.games/careers Special thanks to our sponsors:Alderson James: https://aldersonjames.comMetaview: https://www.metaview.ai

Kelly Dragovich, former Chief People Officer at Pendo, is a seasoned HR leader, advisor, and coach with extensive experience guiding mid-to senior-level professionals, particularly HR Leaders and Founder/CEOs. Kelly is a four-time Chief HR Officer and co-host of the HR Heretics podcast. Special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

In this episode of Candidate Journeys, Matthew sits down with Melany Austin, Director of Global Talent Acquisition at GoDaddy, to give an insider's view of the company's hiring process. They dive into each stage of recruitment, from initial application to final interviews, sharing what candidates can expect along the way. Melany explains how GoDaddy's hiring process assesses both technical skills and cultural alignment, encouraging candidates to use the interview to learn about the company just as the company learns about them. Listen in for top recommendations on how to stand out, test for skills, and ensure that a career at GoDaddy is the right fit for you. Explore exciting career opportunities at GoDaddy by visiting their careers page: https://careers.godaddy/ Special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James: https://aldersonjames.com Metaview: https://www.metaview.ai

Matthew Parker is the founder of the Open to Work Community and host of the Open to Work podcast, as well as a LinkedIn Top Voice. With over 11 years of experience in talent acquisition, Matthew has led high-performing recruitment teams and shaped hiring strategies at companies like Procore and Zapp. In this episode, the interviewer becomes the interviewee as Matthew opens up about his job search journey, sharing insights that are not just learned but lived. Special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

In this episode of Candidate Journeys, Matthew sits down with Christine Ng, Head of Talent and People at Quantum Motion, to dive deep into the company's technical recruitment process. Christine shares valuable insights on what Quantum Motion looks for in candidates, covering both technical expertise and essential soft skills that help applicants stand out. Whether you're an aspiring quantum engineer or an experienced IC engineer, this episode offers an insider's perspective on landing a role in one of today's most exciting fields. Explore exciting career opportunities at Quantum by visiting their careers page- https://quantummotion.tech/careers/ And special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

Siadhal Magos is the CEO and co-founder of MetaView, a leading AI-powered note-taking solution for recruiters. A former Uber product owner and AI enthusiast, Siadhal is an expert in leveraging advanced technology to revolutionize recruitment processes and enhance decision-making for companies globally. Special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

In this episode of Candidate Journeys, Matthew sits down with Rico Habraken, Senior Technical Recruiter at Miro, to offer an insider's look at Miro's hiring process. They break down each step, providing valuable insights for job seekers aiming to join the Miro team and succeed in the recruitment process. Explore exciting career opportunities at Miro by visiting their careers page- https://miro.com/careers/ And special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com /Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

Hung Lee is a recruitment leader and the Editor of Recruiting Brainfood, the industry's leading newsletter, as well as the founder of the award-winning online recruiting platform WorkShape. With over 15 years of experience, Hung has focused on AI, blockchain, the future of work, employer branding, tech hiring, and diversity & inclusion. In this episode, we explore his insights on how AI is reshaping the recruitment process and discuss what it could mean for the future of hiring. Special thanks to our sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

In this sixth Candidate Journeys episode, Matthew is joined by Dani Unsworth, Head of Talent at incident.io, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to stand out and succeed in their hiring process. From getting noticed to making a lasting impression in the interview, Dani shares valuable insights for job seekers looking to join incident.io. Explore opportunities at incident.io by visiting their careers page:https://incident.io/careers  And special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com /Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

Melissa Grabiner is a job search coach and highly accomplished Talent Acquisition leader with over 20 years of experience, having built and led the largest global talent acquisition department at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. With a following of over 380,000 on LinkedIn and ranked as the #2 Female LinkedIn Creator worldwide, Melissa has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and the Times Square Billboard.

In the fifth episode of Candidate Journeys, Matthew sits down with Jerome Leclercq, Global Head of Recruitment at Wise, to give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to land a job at Wise. Whether you're just starting or already deep into the process, this episode will walk you through what to expect every step of the way. Explore opportunities at Wise by visiting their careers page: https://wise.jobs/ And special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com /Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

Leading mid-life career development expert Lucy Standing specializes in empowering organizations to embrace the aging demographic. In this brand-new episode, she returns to discuss the broken state of recruitment for candidates over 50, offering actionable advice on how they can better position themselves for success in today's job market.

In our fourth episode of Candidate Journeys, Matthew sits down with Jo Speed, Talent Acquisition Manager at John Lewis, for an inside look at each stage of their interview process and why candidates choose John Lewis over other retailers. Whether you're just beginning or nearing the final stage, this episode will guide you through what to expect. Check out the John Lewis careers page at https://www.jlpjobs.com/search-jobs/ And special thanks to our sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

Chetan Vyas is a Senior Technical Recruiter at Deel with a unique background in software engineering. With years of experience in product and technical roles, Chetan shares insights on what it takes to land a job as a software developer in today's market, drawing from his work with B2B startups and tech founders.

In our 3rd episode of Candidate Journeys, Matthew sat down with James Mantle the VP Talent at Mews to walk through exactly how to navigate their interview process. Checkout the mews careers page at https://www.mews.com/en/careers And thank you to our sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Metaview https://www.metaview.ai/

In this candidate journey episode, we break down what it takes to stand out and secure a job at Dialpad, from the skills you need to the culture you can expect. This episode is packed with insider insights and practical advice to help you land your next role at Dialpad.

Theo Smith, co-founder of Neurodiversity World, passionately advocates for building inclusive and dynamic workplaces. With more than 15 years of experience in recruitment, talent management, and diversity, Theo is an award-winning author of Neurodiversity at Work, a globally recognized keynote speaker, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and the host of the popular podcast Neurodiversity with Theo Smith.

In this candidate journey episode, we explain what it takes to navigate the interview process and secure a job at Accurx. This episode is packed with insider insights and practical advice to help you land your next role at Accurx.

Matt caught up with the VP Recruitment at Personio Fritz Singer, X VP Recruitment at Checkout, Lime & Uber. Fritz shared his experience in navigating some of the fastest growing companies in the world and gave candidates top tips on how to get hired! One of the biggest takeaways was how to prepare for case studies which has become an increasingly important part of any interview process. Subscribe to www.opentowork.community for more advice from world class recruiting leaders Big thank you to our Sponsors https://aldersonjames.com/ and www.metaview.ai/opentowork.

Carla McIntosh is a seasoned Talent Advisor with an impressive career, having served as the Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Reddit and leading Talent Acquisition for the U.S. Google Operations Center. A recognized leader in her field, Carla was honored as one of Diversity Woman Magazine's Power 100 in 2023. She is also an executive member of ForbesBLK.

Wouter Durville is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder/ CEO of TestGorilla, a skills-based talent assessment platform that brings science to the art of recruiting.

Joel Lalgee is a talent acquisition expert, founder, and host of The 'Recruiting is No Joke' podcast. For this special 20th episode, he joins Matthew to debunk the misleading and often clickbaity recruitment advice that saturates the job search landscape

Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano is an Equity Operations Leader and Mathpath (Math Nerd and Empath). Her work has been featured in Wired, the Wall Street Journal, the Australian Financial Review, USA Today, and more. She is also the founder and CEO of Mathpath, her self-titled equitable design consultancy. Subscribe to Open To Work's Podcast here: https://youtube.com/@Opentoworkpod?si=6VHI8BrPNr1l7Wma Follow us on TikTok for more tips:  https://www.tiktok.com/@opentoworkpod?_t=8l0LWuKRnQE&_r=1

Lucy Standing is the co-founder of Brave Starts, a nonprofit supporting people in their careers as they age. An occupational psychologist who has personally experienced ageism at the workplace, Lucy helps individuals identify their next career steps and assists organizations in supporting and developing their midlife employees. Subscribe to Open To Work's Podcast here: https://youtube.com/@Opentoworkpod?si=6VHI8BrPNr1l7Wma Follow us on TikTok for more tips:  https://www.tiktok.com/@opentoworkpod?_t=8l0LWuKRnQE&_r=1

Toby is a Workplace Inclusion Architect who helps create a more diverse work environment. The author of the Amazon bestseller "Inclusive Growth," he is one of the leading voices on how organizations can foster diversity. In this episode, he provides candidates with a blueprint for applying for jobs with disabilities and shares how businesses can profit from D&I.  Subscribe to Open To Work's Podcast here: https://youtube.com/@Opentoworkpod?si=6VHI8BrPNr1l7Wma Follow us on TikTok for more tips:  https://www.tiktok.com/@opentoworkpod?_t=8l0LWuKRnQE&_r=1

This episode is a mix of exciting news and a heartfelt farewell, as it marks James' final episode as co-host of the Open To Work podcast. But there's good news too! We do a roundup of the top learnings from the past 16 episodes on landing your dream role, and James shares how he's taken his own advice to secure his new position. It's a must-watch! Subscribe to Open To Work's Podcast here: https://youtube.com/@Opentoworkpod?si=6VHI8BrPNr1l7Wma Follow us on TikTok for more tips:  https://www.tiktok.com/@opentoworkpod?_t=8l0LWuKRnQE&_r=1

With over 20 years of experience, Amy Miller has recruited everyone from truck drivers to CFOs. In this two-part episode, she joins James and Matt to dish on why great candidates get rejected from seemingly perfect fit roles and what you can do to turn job rejections to your advantage. Subscribe to Open To Work's Podcast here: https://youtube.com/@Opentoworkpod?si=6VHI8BrPNr1l7Wma Follow us on TikTok for more tips:  https://www.tiktok.com/@opentoworkpod?_t=8l0LWuKRnQE&_r=1

Amy Miller is a renowned recruitment leader celebrated for her honesty and myth-busting insights in the recruitment industry. She is also a top voice on LinkedIn and uses her platform to promote transparency and provide clear, truthful recruitment advice. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/opentowork/message

Jim Miller is a VP of Recruitment and Ex Head Global of Talent at Google. In this episode, he joins Matt and James to set the record straight on the myth that great people don't apply for jobs. Together, they reveal the key factors that influence hiring decisions and how you can use this to your advantage. Subscribe to Open To Work's Podcast here: https://youtube.com/@Opentoworkpod?si=6VHI8BrPNr1l7Wma Follow us on Tiktok for more tips:  https://www.tiktok.com/@opentoworkpod?_t=8l0LWuKRnQE&_r=1 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/opentowork/message

Yaser Ahmed, the VP of People at Hello Fresh, joins us for our first-ever guest episode. Yaser brings fresh insights on successfully answering interview questions and what it takes to land a job in today's job market. He also peels back the curtains to reveal Hello Fresh's transparent approach to hiring. Are you open to work? Remember to like, share, and subscribe. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/opentowork/message