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.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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!

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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.

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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.

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.

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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!

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/

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The perfect job may not exist but an enabling and healthy environment does.

On this episode of Open To Work, Matt and James walk us through three major red flags to watch out for when you're interviewing and how to interview the interviewer to help you make smarter decisions in your job search.

We can't afford to spill too much of the tea, so enjoy the episode!

Remember to like, share and subscribe 🔔

We love how much you enjoy the weekly insights from Matt and James, so we're back with the 11th episode! In this one, the duo holds nothing back as they answer your top questions.

As a wise man once said, the only stupid questions are the ones left unasked. This episode proves that, as Matt and James address a range of topics: from positioning yourself in a job market dominated by college degrees without having one, to understanding the hiring practices of small businesses, and whether it’s best to disclose your current job status to potential employers.

Enjoy this curious cat episode and remember to like, share and subscribe if you're open to work. Enjoy! 

After nine impactful episodes of the OpenToWork podcast, this season comes to an end with a must-watch episode. 
Matt and James tackle the myth of the hidden job market and why you shouldn’t waste your time looking for it. Spoiler alert – it’s not there. 
Remember to like share and subscribe if you're open to work. Enjoy! 

#jobmarket #jobsearch #jobapplication 

Getting a job in itself is a job. But few things are worse than getting lowballed on a job offer. In this conversation, Matt and James discuss the pay gap, and share everything you need to know about salary and benefits before you accept a new job. Listen, share with a friend and enjoy! 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 two more episodes until the season finale, James and Matt take things up a notch by dedicating this episode to one of the most discussed but rarely understood topic in the job market; salaries & total compensation packages.

In the first part of this episode, they break down how salary bands work and share tips on getting the most out of what you earn by thinking through the entire compensation package. Plus, they spill the beans on who really calls the shots when it comes to deciding how much you get paid…and what you can do about it. 

This week we’re having an essential conversation on interviewing. Matt & James share practical tips on how to interview, approach feedback and maintain perspective while waiting on feedback for a job. 

This episode highlights the need for humanity in the job search processes and is a must watch. Enjoy! 

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The job interview process comes with a power dynamic that can turn even the most confident professional into a bundle of nerves.

In their most vulnerable episode yet, Matt and James bare it all, shedding light on the realities of interviewing in today's job market. From overcoming interview anxiety, to why job rejections hurt so much, and how you can best prepare – even though they’re totally unpredictable.

Give the episode a listen to get all the best pointers and share with a friend who could use a confidence boost on their own interviewing journey.

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"Recruiters aren’t doing what you think they’re doing"

In the fifth episode of "Open To Work", Matt & James take us down the corridors of the recruiting industry. From executive recruiting to agency recruiting, you get the 411 on how your recruiter is thinking and what to do in relating with them while you apply for jobs.

If you've ever found recruiters mysterious, intimidating or just need better insights to help you work better with them, this episode is a must-listen, enjoy!

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#recruiter #executive #jobsearch

There’s so much advice on how job applications are a waste of time. But, how much of this is supported by data? In this eye-opening episode, Matt and James unveil the top sources for hires, discuss why everything you’ve been told about job applications is a lie, and share how to combine the trifecta of job applications, referrals and outreaches to get to the job you want.

You’ll be at the edge of your seat the entire time! 

Subscribe to Open To Work’s Podcast here: https://youtube.com/@Opentoworkpod?si=6VHI8BrPNr1l7Wma 

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⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@opentoworkpod?_t=8l0LWuKRnQE&_r=1⁠

Do you know what your CV or resume needs to catch a recruiters eye? If you’re not sure, then you’re in for a treat on this third episode of #OpenToWork. 

In this CVs and resumes episode, Matt and James share their insights on your CVs must-haves, why they belong there and how to use data storytelling to position your application for success. 

From the XYZ formula, to using anchor statements in your CV and the role applicant tracking systems play, this episode will answer all your questions about resume and CV-building. Don’t forget to grab a pen and paper as well as a cup of something you like while you settle in. Enjoy!

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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.

LinkedIn is great, but could you be getting more juice out of the squeeze? Matt and James go into the second episode of the podcast sharing how you can go beyond merely having a LinkedIn profile to actually using it to land your dream role. 

With a combined 30+ years of recruiting experience between them, this episode is packed with actionable tips backed by real-world experience on how best to use LinkedIn’s market-leading platform. Learn everything from how to optimise your job title and profile search to utilising referrals and building a network on LinkedIn

The proof is in the pudding, so give the episode a listen and don’t forget to share with everyone who is #OpenToWork. 

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Have you been having a hard time making sense of the job market? Well you’re in the right place; welcome to the first edition of the Open To Work Podcast, where two recruitment leaders, Matt and James, cut through the noise and peel back the curtains of what's really going on in the post-pandemic job market.

In this opener episode, Matt and James dish on three of the top recruitment myths that may be holding you back from landing your dream job.

Subscribe to the Open To Work Podcast here: https://youtube.com/@Opentoworkpod?si=6VHI8BrPNr1l7Wma

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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.

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.

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

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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.com

Metaview: 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/

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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/
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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/

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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/

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/

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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.🔍 Topics Covered:The difference between background checks and reference checksWhat employers are really looking forHow background checks are evolving with remote work and AIWhether social media screening is becoming standard practiceHow candidates can prepare—and what to fix before it’s flaggedWhether you're job hunting or just curious about what’s happening behind the scenes after you hit “apply,” this episode will give you clarity, context, and peace of mind.Thanks as ever to our sponsors Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/ and Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on job search strategy, hiring insights, and career growth.

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/

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/