I’ve got exciting news—and I want to be fully transparent about what’s happening next.

🚀 The Deputy is evolving into The Creator’s Club.

This isn’t just a name change—it’s a new chapter in building a high-value, engaged community for hiring leaders, business owners, creatives, and coffee lovers who want to build, grow, and connect over great ideas (and even better coffee).

Why the Change?

1️⃣ I wanted a space that allows for more real conversations, networking, and deeper insights. Substack makes that possible.

2️⃣ The Creator’s Club is more than just a newsletter—it’s a community where we share ideas, challenges, hiring strategies, and business insights over a cup of Sumato Coffee.

3️⃣ Same insights, same voice—just a bigger, better experience.

What’s Next?

✅ You’re already subscribed to The Creator’s Club on Substack! No action needed—you’ll continue getting emails as usual.

✅ Engage in the full experience in the Substack app.

• Join discussions, comment on posts, and be part of the growing Creator’s Club community.

• Click here to check it out.

✅ More than just a newsletter—I will be more focused on building a community.

• We plan to host live virtual sessions, discussions, and in-person meetups at The Kiln or other places, complete with Sumato Coffee brewed by a barista for that perfect fuel.

• This is where we connect, learn, build and hopefully make some hires together.

☕ And yes, there will be coffee deals, giveaways, and exclusive Sumato Coffee perks for subscribers.

Thank you for being part of this journey!

If you have any questions, thoughts, or just want to say hi—reply to this email or drop a comment in Substack.

Here’s to great coffee, smart hiring, and building something great together.

👊 Ben

Founder, The Creator’s Club

[Substack Link] | [Discord Link ]

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

Your dream job isn’t waiting—it’s just a click away. Explore top roles now on Ramp Talent’s job board!

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America 🇺🇸

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

Job News

As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, The Deputy is moving. I’m shifting off Beehiiv and heading to Substack—not just for a platform change, but to build something stronger.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be migrating email addresses and expanding this newsletter into a real community—centered around coffee, candidates, hiring leaders, entrepreneurs and real connections. Stay tuned. Hope you join me over there.

It’s easy to feel like everything is out of control right now. Politics, DEI debates, tariffs, wars, wildfires—it’s all the headlines are talking about. But here’s the thing: I live in Utah, my 13 year old daughter got braces, my other 2 kids are good and rowdy boys and my wife still loves me while we are building our dream house together. I can’t control all the stuff I hear about in the media.

What I can control?

✅ My health

✅ My family

✅ My community

And honestly, that’s enough.

The Only Thing That Actually Moves the Needle? Real Connections.

I’ve spent the past 35 days at networking events, meeting with hiring managers, candidates, and entrepreneurs. You know what I’ve noticed? People (myself included) are craving connection. Not another surface-level LinkedIn post. Not a forced networking handshake. Actual, real, human connection.

Building a real network—where people actually help each other without keeping score—changes everything. It makes work easier. It creates opportunities. It builds resilience for when the tough stuff hits.

So here’s my plan for the year: focus on what I can control, build a stronger community, and create value for the people around me. If you’re thinking about how to make 2025 a great year for yourself, start here.

How to Make the Next 4 Years Work for You

The next presidential election? The next big economic shift? All of it will play out, whether we like it or not. Instead of getting lost in the noise, here’s what I’m doubling down on:

1️⃣ Invest in Your Health – You can’t control the economy, but you can control how you eat, move, and sleep. Treat your body like it’s going to carry you through the next decade. Because it is.

2️⃣ Strengthen Your Inner Circle – Whether it’s your family, friends, business partners, or coworkers—get clear on who matters. Prioritize those relationships. Make the call, send the text, set the coffee meeting. Right now, I am loving my small but mighty team at Ramp Talent (Nathan, Marian & the Ramp Ambassadors) and Sumato Coffee (Peter & Carson).

3️⃣ Help Without Expecting Anything Back – The best networks aren’t built on favors; they’re built on generosity. If you can help someone—do it. No strings attached. If you focus on giving, the right people will always show up when you need them.

4️⃣ Be Around People Who Are Building – You can sit around and complain, or you can spend time with people who are creating, hiring, starting businesses, and solving problems. Be in the right rooms.

5️⃣ Get Good at Something That Pays – The world is changing fast. AI, automation, new industries. If you don’t have a high-value skill, get one. The best way to create security is to be undeniably useful.

2025 Is Young—Anything Can Happen

We’re 5 weeks into 2025. If you’re stuck, it’s not too late to reset and move forward.

• If you need a job, check out the roles we’re hiring for below.

• If you want stronger connections, show up, reach out, and make yourself available.

• If you love coffee, we’ve got that covered too.

See you soon on Substack.

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

Your dream job isn’t waiting—it’s just a click away. Explore top roles now on Ramp Talent’s job board!

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America 🇺🇸

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

Job News

People are spending more time alone than ever.

I like being alone—early mornings with coffee, no distractions, just me and my thoughts. That’s intentional. But loneliness? That’s different. And according to The Atlantic, more people are feeling it, and it’s changing how we behave and work.

Being alone is a physical state—it can fuel creativity, productivity, or just give you space to think. Being lonely is an emotional state, and it’s not good for anyone.

The Loneliest Place? A Crowded Room.

I’ve been hitting a lot of networking events to kick off the year, and here’s something I’ve noticed: a lot of people feel alone in a room full of people. You can work in an industry for years, know plenty of people, and still feel like no one quite gets what you’re going through.

And guess what? They’re probably feeling the same way.

Next time you’re in that situation, resist the urge to retreat into your phone. Push through the discomfort, make a real connection, and remember—nobody shows up to an event hoping to leave without a conversation.

Candidates Are Alone, Too.

For job seekers, the hiring process can be brutal. Rejection outnumbers wins, and by the time they get to your interview, they might be exhausted, nervous, or under massive pressure to land something—anything.

Recruiters and hiring managers, here’s your job:

✅ Be organized. Respect their time.

✅ Follow up. Silence is worse than a “no.”

✅ Recognize the human side. A little empathy goes a long way.

Candidates are alone enough—don’t let them feel lonely, too.

This world isn’t built for loneliness—it’s built for connection. So get out there, have real conversations, and be the person who makes someone feel seen. You never know what doors that might open.

Now, I’ve had enough alone time this morning. Time to get uncomfortable, make connections, and maybe even help someone land their next job.

P.S. Hat tip to Everlast’s song Lonely Road:

“My back is strong, I carry the load… I walk along the lonely road.”

Good reminder: walking alone can make you stronger—but connection is what keeps us going.

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

Your dream job isn’t waiting—it’s just a click away. Explore top roles now on Ramp Talent’s job board!

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America 🇺🇸

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

Job News

About 45 days ago, I booked a meeting with an old acquaintance—a former customer who used to sing Ramp Talent’s praises. Back in the day, he’d call often and even told me we were the best recruiting firm he’d ever worked with. We delivered, too—placing some BIG revenue generators that helped him crush it at his last company.

But now? Crickets.

I’ve been chasing him for a simple catch-up, and he’s hit me with the corporate equivalent of “I’m busy getting my hair done.” First, it was hunting trips. Then a “work emergency.” Now he’s “too busy” for the next 45 days.

Look, I get it. Life is hectic. But if you’re not interested, just say it. A simple “We don’t need what you’re selling” or “It’s not a priority right now” saves everyone time and keeps the relationship intact.

Stop the String-Along

We’re all guilty of it. How many times have you told someone “Let me think about it” when you really meant “Not happening”? It feels easier in the moment, but it wastes everyone’s time—and burns bridges.

If you’re not interested or too swamped, just say so. Something like:

“This isn’t a priority right now, but I’ll reach out if that changes.”

Honest. Direct. Respectful. And it lets everyone move on. 

Check Your Priorities

This situation got me thinking: what meetings and priorities am I kicking down the road? How many times have I told someone I’d “get to it” without really meaning it?

If something matters to you, you’ll make it happen. Set a deadline, get clear on your reason, and get it done. If you miss the mark, that’s okay—just follow through and move to the next step. Half the battle is showing up and being intentional.

P.S. Newsletter Updates

Speaking of priorities, I’m rethinking the platform for The Deputy. Beehiiv is solid, but it’s got more bells and whistles than I need right now. Stay tuned—more updates coming soon.

Don’t string people along. Be honest, be direct, and be clear about your priorities. It saves time, strengthens relationships, and keeps everyone moving forward.

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

Your dream job isn’t waiting—it’s just a click away. Explore top roles now on Ramp Talent’s job board!

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America 🇺🇸

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

Job News

Over the holidays, I was in Phoenix catching up with an old friend. He arrived at dinner in style—or at least in a very futuristic way—by Waymo, a self-driving car. The catch? It took him longer than a regular Uber or Lyft because Waymo doesn’t hit the highways. Fashionably late, he arrived, and we had a great dinner with a few drinks to celebrate.

When it was time to head home, he ordered another Waymo. The car rolled up, and there it was: his initials, I.T., displayed on top. We walked him to the car, curious to see what the inside looked like. Spoiler alert—it was uneventful. Just the sleek Jaguar design, no driver, no fanfare.

Off he went (slowly and safely), and later, he texted me to say how much he enjoyed the night.

Waymo in Utah? Not Yet. 

In Salt Lake City, self-driving cars haven’t hit the streets. Yet. They are only in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and soon to be in Austin, Atlanta and Miami. Rumor has it, Waymo’s researching a Utah rollout, after seeing it in action, I wouldn’t be surprised. Watching that car do its thing wasn’t wild or crazy—it was emotionless, all business. Just drive.

Why didn’t I try a Waymo myself? Simple. They’re not big enough for my family of five. (Sorry, Waymo, but we’ll need an upgrade.) Maybe next time I’m in a self-driving car town, I’ll give it a spin. Until then, it’s the old-fashioned way for me—with a human behind the wheel.

AI for Recruiting: Stop Multitasking, Start Focusing

Here’s the thing: just like self-driving cars, AI tools for recruiting aren’t as crazy as they sound. We’ve fully embraced AI for notetaking during interviews. It captures the conversation, writes summaries of candidates, and lets us focus on asking better questions without stressing about taking perfect notes.

And yes, we’re transparent about it. AI doesn’t replace us—it enhances what we do. If you’re not using tools to automate repetitive tasks, you’re wasting time and risking someone else doing it better.

AI vs. Humans: A Case for Focus

I’ll admit, I’m skeptical of self-driving cars. But when I see drivers texting or watching videos behind the wheel, I can’t help but think: maybe robots are less distracted than humans.

The same applies to interviews. If you’re too distracted by note-taking or managing logistics, you might miss out on key insights—or worse, hire the wrong person. A good AI tool lets you focus on what matters: the human in front of you.

Self-driving cars and AI tools aren’t the future—they’re the now. Whether it’s getting to dinner or hiring your next rockstar, the key is letting technology handle the busy work so you can focus on the big picture.

P.S. Sure, Waymo’s not perfect—just Google the story about the guy stuck in a never-ending loop around the Phoenix airport because his Waymo wouldn’t stop. But let’s be real: for every Waymo fail, there are plenty of Uber, Lyft, and taxi horror stories to balance the scales. Humans or robots, mistakes happen.

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

Your dream job isn’t waiting—it’s just a click away. Explore top roles now on Ramp Talent’s job board!

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America 🇺🇸

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

Job News

Heads up: National Quitter’s Day is this Friday.

What’s that? It’s the second Friday of January—the day most people officially give up on their New Year’s resolutions. Yep, research from Strava showed that by the 2nd Friday in January, people have thrown in the towel on their “new year, new me” dreams.

Why? Because big goals without small, actionable steps are doomed to fail. Resolutions like “get in shape” or “find a better job” sound great but fall apart without a clear plan. Don’t be another Quitter’s Day stat.

Here’s the Playbook:

• For Job Seekers: Stop making “find a job” your goal. Make it actionable: “Apply to 3 jobs every week” or “message 2 recruiters today.” Momentum > motivation.

• For Hiring Managers: Don’t wait for that “perfect” candidate to fall into your lap. Perfect doesn’t exist. Focus on progress over perfection, and get roles filled with adaptable talent.

Fun Fact: It’s Not Just You

National Quitter’s Day isn’t new. People have been breaking promises to themselves since resolutions started in ancient Babylon. But unlike the Babylonians, who resolved to repay debts or return borrowed goods (relatable), you’ve got modern tools to stay on track—like AI-powered job boards, coffee to fuel your mornings, and newsletters like The Deputy to keep you sharp. Contrarily, you also have a lot of distractions, like that iPhone in your hand.

This Friday, don’t be a quitter. Break your goals into bite-sized pieces, take consistent action, and outlast the stats.

Quit drinking bad coffee and quit making bad hires. Keep getting better.

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

Your dream job isn’t waiting—it’s just a click away. Explore top roles now on Ramp Talent’s job board!

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America 🇺🇸

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

Job News

Stop right there.

2024 is almost in the books—at least for anyone not working retail—and my inbox is overflowing with “New Year, New You” advice and clickbait tips for crushing 2025. Spare me.

Here’s the only advice you need: Build good habits. Drop bad ones. Rinse. Repeat.

It’s easy to coast through December, but easy doesn’t get you anywhere. The people who win aren’t waiting for January 1st to “start fresh.” They’re stacking small wins right now.

Next week is Christmas, and I’m fully aware nobody’s going to read The Deputy if I publish the 75th edition on Thursday, 12/26/24 (the day after Christmas). So I’ve got you for a few minutes right now, and I’m going to make it count.

Here’s Your December Playbook

For the rest of the year, carve out a couple of moments each day to reflect, adjust, and—here’s the key—take action. No, not “plan for 2025” action. I’m talking about doing something that moves you forward today. Action builds momentum, and momentum beats motivation every time.

If you’re job hunting, check out the hot jobs listed below. If you’re looking for great coffee (or want to send someone a thoughtful gift), Sumato Coffee’s got you covered. No fluff, just action.

Real Talk on 2025 Goals

Like you, I’m thinking about next year. I see the LinkedIn posts, the productivity hacks, the “make 2025 your best year yet!” emails—and honestly? It creates a bit of anxiety. It’s a lot of noise.

The best strategy I’ve found?

Tune it out. Focus on being a better adult. Do your work.

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• ⚡️ Filevine - NEW Searches - let’s go

  • Senior Backend Engineer - Remote in the USA. Need to know .NET and C#

  • Senior Site Reliability Engineer - Remote in the USA. Need to know Azure, Python, Powershell and Bash.

  • Full Stack Developer: Onsite in Utah. Node, React and deep curiosity of AI.

  • Senior Product Manager: Need payments experience. Hybrid in SLC or Remote.

  • Product Manager: Will build a billing platform. Hybrid in SLC or Remote.

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Germania Construction: 2 Superintendents (Park City, Utah)

• Westland Construction:

  • Accountant - onsite in Orem, Utah

  • Proposal Coordinator - Hybrid in Orem, Utah

  • Construction Scheduler - Orem, Utah

  • Estimator - Sunny, St. George, Utah

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above - HIRED 1, 1 more to go.

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $72 per hour.

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America 🇺🇸

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

Job News

18 minutes…

The other day I saw something on social media that if you do something for 18 minutes per day, you will be better than most people at that thing.

Basically, it takes 18 minutes to get good at something. You may not be the best at it but 18 minutes per day for one year will equal 109 hours per year. Practicing something for over 100 hours per year is about the amount of practice you need to go from incompetent at something to being one of the good ones at it. Probably not Michael Jordan level but the point is to be consistent. 

Pick 3 things to get good at and do it for 18 minutes per day. Here are a few…

18 minutes of playing the guitar.

18 minutes of learning how to code and then coding.

18 minutes of writing.

18 minutes of cooking.

18 minutes of exercising.

18 minutes of cleaning your house.

18 minutes of socializing.

18 minutes of cold calling.

18 minutes of practicing interviewing.

18 minutes of reading.

18 minutes of anything…

But be careful because 18 minutes of the wrong things can create crap in your life that you don’t need. 

It adds up. I am no self help specialist but doing anything besides watching Netflix shows is hard and the question you have to ask yourself is how much pain are you willing to endure? 

The New Year is coming and it’s time to look at those goals. Whatever you choose to focus on, do it for 18 minutes per day.

PS - I spent 18 minutes writing this newsletter today. Well, maybe a little more than 18 minutes but you get the point.

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• ⚡️ Filevine - NEW Search - let’s go

  • Senior Backend Engineer - Remote in the USA. Need to know .NET and C#

  • Senior Site Reliability Engineer - Remote in the USA. Need to know Azure, Python, Powershell and Bash.

  • Full Stack Developer: Onsite in Utah. Node, React and deep curiosity of AI.

  • Senior Product Manager: Need payments experience. Hybrid in SLC or Remote.

  • Product Manager: Will build a billing platform. Hybrid in SLC or Remote.

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Germania Construction: 2 Superintendents (Park City, Utah)

• Westland Construction:

  • Accountant - onsite in Orem, Utah

  • Proposal Coordinator - Hybrid in Orem, Utah

• VP/Chief Sales Officer - coming soon….

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above - HIRED 1, 1 more to go.

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $48 per hour.

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Embracing Change: Lessons From a Career Pivot

A few years ago, I was caught in the middle of a big reorganization at a big company: Pepsi Cola. Life was going smoothly, until a phone call from the top boss in Dallas flipped the script. Suddenly, I had a new manager.

The news hit me hard. My first instinct was to quit, pack up, and pursue something—anything—different. But after some reflection, I decided to buckle down and create a plan to impress my new boss. This strategy worked for a while. Then came another curveball: I was asked to relocate, this time to Oklahoma.

Now, living in Arkansas was already a stretch for me, so moving to Oklahoma felt like too much. I decided to walk away, taking a new opportunity in San Diego instead.

Looking back, I wonder if I should have stuck it out a bit longer—or even taken the job in Oklahoma. Life inside big corporations is never easy. Most employees are far removed from the executive decision-making process, which can lead to frustration and impatience. It’s easy to feel sidelined and start looking for an exit.

Just the other day, I spoke to a candidate in a similar situation. She was frustrated by some organizational changes at her company. While her concerns seemed valid on the surface, they were largely internalized—imaginary monsters, conjured by fear and uncertainty.

In her case, the new CEO hasn’t even finalized or announced any significant changes, yet she’s already panicking. This kind of overreaction is common, but it’s also avoidable. The strongest professionals adapt to change instead of running from it.

The Power of Adaptability

If you’re working for a company going through big changes, here’s my advice: deal with it. Adaptability is one of the most valuable traits you can develop, especially in today’s ever-shifting professional landscape.

Reflecting on my own career, I realize that resilience is key. Sure, I could have stayed in Arkansas a bit longer or taken the job in Oklahoma. But every career pivot is a lesson in adaptability. These experiences teach us to stay patient, face challenges head-on, and build mental toughness.

A Word to Readers

For those of you who have been following The Deputy for the past year, thank you for your attention. Writing a newsletter and delivering content worth reading is no small feat, but it’s been an incredible journey. Staying sharp, sharing insights, and learning along the way are what keep me going.

The Bottom Line

Adapting to change isn’t optional—it’s survival. Whether you’re navigating a reorg, considering a new job, or simply dealing with daily uncertainty, remember this: you need to move faster than you think you can and get more comfortable with change.

ps - find a search firm you like and work with them…

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Fresh website, fresh roast and a new Single Origin called the Founder. Use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America & Beyond.

Coffee Options

Our line of premium coffee beans comes from our elite Salt Lake City roaster. Shipped within 48 hours.

sumatocoffee.com/collections/coffee

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• ⚡️ Filevine - NEW Search - let’s go

  • Senior Backend Engineer - Remote in the USA. Need to know .NET and C#

  • Fullstack Developer- Onsite in SLC, Utah. Node, React and a keen interest in building with AI.

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• Westland Construction:

  • Accountant - onsite in Orem, Utah

  • Proposal Coordinator - Hybrid in Orem, Utah

  • Scheduler and Estimator

• Germania Construction: 2 Superintendents (Park City, Utah)

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above - HIRED 1, 1 more to go.

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $48 per hour.

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America 🇺🇸

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

In today’s email:

• Job News:  From Pepsi to FAANG: The Changing Obsession with Big-Name Employers

• Overheard at coffee:  Forget Toys—Give the Gift of College

• Trending AI News: AI Ad for Coca Cola goes flat

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Don’t Skip the Chain of Command in Hiring ❌

Job News

Back in 1999, if you wanted to build a career, companies like Pepsi, GE, Procter & Gamble, and Honeywell were the gold standard. I had solid stints at Pepsi and Honeywell myself, and while I learned a lot, I couldn’t help but wonder: why were recruiters so obsessed with these corporate giants?

Fast forward to today, and the obsession has shifted to tech titans like Google and Microsoft. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every client who asked us to poach talent from FAANG, I’d be a little richer (and maybe drinking better coffee).

If you’re hiring in the AI space, Microsoft is the place to watch. Whether it’s Azure expertise or cutting-edge generative AI projects, their people are leading the charge. If that sounds like your dream hire—or if you are that person—let’s talk. We’ve got killer engineering opportunities that could be the perfect fit.

One thing I learned during my Pepsi and Honeywell days is that big companies build cultures so strong they almost feel cult-like. Case in point: I once had to give a verbal warning to an employee at Pepsi—for drinking Coke on the job. Yeah, you read that right. And while tech might be more relaxed, I’d bet it still raises eyebrows if you walk into a Microsoft meeting flaunting all Apple gear.

Whether it’s old-school giants or today’s tech leaders, some companies just know how to cultivate loyalty—and that attracts recruiters like moths to a flame. The real question? Are you hiring for skills, culture fit, or the company name on the resume?

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Looking for a gift that actually makes a difference? Skip the overstuffed toy bins and check out Gift of College. Whether it’s helping someone save for college or tackling student loan debt, this gift hits where it matters most.

It’s perfect for:

• Students: Help them stack up college savings instead of another unnecessary gadget.

• Adults buried in student loans: A thoughtful way to lighten the load.

And here’s the kicker: more employers are hopping on the bandwagon, offering Gift of College as a benefit to their teams. It works at any accredited college and is way better than giving another gift that collects dust.

This holiday season, give something meaningful—because a brighter future beats another toy truck any day.

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀 People do not get excited about an AI driven ad for Coca Cola. Fans say they nailed the execution but missed the emotion.

See for yourself - does the ad below make you want to sip on a Coke?

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• ⚡️ Filevine - NEW Search - let’s go

  • Senior Backend Engineer - Remote in the USA. Need to know .NET and C#

  • Senior Site Reliability Engineer - Remote in the USA. Need to know Azure, Python, Powershell and Bash.

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• Westland Construction:

  • Accountant - onsite in Orem, Utah

  • Proposal Coordinator - Hybrid in Orem, Utah

• VP/Chief Sales Officer - coming soon….

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above - HIRED 1, 1 more to go.

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $48 per hour.

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

In today’s email:

• Job News:  Takeda’s Big IT Breakup: No More “IT Departments”

• Overheard at coffee: Salesforce Bets Big on AI (While Others Slash Jobs)

• Trending AI News: Generative AI: A Tug-of-War in the Executive Ranks

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Your Social Media Posts Might Cost You the Job ❌

Job News

When Gabriele Ricci stepped into his role as Chief Data and Technology Officer at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, he did something radical: he axed the term “IT department.”

Why? Because Ricci doesn’t see technology as a back-office support system. “We don’t use the word IT anymore,” he says. “We truly believe our function is a business function.”

It’s not just semantics—Takeda has restructured its entire tech operation under Ricci’s leadership. Reporting directly to the CEO (instead of the CFO like his predecessor), Ricci positioned technology as a strategic player in the C-suite, ensuring it drives business outcomes.

Goodbye Contractors, Hello Digital Factories

Three years ago, Takeda outsourced 80% of its tech needs. Ricci flipped the script, hiring thousands of engineers, data scientists, and architects and planting them in “digital factories” in India, Mexico, and Slovakia. These hubs co-develop tech solutions with Takeda’s business functions, creating what Ricci calls a “scientific and digital pipeline in symbiosis.”

Translation? Tech isn’t a separate entity anymore—it’s embedded in the core of Takeda’s business.

Invest or Risk Obsolescence

Pharma isn’t what it used to be. Rising costs, macroeconomic instability, and sky-high customer expectations have created a perfect storm. Ricci’s advice? Innovate or die.

“If you’re not investing now in digital transformation, you risk your existence,” he warns.

That’s why Takeda has gone all-in on upskilling, offering training on everything from AI to new tech tools. Over half of its employees have taken courses (available in 100+ languages), and generative AI is front and center.

AI Gets Personal: Meet myAibou

Takeda’s generative AI chatbot, myAibou (Japanese for “companion”), is already helping 24,000 employees with content creation, summarizing, and other tedious tasks. But that’s just the tip of the AI iceberg.

From R&D to supply chain, Takeda is using AI models from heavyweights like Microsoft, OpenAI, and AWS, while also building proprietary tools for areas where it wants a competitive edge. Ricci calls this a “mix-and-match” approach, using specialized models for specific needs—like combining text generation, image processing, and multi-dataset analysis.

His mantra? “There’s not a model that fits all.” The secret sauce lies in orchestrating multiple models to achieve precision and innovation.

The Deputy Take

Takeda’s reinvention is a masterclass in making tech a business driver, not a support act. By embedding technology into its DNA, the company is positioning itself to thrive in an increasingly volatile industry.

For companies stuck in IT silos or dragging their feet on AI, here’s the message: evolve now, or risk becoming irrelevant. And maybe, just maybe, stop calling it “IT.”

Stay innovative.

Overheard at coffee ☕️

In a year when tech giants like Apple, Google, and SAP have shed thousands of jobs to realign for an AI-driven world, Salesforce is flipping the script. The business software heavyweight just announced plans to hire over 1,000 employees to push its generative AI agent strategy.

Why the bold move? Salesforce is betting big on AI tools that can handle tasks like customer support and sales development—all with minimal human input. These hires are part of a broader play to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-powered solutions, positioning Salesforce as a leader in this transformative space.

While layoffs dominate the headlines, this staffing surge shows where the market is headed. AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s becoming a core business driver. Salesforce is banking on this momentum to future-proof its strategy.

The takeaway? If you’re a professional with AI skills—or even just curious—it might be time to pivot. Because the future of work isn’t just automated; it’s AI-enabled.

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀 Generative AI might be the hottest tech topic of the decade, but not everyone in the executive suite is on the same page. A study by Publicis Sapient highlights a split between the C-suite and the V-suite (VPs, SVPs, and other near-the-top execs) when it comes to AI’s potential and risks.

Here’s the breakdown:

• The C-suite: Over half see generative AI as a game-changer for customer service, sales, and marketing. But they’re also more cautious—51% rank AI’s risks and ethical concerns above other emerging tech.

• The V-suite: They’re less hyped about AI for customer-facing roles but are all-in on its potential to revolutionize operations, HR, and finance. Ethical worries? Only 23% are sweating it compared to their bosses upstairs.

The tension boils down to perspective. The C-suite is eyeing the big picture—balancing innovation with reputation. The V-suite, closer to the grind, sees AI as the efficiency booster their departments need yesterday.

For companies diving into generative AI, the lesson is clear: get your leadership aligned. Miscommunication between these layers could stall progress—or worse, create gaps in your strategy.

Stay ahead.

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• Westland Construction:

  • Accountant - onsite in Orem, Utah

  • Proposal Coordinator - Hybrid in Orem, Utah

• VP/Chief Sales Officer - coming soon….

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above - HIRED 1, 1 more to go.

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $48 per hour.

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• Senior Software Engineer (Node.js, Typescript)

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

In today’s email:

• Job News: 1 in 3 recruiters report interviewing fraudulent candidates

• Overheard at coffee: Think twice before you unleash your AI Recruiter

• Trending AI News: The next hot robotics company will do your laundry

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Pizza Hut will print your resume on a box and send it to an employer ❌

Job News

The other day, I had lunch with a top-notch AI technical candidate who told me she never applies to jobs that have been open for a few days with 100+ applicants. Why? She knows the breakdown: about 20 are unqualified, 30 are outright fakes, and the remaining 50 are already in the pipeline. In her words, it’s a waste of time to try cutting through the noise to reach the hiring manager, so she’s mastered ways to sidestep the ATS and land interviews.

It’s a sad truth. Legit candidates are getting tangled up in a sea of frauds—applicants who intend to juggle multiple jobs, others who outsource the work, and the lucky ones who score multiple offers by gaming the system. Recruiters are left sifting through fake applicants, some of whom actually make it to final rounds and even get hired.

For real candidates, this is a nightmare. You’re not just competing against equally qualified people—you’re up against fake candidates, too. And here’s the kicker: 1 in 3 recruiters report interviewing a fraudulent candidate. The more I talk to recruiters and hiring managers, the clearer it becomes that few companies are prepared to keep out fakes. This wastes valuable time and puts legitimate candidates at a disadvantage.

At Ramp Talent, we’re getting savvy about vetting candidates, starting with verification of email addresses and phone numbers. If you’re the real deal, this won’t slow you down one bit. But if you’re fake? Well … good luck.

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Last week, I wrote about Chipotle’s new AI recruiter, Ava Cado. Well, turns out, some candidates aren’t exactly thrilled to chat with a bot. Companies might want to think twice and prep their internal recruiters on how to sell AI to candidates—because not everyone is buying it.

Case in point: Paloma Canseco recently shared on LinkedIn how her interview with an AI recruiter went down. Spoiler alert—she hung up.

Oh, and if you’re looking for a graphic designer, give Paloma a call.

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀 Just in time for Christmas, AI startup Physical Intelligence has secured $400 million in funding, led by Jeff Bezos and OpenAI, valuing the company at $2 billion.

Yes, another competitor emerges in the robot sector, but this one claims to handle all the mundane tasks you dread. Keep your mind out of the gutter, though. It’s designed to do the laundry, make coffee, fold clothes, or clean up a table.

This product isn’t mainstream yet, but if a robot can vacuum your house (i.e., Roomba), what else can they do?

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• Westland Construction:

  • Accountant - onsite in Orem, Utah

  • Proposal Coordinator - Hybrid in Orem, Utah

• VP/Chief Sales Officer - coming soon….

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above - HIRED 1, 1 more to go.

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $48 per hour.

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• Senior Software Engineer (Node.js, Typescript)

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

In today’s email:

• Job News: 5 tips for Sniffing Out Fake Candidates Faster Than a Bloodhound on Espresso

• Overheard at coffee: How long does it take for someone to notice a missing coworker?

• Trending AI News: Chipotle is rolling out an AI Recruiter

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Fake Candidates, Fake Jobs ❌

Job News

As if screening out candidates with a lot of acronyms on their resumes wasn’t hard enough. Now you need to screen out fake candidates. Below are 5 Tips for Sniffing Out Fake Candidates Faster Than a Bloodhound on Espresso.

1. “LinkedIn Ghosting” 🕵️‍♂️

Listen up, LinkedIn is your best friend here. Real candidates have a pulse on LinkedIn—they don’t pop up with a profile last updated in the Stone Age or come with ten thousand “connections” but zero posts. If you’re getting a ghost town vibe from their profile, dig deeper.

2. “The Parrot Trick” 🦜

Fake candidates parrot buzzwords like they’ve swallowed a thesaurus of tech jargon. Pro tip: throw a question that demands specifics, like, “Explain how you’ve actually used Kubernetes in real life.” Watch out for hesitation or robotic responses that make ChatGPT look warm and fuzzy. If they start parroting without detail? Boom. Faker alert.

3. “The Resume Clone Test” 🧬

If you’ve seen their resume before, you probably have. Resume clones are a fake candidate’s bread and butter. Look for recycled phrases, suspiciously vague accomplishments, or skills that sound just like the last two candidates. These “copy-paste pros” barely bother to switch up font size.

4. “Get ’Em on Video” 📹

Nothing outs a faker like a real-time video call. Watch for the dodgy lighting, bad connection excuses, or webcam malfunctions. Pro-level fake candidates avoid live chat like it’s a Friday night party they didn’t want to attend. If they make it weird, they’re probably not who they say they are.

5. “The Skills Gauntlet” 🎮

Give ’em a test. Fake candidates usually have zero interest in proving themselves; they’re just here for the ride. Send over a small skill test—nothing too intensive, just enough to see if they can walk the talk. If they go MIA or suddenly “have to reschedule,” you’ve nailed them.

But here’s the real deal, folks: I am just getting started. I have been diving into software and AI that could help us weed out fakers before they even make it into the interview queue. Think of it as a lie detector for resumes—no more LinkedIn ghost-hunting or parrot-spotting, just real candidates from the get-go. 

Stay tuned.

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

How long does it take for someone to notice a missing coworker? Apparently… about four days.

In a sadly surprising turn of events, Wells Fargo employee Denise Prudehomme, 60, was found at her desk in Tempe, Arizona, four days after last clocking in. Denise’s desk was in a quieter section of the third floor, and it was there she passed from sudden cardiac death, with police reporting no signs of foul play.

While this isn’t the kind of news that brings a smile, it’s a reminder of the importance of looking out for each other, especially at work. Rest in peace, Denise.

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀 Just in time for Chipotle’s Halloween BOOrito… meet Ava Cado! 🥑👻

Yep, Chipotle has teamed up with Paradox AI to roll out their latest hire: Ava Cado, the AI recruiter claiming to make hiring 75% faster. This bot screens candidates, schedules interviews, and even sends out offer letters. And yes, guacamole is still extra.

So, if you’re worried about being replaced by AI—fear not! But you might want to worry about being replaced by someone who knows how to work with it.

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• VP/Chief Sales Officer - coming soon….

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above - HIRED 1, 1 more to go.

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $48 per hour.

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• Senior Software Engineer (Node.js, Typescript)

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️

Premium coffee beans to your home or office 📲

In today’s email:

• Job News: People are too busy to respond to your emails, show up in person to make things happen

• Overheard at coffee: Young Americans are Going Country!

• Trending AI News: How to write with AI without sounding like AI

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Fake candidates just keep coming in ❌

Job News

The other day, we went onsite to a client, and guess what? We found a ton of low-hanging fruit, handled it in no time, and realized something huge: most of the problems we worry about behind a computer screen are straight-up imaginary.

Here’s the deal—sitting behind your laptop, you start spinning wild stories in your head about everything that’s “wrong” with a client. But one quick in-person visit? Suddenly, things make sense. Turns out, the hiring manager didn’t ghost you because he’s uninterested—he just missed your email because he was out deer hunting. Yeah, that’ll never show up in a subject line. Meanwhile, another manager forgot to pass on interview times because he’s worried about his own job. And then, the cherry on top? A raw, unfiltered convo with the COO about the hires you made.

Lesson learned: people are busy, living in their own worlds, and they won’t make time for you unless you make the time. Emails and transactional meetings only scratch the surface. If you want the real scoop, get out of your comfort zone, show up in person, and dig into what’s actually happening.

Whether you’re an internal or external recruiter, take the leap. Go meet those hiring managers face-to-face. Listen, adapt, and watch your results transform.

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Gone country! Young Americans are ditching big cities for small towns and rural life, a trend sparked by the pandemic and still going strong in 2024. A University of Virginia study shows adults aged 25 to 44 are reversing decades of urbanization, driving population growth in quieter spots.

Why the shift? Remote work, sky-high city costs, and affordable housing. San Francisco’s $1.3 million price tag on homes? No thanks. Folks are opting for places like Jefferson, Georgia, where houses average $410K (thanks, Zillow). Even with some companies reining in remote work, about 20% to 25% of jobs are still location-flexible, according to Goldman Sachs.

It’s not just about saving cash—people are craving space, nature, and new entrepreneurial ventures. This migration is giving rural America a boost, with areas seeing small population gains and new business opportunities popping up. Some rural counties may still be losing people, but those near cities or with outdoor appeal are thriving from this influx, reshaping local economies and housing markets.

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀 If you want to learn how to write with AI without sounding like AI, checkout what Cezary has done on his medium blog post. At Ramp Talent, We use AI a lot but it’s more than a tool for generating content. We use AI in the creative process to deepen our connection and meaning for the work we are doing. 

If you are curious about how to make AI more meaningful to you, I invite you to try it for yourself and make your own work better.

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• VP/Chief Sales Officer - coming soon….

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above - HIRED 1, 1 more to go.

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $48 per hour.

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• Senior Software Engineer (Node.js, Typescript)

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

In today’s email:

• Job News: The 2017 Top 50 Startups to Watch: Lessons from Success and Failure

• Overheard at coffee: 10.2 million U.S. “digital nomads” out there

• Trending AI News: Google eyes nuclear for AI growth

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Fake candidates are a thing now ❌

Job News

The 2017 Top 50 Startups to Watch: Lessons from Success and Failure

In 2017, LinkedIn introduced its Top 50 Startups to Watch list, highlighting the rising stars in various industries. Many of these companies, like Airbnb, Uber and Slack, have captured the imagination of entrepreneurs and job seekers alike. These high-flyers receive the bulk of attention, inspiring admiration for their innovative products and rapid growth. But while we all cheer for the Airbnbs of the world, there’s often little focus on the other side of the coin—the startups that stumble and fail. And yet, it’s in these failures that the most valuable lessons lie.

Failure is an intrinsic part of the startup ecosystem. Not every company will become the next unicorn, and the reality is that most won’t. For every success story, there are countless others that never quite make it. Startups like WeWork and Katerra are reminders that no amount of funding or hype can replace the need for a sustainable business model and the ability to adapt in changing markets.

WeWork, once worth $47 billion, is a prime example of what happens when a company grows too fast, prioritizing expansion over operational stability. Similarly, Katerra sought to revolutionize construction but overreached, leading to its eventual bankruptcy. Both of these companies had brilliant ideas, but they failed to execute on a sustainable model, which highlights the importance of balancing ambition with pragmatism.

Learning from Failure: The Untold Story

While the success stories inspire, the failures often provide more actionable insights. Research shows that around 90% of startups fail. The most common reasons include poor product-market fit, lack of funding, and management missteps. Even for the startups that do succeed, it can take 3 to 5 years to turn a profit, and the path is rarely a straight line.

Statistics reveal that of all startups:

• 20% fail within the first year.

• 50% fail by the fifth year.

• By the 10-year mark, only about 30% of startups are still in business.

The numbers may seem daunting, but they underline a critical truth: resilience and adaptability are as important as innovation. The ability to learn from missteps—whether it’s scaling too quickly like WeWork or losing focus on profitability like Katerra—can often determine whether a startup thrives or folds.

Focusing on Sustainability, Not Just Speed

For startups that wish to succeed, the lessons from these failures are clear: sustainability and long-term profitability must be part of the plan from day one. In the rush to scale and capture market share, it’s easy to lose sight of the fundamentals—ensuring a product meets a real need, managing cash flow, and building a business that can withstand industry shifts.

The spotlight may shine brightest on the unicorns like Airbnb and Slack, but the startups that quietly learn from their mistakes—and the mistakes of others—are often the ones that find long-term success. Instead of focusing only on rapid growth, these companies build solid foundations, ensuring they can endure the challenges of an ever-competitive market.

In the end, business success is a marathon, not a sprint, and every entrepreneur should balance ambition with the adaptability to pivot when needed. Learning from the cautionary tales of failed startups can be just as valuable—if not more so—than chasing the next headline-grabbing success.

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

There are about 10.2 million U.S. “digital nomads” out there—those brave souls who said goodbye to the cubicle and hello to a passport, working remotely while hopping from country to country. And guess who’s leading the charge? Millennials, making up 38% of the crew. So next time you see someone typing away on a laptop at a beach café in Bali, odds are they’re part of this ever-growing nomad nation. Because why settle for an office when you can have Wi-Fi and a killer sunset?

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀 Go West … and go nuclear! Google just inked a deal with nuclear company Kairos Power to help power its ever-expanding data center empire. As tech giants grapple with the energy-guzzling needs of AI and cloud computing, many are turning to nuclear power to keep the lights—and servers—on.

Kairos Power’s Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are the new kids on the nuclear block, offering scalable and (dare we say) more affordable energy solutions. Google expects the first reactors to start cranking out power by 2030, with a solid 500 megawatts ready to feed the grid.

Why the rush to nuclear? Data centers, especially in the power-hungry Western U.S., are putting a serious strain on the electrical grid. According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, these centers need an insane amount of juice to run and cool their servers. And with extreme weather and energy supply chain issues thrown into the mix, it’s becoming a hot mess. Oregon alone has over 100 data centers, with the likes of Amazon, Apple, and Google all plotting their next energy-hungry expansion.

In short: tech’s energy demand is skyrocketing, and it looks like nuclear is becoming the superhero to save the day.

real estate is a key factor within the AI value chain

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above - HIRED 1, 1 more to go.

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $48 per hour.

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• Senior Software Engineer (Node.js, Typescript)

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

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RAG in just a few lines of code? We’ve launched a predefined RAG tool on our developer platform, making it easy to bring your data into a Knowledge Graph and interact with it with AI. With a single API call, writer LLMs will intelligently call the RAG tool to chat with your data.

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Learn more about our production ready RAG tooling here.

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In today’s email:

• Job News: LinkedIn's annual Top 50 Startups list

• Overheard at coffee: Rio Tinto is diving headfirst into the lithium pool, with $6.7B

• Trending AI News: AI legends Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield just nabbed the 2024 Nobel Prize

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Keeping a failure journal❌

Job News

Introducing LinkedIn's annual Top Startups list, where they spotlight 50 up-and-coming U.S. companies you should have on your radar right now. These aren’t just fast-growing, buzzworthy businesses—they’re the future shapers. Whether they're using generative AI to make lawyers sweat by automating legal work or creating next-gen maternity clinics that make you wonder how humanity survived the old ones, these startups are setting trends.

So, how does LinkedIn pick these rising stars? Well, it’s not just a popularity contest. They pull from exclusive data across four key areas: employee growth (because who doesn’t love hiring?), jobseeker interest (hello, talent!), internal engagement (because happy employees make the magic happen), and their ability to snag talent from Top Companies (the startup world’s version of stealing second base).

To make the cut, a company needs to be based in the U.S., fully independent, privately held, have at least 50 full-time employees, and still be young enough to claim it’s under five years old. If that sounds like your dream company—or future dream employer—you can dive deeper into the methodology at the end of the article.

Without further ado, here are the 50 Top Startups making waves this year. And hey, don’t just lurk—join the convo using #LinkedInTopStartups!

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Rio Tinto is diving headfirst into the lithium pool, dropping a casual $6.7 billion to scoop up Arcadium Lithium. This power move rockets Rio into the top three lithium miners globally, with sites spanning the U.S., Argentina, Australia, and Canada. Their clientele? Oh, just a few small names like Tesla, General Motors, and BMW—no big deal, right?

Now, if you're wondering where else you might find lithium (besides the inside of your next Tesla), it's that key ingredient keeping your phone alive when you've been scrolling for hours or when your electric toothbrush hits turbo mode. From the battery in your smartwatch to the powerpack of an e-bike zipping down your street—lithium is everywhere. Heck, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even find traces of it in your drinking water.

Sure, the lithium market is currently a bit bloated—think of it like your kitchen pantry after a Costco run—but Rio Tinto’s CEO, Jakob Stausholm, is feeling confident. He’s betting that by the end of the decade, with everyone trying to “go green,” we’ll have a serious lithium shortage. So, who knows? By 2030, that old iPhone in your drawer might be worth more than you think!

ps - does anyone remember the lithium song by Nirvana? Give it a rewind - great tune!

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀 AI legends Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield just nabbed the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for their game-changing work in machine learning and neural networks—the stuff powering today’s AI explosion.

The scoop: Hinton, aka ‘The Godfather of AI,’ co-created a way for neural networks to learn from their mistakes, laying the groundwork for today’s AI models. Meanwhile, 91-year-old Hopfield (still teaching at Princeton!) developed a brain-inspired memory model back in 1982.

But here’s the twist: Hinton, who left Google in 2023, is now one of the loudest voices warning us about AI’s dangers. At the award ceremony, he didn’t hold back, saying his research might lead to ‘systems more intelligent than us eventually taking control.’ Yikes.

The takeaway? These AI pioneers helped build the future, but they’re not exactly thrilled about where it might be heading—especially Hinton, who’s now a vocal advocate for more AI regulation before it’s too late.

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - HIRED!

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $170K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based - HIRED!!

  • NEW ROLE → Laser Technicians (will pay for relocation to Park City): $38 to $48 per hour.

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 🔥New role → General Manager/Warehouse Manager at Growth Stage Cannabis company (must be based in California) - HIRED!

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• Senior Software Engineer (Node.js, Typescript)

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

Writer RAG tool: build production-ready RAG apps in minutes

RAG in just a few lines of code? We’ve launched a predefined RAG tool on our developer platform, making it easy to bring your data into a Knowledge Graph and interact with it with AI. With a single API call, writer LLMs will intelligently call the RAG tool to chat with your data.

Integrated into Writer’s full-stack platform, it eliminates the need for complex vendor RAG setups, making it quick to build scalable, highly accurate AI workflows just by passing a graph ID of your data as a parameter to your RAG tool.

Learn more about our production ready RAG tooling here.

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️

In today’s email:

• Job News: Hiring Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated: Keep It Simple, Not Easy

• Overheard at coffee: 7 Seconds: That’s All You Get

• Trending AI News: Cerebras Systems Takes on NVIDIA in the AI Chip Race

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Microsoft and Amazon's RTO Policies: A Tale of Two Approaches ❌

Job News

The other day, we hired a candidate who was right in the salary range for the role and eager to make a move. He wanted to grow his career, sell products in a booming industry, and earn more while doing it. He had a clear vision for what he wanted and a track record of success to back it up.

This experience reminded me that hiring often gets overcomplicated. We bog ourselves down with "gotcha" questions and over-engineered assessments. In this case, we kept it straightforward. A few interviews to dive deeper into his experience, some reference checks to verify his qualifications and ability to hit quotas, and it was time for an offer.

Simple? Yes. Easy? Not quite.

What many hiring managers don’t see is the legwork behind the scenes. We sifted through hundreds of resumes and conducted dozens of interviews just to find that one candidate. If hiring looks easy, it’s because we're working hard to make it easier for the managers and interview panels. That’s the goal: knowing what the candidate brings to the table and what the hiring manager is looking for.

The key is meeting both the candidate and the hiring manager where they are. Don’t come in with all the answers—come in with the right questions.

We’re currently looking for top talent for the following roles:

• General Managers for a remote location in Woodlake, California (relocation covered).

• Senior Backend Engineers (Python, Django, AWS) for a fast-growing health-tech company.

• Senior Account Managers in Park City, Utah—no cap on commission.

• Director of Sales for a hospitality company in Brooklyn, New York.

More exciting roles are coming soon!

We’re constantly exploring new technology and tools to make the hiring process smoother and smarter—for both candidates and clients. When you find the right candidate, take the time to learn their dreams and motivations—and then make the offer.

Alright, back to work.

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

7 Seconds. That’s all you get.

According to Indeed, the average recruiter or hiring manager spends just 7 seconds reviewing a resume. When hundreds of applications pour in, it’s easy to see why. Instead of deep dives, recruiters rely on quick scans to sift through the noise.

Just the other day, we spotted a typo on the resume of an executive candidate—an Ivy League grad, no less—that had slipped through the cracks. It's a reminder that even polished resumes can miss the mark. 

But here's the real takeaway: while a good resume is important, it’s not your golden ticket. Networking with the right people is what will really move the needle in your job search. If you can craft a resume that holds attention longer than 7 seconds, you’re already ahead of the game. 

But don’t stop there—get out there and connect with the people who can help you land your next big opportunity.

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀 Cerebras Systems, an AI chip designer backed by tech visionary Sam Altman, has officially filed for an IPO on the Nasdaq under the ticker CBRS. Their mission? To challenge industry giant NVIDIA in the competitive AI chip market. Cerebras specializes in designing cutting-edge processors and systems for AI training and inference, as well as developing software for AI supercomputers.

Interestingly, while companies like Cerebras push AI technology forward, many American schools still restrict students from using AI tools—even as their teachers rely on them.

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - on-site in Utah - will pay for relocation

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $130K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 🔥New role → General Manager/Warehouse Manager at Growth Stage Cannabis company (must be based in California)

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• Senior Software Engineer (Node.js, Typescript)

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

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Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️

In today’s email:

• Job News: The Secret to hiring

• Overheard at coffee: Did You Know Texas is Farm Central?

• Trending AI News: Just in time for the elections - meet Factbot by Slopes

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Relocation Assistance: It’s More Than Just a Line in the Offer Letter ❌

Job News

The Secret to Hiring: It’s Not as Easy as You Think

Let’s be real: hiring is hard. It's not just about finding someone with the right skills. It’s about navigating a maze of expectations, budgets, and sometimes, pure guesswork. 

Here’s what hiring often feels like:

- Decoding what the hiring manager says they want versus what they really need.

- Budget juggling—figuring out how to find top talent when the salary range is less than inspiring.

- Selling the company—sometimes even talking yourself into believing it’s as great as you're pitching it.

- And after all that? You might discover the candidate’s references are a disaster, and you’re back to square one.

We've helped companies hire hundreds of people—from rockstars to some definite missteps. Through those experiences, we’ve developed a framework that cuts through the noise and gets to what really matters in hiring.

Step 1: Know Who You’re Hiring For

Hiring a VP of Sales? That's a world away from hiring a VP of Engineering. And filling the shoes of a CEO? Entirely different from finding the next CFO. The key here is understanding the hiring manager’s goals and pain points. 

- VP of Sales: They want people who hit quotas—period. Most reps don’t, so finding that top performer is critical.

- VP of Engineering: Many engineers can build, but how many can communicate their work to customers or executives? They need someone who can bridge that gap.

- CEO: It’s all about the bottom line. Can this candidate make money or save time/money? Sounds simple, but people like this are rare.

Step 2: Solve a Problem, Not Just Fill a Role

Every hiring manager is trying to solve a problem. It’s not about filling a seat, it’s about finding someone who will tackle their biggest headaches. Your job is to uncover what that is and present candidates who can fix it.

Step 3: Cast a Wide Net

You won’t find great talent by sitting back and waiting for them to come to you. It’s time to hustle. 

- Email outreach, social media (hello, LinkedIn), sourcing tools, and yes, cold calls—use them all.

- Ask for referrals, spread your net far and wide.

- Embrace AI to personalize your messaging and get in front of the right people faster.

This part is not glamorous. It's grinding work. But the more effort you put in, the more qualified candidates you'll uncover. It’s a numbers game and a skill game combined.

The Tough Truth: Hiring Is Never Easy

Let’s stop pretending hiring is easy. It’s not. But when you focus on the right activities, you’ll get closer to finding the right people. And once you do, it gets easier to spot talent for future roles.

Find joy in the challenge—whether it’s in the search, the interviews, or the excitement of closing a great candidate. Maybe it's helping someone land their dream job, or watching a hiring manager light up when you bring them the perfect fit.

Will It Be Hard? Yes. Will It Work? Yes.

The key to success in hiring is accepting that it will likely be harder than you think. Embrace that challenge, and you’ll start seeing results. 

If hiring were easy, everyone would be doing it well. But here’s the upside: the harder it is, the more rewarding it becomes when you get it right.

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Did You Know Texas is Farm Central?

Man, Texas is farm country—big time. With 231,000 farms, it holds the crown as the U.S. state with the most farms by a landslide. To put that into perspective, Missouri, the runner-up, has a mere 88,000 farms. That’s nearly three times fewer! 

Just imagine all the land, crops, and livestock. Yet, despite all that farming power, here’s a fun fact: almost all the coffee you’re drinking comes from Colombia or Brazil. Why? Because the U.S. barely produces any of it. Looks like Texas might have the cattle, but not the caffeine!

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀  Just in Time for Elections: Meet Factbot by Slopes

Tired of the wild urban legends, misinformation, and those out there stories your neighbor keeps telling you? Well, now there’s Factbot by Slopes—your go-to fact-checking tool just in time for election season. Whether it's debunking myths, sorting out fake news, or cutting through the noise of those "crazy" stories, Factbot's got you covered. 

Stay informed, stay sharp, and keep your conversations grounded in reality!

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - on-site in Utah - will pay for relocation

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $130K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 🔥New role → General Manager/Warehouse Manager at Growth Stage Cannabis company (must be based in California)

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• 🔥 2 NEW ROLES with Affiniti: Remote based Canada roles

  • Senior Software Engineer: Backend (Node.js and Express.js) and Frontend (Next.js and React.js)

  • Staff Software Engineer

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

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In today’s email:

• Job News: Reference Checks: The Layup You Can’t Afford to Miss

• Overheard at coffee: Want to Lay People Off Without the Drama? Just Call Them Back to the Office.

• Trending AI News: Snap’s $1188 new 5th Generation spectacles

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: Family Business Drama? Just Ask the Murdochs. ❌

Job News

Reference Checks: The Layup You Can’t Afford to Miss

We all know the drill. By the time you’re getting ready for reference checks, the job offer feels like a layup—easy, straightforward, practically a done deal. But just like with a real layup, you still have to make the shot. Miss it, and you’re not getting those two easy points. The same goes for reference checks: skip them, and you might end up missing out on more than just a great hire.

Think of it like this: you’ve probably driven three miles to the grocery store without your seatbelt on and nothing happened, right? But there’s always that one time when something goes wrong—and that seatbelt would’ve saved you. Reference checks are your seatbelt. Most times, things will go smoothly, but the moment you skip them? That’s when things blow up.

"We Don’t Need Reference Checks, They’ll Just Say Good Things"

Every recruiter hears it: "Oh, we don’t need to check references. They’ll only give people who say great things about them." That logic is like thinking you don’t need a seatbelt because you’re a careful driver. Sure, the candidate may give references that sing their praises, but what about the things they aren’t saying? That's where you can uncover the red flags.

How to Do It Right:

1. Go Beyond the Basics.

   Yes, talk to their former bosses and teammates. But here’s the twist—ask to speak with people they might’ve had some conflict with. If you're hiring for sales, don’t just ask other salespeople. Get marketing’s opinion on them. Cross-functional feedback will give you a 360-degree view.

2. Be Transparent.  

   Don’t sneak around with backchannel reference checks. Be open. Tell them upfront that you’ll be asking for references and that you know people at their previous company. You’d be surprised how much a candidate will disclose when they know you’ve got connections. If there’s something shady in their past, they might just own up to it before you even have to ask.

3. Don’t Outsource It.  

   If you’re the hiring manager, you should be the one making those calls. Too many times, this step gets passed off to HR, recruiters, or even an automated system. Look, this is your team. You’re the one who’s going to be working with this person, so take the time to ask the right questions and get a feel for them.

What to Ask?

There’s no shortage of questions you can ask—performance, work style, how they handle pressure, whether people liked working with them. Just remember to steer clear of illegal questions (yes, we’re talking about age, religion, family status, and all that). It’s about the work, the results, and the fit.

Need some help? Glassdoor’s got a solid list of questions to ask during reference checks. The bottom line is simple: don’t skip this step. You might get away with it once or twice, but the one time you don’t, it could turn into your biggest hiring mistake.

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Want to Lay People Off Without the Drama? Just Call Them Back to the Office.

If you're looking for a surefire way to trim your workforce without the theatrics, here’s a pro tip: tell everyone to come back to the office. It’s basically what Amazon just did. Starting January 2025, Amazon employees will be reporting to the office Monday through Friday—like it's 2019 all over again.

For managers, HR reps, or investors watching office policies as a performance indicator, don’t waste your time getting lost in the endless debates. There's enough data on every side to make your head spin.

Take Stanford’s Nicholas Bloom, for example. He’s got research showing that hybrid work is a win-win, boosting engagement, lowering turnover, and keeping productivity on par with in-office setups. On the flip side, the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business has data that says remote workers are 20% less productive. 

So, which is it? The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, but here’s the bottom line: from a recruiting standpoint, hybrid is the sweet spot. It’s easier to get candidates to bite on a hybrid offer than going fully remote or fully in-office. Why? Because people want flexibility, but they also want structure.

Our advice? Hire adults. Be crystal clear on expectations, and if you need to stare at someone in front of a screen to ensure they’re working, you’re doing management wrong. Productivity doesn’t come from micromanaging; it comes from trusting people to do their jobs—whether they’re in the office or at home.

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀  Snap just released its fifth generation Spectacles featuring a suite of cameras and sensors, enabling multi-modal AI, contextual understanding and apparently they are comfortable to wear, lightweight and compact. But here’s the catch: only developers can buy them and they cost $1,188.

Twitter tweet

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - on-site in Utah - will pay for relocation

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $130K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 🔥New role → General Manager/Warehouse Manager at Growth Stage Cannabis company (must be based in California)

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• 🔥 2 NEW ROLES with Affiniti: Remote based Canada roles

  • Senior Software Engineer: Backend (Node.js and Express.js) and Frontend (Next.js and React.js)

  • Staff Software Engineer

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

These cannabis gummies keep selling out in 2023

If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That’s why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye.

Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a “joint within a gummy” that’s extremely potent yet federally-legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body’s endocannabinoid system.

Although this system was discovered in the 1990’s, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes!

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Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️

In today’s email:

• Job News: When AI is Your Wingman, Not Your Crutch

• Overheard at coffee: Apple's New Toys: Yawn or Game-Changer?

• Trending AI News: IX Coach: The AI Life Guru You Never Knew You Needed

• Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

• Recruiting Fails: If You List It, You Better Own It: Resume Tips for the Real World ❌

Job News

Case studies in interviews? Yeah, they’ve been around since before LinkedIn had its first intern. These days, they’re not just for the management consultants and strategists of the world; they’re popping up everywhere. And believe me, I've seen both ends of the spectrum: candidates nailing a case study so hard the hiring panel practically throws confetti, and others, well… let's just say they crash and burn faster than a startup without a business model.

Now, with AI in the mix, things are getting spicier. Smart candidates are using AI to prep for these case studies, but here's the catch: companies are still a bit skittish about this approach. When you lean too heavily on AI, you risk ending up like the candidate we saw recently—smooth-looking presentation, all the bells and whistles, but it became painfully clear he had crammed all night using AI and couldn’t string his ideas together when it came time to actually speak. The presentation was a masterpiece… until he opened his mouth.

On the flip side, I've seen candidates who use AI like a pro. They know their stuff inside out, use AI to fill in the gaps, and deliver presentations that blow everyone out of the water. It’s like the IKEA effect: you’re more attached to that wonky bookshelf you built yourself than the one you bought pre-assembled. When you’ve put in the effort, the value skyrockets.

Here’s the real deal: technology is moving at a breakneck pace—faster than a TikTok trend. Expect candidates to use whatever’s at their disposal to boost their game. The great ones use AI as a tool to enhance their expertise, not replace it. So, here's the secret sauce: master your material first, then let AI polish it up. Treat AI as your co-pilot, not the driver. Focus on crafting the core of your ideas, your strategy, your brilliance—and let AI be the cherry on top.

Bottom line: Don't let AI do your heavy lifting. Instead, let it make you look even stronger.

Twitter tweet

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Remember when Apple events used to set the world on fire? Now, they’re about as thrilling as watching paint dry. Case in point: this past Monday, Apple rolled out its latest batch of shiny toys—new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. And the “big” news? AI features. Cue the applause… or not.

So what’s in the AI goody bag? Think AI-generated email summaries and a Siri that sounds a bit more like a human being than a bored robot. Riveting, right? But here’s why this actually matters: AI isn’t just for the tech geeks anymore; it’s going full mainstream. And while many companies are dragging their feet on adopting AI, their employees are already getting cozy with it at home. Soon, these companies will be scrambling to catch up. If your team can use AI to breeze through tasks on their personal devices, you better believe they’ll want the same at work.

It’s déjà vu all over again. Remember when everyone had to lug around a personal iPhone because their work phone was stuck in flip-phone purgatory? Yeah, we’re headed there again, but this time with AI. Get ready—because whether you’re on board or not, the AI wave is coming, and it’s bringing everyone along for the ride.

Twitter tweet

Trending AI News

🚀  Step aside, Tony Robbins—there's a new self-help sherpa in town, and it's powered by AI. Meet IX Coach, the digital personal development coach and counselor that's gunning for your motivational throne. Whether you’re looking to smash your goals or just figure out how to get out of bed on a Monday, IX Coach is here to guide you with algorithms instead of aphorisms. 

So watch out, world. The future of personal growth might just come with a power button.

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

• LVT - LiveView Technologies (come build technology to decrease crime and make communities safer) - $1B Unicorn valuation

  • Head of Competitive & Market Intelligence - on-site in Utah - will pay for relocation

• Colibri Group - PE backed and growing & profitable company in the Professional Learning space. All remote roles.

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

  • 🔥 Revenue Director (Arizona based)- New search

  • 🔥 Senior Director Instruction & Operations - New Search

  • Revenue Director - Hired!

• Director of Operations - HIRED!

• MRP - just closed Series A round - hiring 3 key roles - onsite in Park City, Utah

  • HR Director at MRP - Park City, UT area — HIRED!

  • Recruiter - HIRED!

  • Professional Sales Rep at MRP - Park City, UT area - OTE of $130K (no cap on commissions) Need experience negotiating pricing on sales $50K and above

  • Executive Admin: $80 to $100K - Park City Based

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - HIRED!

• Sales Director at First Batch Hospitality - Brooklyn, NY area

• 🔥New role → General Manager/Warehouse Manager at Growth Stage Cannabis company (must be based in California)

• 💪🏽 Software Developer Roles at Pathology Watch (remote based):

  • Senior Backend Engineer

• 🔥 2 NEW ROLES with Affiniti: Remote based Canada roles

  • Senior Software Engineer: Backend (Node.js and Express.js) and Frontend (Next.js and React.js)

  • Staff Software Engineer

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