Ghosted by the Machine

WRKdefined
WRKdefined
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Careers
  • Updated weekly

Ghosted by the Machine explores the human side of hiring through honest conversations with job seekers, recruiters, HR leaders, and workplace experts. Host Mark Lane gives people a voice in a world increasingly filtered by algorithms. Real humans. Real stories. Let’s make hiring human again. 

  1. 1 day ago

    Protecting Mental Health During Job Searches

    Job searching can affect far more than a person’s career. It can damage confidence, strain families, and leave people feeling isolated and defeated. Todd Bertsch joins Mark Lane to discuss the emotional toll of unemployment, how Positive Intelligence can help people manage negativity, and why resilience is built through challenges. They also explore the impact of AI on hiring, the importance of supportive communities, and practical ways job seekers can protect their well-being, rebuild their confidence, and find hope during an uncertain career transition. Connect with Todd - linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch Key Takeaways Job loss can create a genuine grieving process that should not be dismissed. Prolonged job searching can affect confidence, relationships, and mental well-being. Positive Intelligence can help people recognize and manage negative thought patterns. Resilience develops through challenges, setbacks, and intentional personal growth. Finding meaning in difficult experiences can help change your perspective. Support groups and trusted relationships can reduce isolation during unemployment. Activities that create joy and purpose can help job seekers reignite their motivation. Resume gaps do not define a person’s talent, value, or future potential. AI and automation can make hiring feel disconnected when human interaction disappears. Employers and recruiters can improve the candidate experience by treating people with empathy, dignity, and respect. Timestamps 00:00 The emotional toll of job searching03:04 Building resilience through Positive Intelligence05:54 Understanding the power of negativity09:12 Reigniting your motivation and confidence11:53 Finding community and meaningful support14:59 Processing the grief caused by job loss17:54 Bringing empathy back into recruitment24:14 How AI is affecting job seekers29:00 Creating a strong personal support network32:55 Finding hope during uncertain times Keywords job searchmental healthjob lossresiliencePositive IntelligenceAI in hiringcandidate experiencecommunity supportcareer transitionemotional well-being

  2. 21 Jul

    Winning Jobs in the AI Era

    Episode Description: This episode explores how artificial intelligence is transforming hiring, recruiting, and the job search while explaining why human connection still matters. You will learn how AI is changing resume screening, candidate sourcing, fraud detection, and hiring decisions, along with practical strategies for standing out in an increasingly automated recruiting process. The conversation also examines why authenticity, professionalism, and relationship building remain essential for both job seekers and recruiters. Connect with William Tincup - linkedin.com/in/tincup Key takeaways AI is transforming how candidates are sourced and evaluatedAuthenticity is becoming more valuable in AI-driven hiringHuman relationships remain critical to career successDifferentiation helps candidates stand out beyond keywordsAI can improve efficiency while reducing repetitive recruiting tasksCandidate communication and feedback strengthen employer brandsProfessionalism still matters in interviews and hiring decisionsTechnology can help reduce bias when implemented thoughtfullyRecruiters and job seekers must adapt to rapid AI advancementsThe future of hiring will combine automation with human judgment Timestamps 00:00 The future of work and AI03:01 The rise of HR podcasts05:46 The AI arms race in hiring08:57 AI resumes and hiring practices11:44 Candidate experience and ageism14:51 Technology in recruiting17:46 The importance of feedback20:44 Why positive feedback matters27:25 Building relationships in a digital world31:49 The future of recruiting and automation Keywords AI in hiringrecruitmentHR technologyjob searchtalent acquisitioncandidate experienceAI detectionfuture of workrecruiting trendsresume optimization

  3. 14 Jul

    AI is Changing Work

    This episode explores how AI is reshaping the future of work and what job seekers, leaders, and organizations can do to stay ahead without losing the human element. You will learn how AI can improve productivity, support career growth, and help job seekers work more efficiently while understanding why human oversight, empathy, and leadership remain essential. The conversation also examines the risks of over-automation, transferable skills, and the mindset needed to thrive in an AI-powered workplace. Key takeaways AI should enhance human work, not replace itHuman oversight is essential for responsible AI useAI can help job seekers create stronger resumes and applicationsTransferable skills are becoming more valuable in an AI-driven workforceAutomation should improve efficiency without sacrificing human connectionAI can help create side projects and new income opportunitiesLeaders must balance innovation with ethics and empathyA mindset of abundance creates more opportunities than scarcitySoft skills will become even more valuable as AI evolvesThe future of work belongs to people who combine technology with human creativity Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the future of work00:27 Riley's background and AI research02:13 AI, work, and mental health05:04 AI tools for job seekers06:13 Improving resumes with AI10:05 Smarter job searching with AI12:47 AI limitations in hiring15:27 Why human oversight matters22:28 Why companies are bringing humans back29:00 Advice for job seekers in the AI era Keywords future of workAI in hiringartificial intelligencejob searchhuman centered leadershipcareer developmentproductivitytransferable skillsfuture of careersAI tools Connect with Riley - linkedin.com/in/rileystange Personal Website: https://rileystange.comExist Intrinsic: https://existintrinsic.orgSubstack: https://existintrinsic.substack.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/existintrinsicYouTube: https://youtube.com/@existintrinsic

  4. 30 Jun

    Improving Communication in Hiring

    This episode explores why ghosting has become one of the biggest frustrations in today's hiring process and what employers, recruiters, and job seekers can do to improve communication. You will learn how AI is changing recruiting, why candidate experience matters more than ever, and how networking and community support can help job seekers navigate an increasingly disconnected hiring landscape. The conversation also examines practical ways organizations can keep candidates engaged and build stronger relationships throughout the hiring process. As discussed, many job seekers feel exhausted, filtered out, and disconnected from hiring long before they ever speak to a human being. Key takeaways Ghosting represents a major communication breakdown in hiringPoor interview processes can cause companies to lose top talentGhosting occurs on both sides of the hiring processAI should support human interaction, not replace itTimely communication keeps candidates engagedCandidate experience directly impacts employer reputationTailored resumes improve job search outcomesNetworking can create unexpected career opportunitiesFeedback helps candidates improve and stay motivatedCommunity support makes job searching less isolating Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest01:12 Megan's journey into recruiting02:39 Understanding job ghosting05:50 The role of AI in hiring10:12 Improving candidate experience15:55 Advice for job seekers18:44 Community and networking in job searching Keywords job seekershiring processghostingcandidate experienceAI in hiringrecruiting tipsjob search advicenetworkingfeedbackSaaS startups Connect with Megan - linkedin.com/in/megan-juliano

  5. 23 Jun

    Surviving a Long Job Search

    What does it take to stay motivated during a long job search? How are AI tools changing the candidate experience? In this episode, we explore the realities of searching for work in today's challenging market through the perspective of a customer success leader who has spent two years navigating unemployment. Listeners will learn practical insights about resilience, using AI strategically, building community support, and overcoming the unique career challenges faced by military spouses. Key Takeaways Long-term unemployment can take a significant emotional and financial toll. AI tools can reduce stress and improve efficiency during a job search. Submitting thousands of applications does not guarantee interviews or offers. Direct communication with recruiters remains critical in today's market. Building a professional network can provide support and create opportunities. Military spouses face unique employment challenges due to frequent relocations. Community support can provide hope during difficult periods. Adaptability and persistence are essential for long-term job seekers. Soft skills, including the ability to work with difficult personalities, remain valuable. Employers should recognize the talent and resilience military spouses bring to organizations. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the job search journey01:14 Two years of searching for work02:45 Challenges in today's hiring market04:56 How AI supports job seekers05:38 Finding hope during unemployment06:38 Military spouse career challenges08:02 Building community through LinkedIn09:15 Advice for recruiters and employers10:42 Final thoughts on resilience Keywords job search, customer success, AI in hiring, military spouse, unemployment, career transition, LinkedIn networking, hiring challenges, job seeker stories, customer success manager Connect with Chad - linkedin.com/in/chadhatten

  6. 16 Jun

    Turning Job Search Into Opportunity

    What do you do when the job search isn't working? How can you create new opportunities when traditional employment paths seem limited? In this episode, we explore the realities of searching for work in a remote location, the emotional ups and downs of unemployment, and how one professional transformed a personal passion into a growing business. Listeners will learn practical lessons about resilience, entrepreneurship, adapting to change, and redefining success during career transitions. Key Takeaways Job searching in remote locations presents unique challenges and limitations. Unemployment can be an emotional roller coaster with constant highs and lows. Career setbacks can create opportunities for personal growth and reinvention. Entrepreneurship often begins by solving a personal problem or pursuing a passion. Building something of your own can provide purpose during difficult transitions. Work identity should not be the sole measure of personal value. Creating a backup plan can reduce stress during career uncertainty. Resilience is built through adversity and persistence. Passion projects can evolve into viable business opportunities. Success often comes from adapting rather than waiting for circumstances to change. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and career journey 00:23 Job searching from Alaska 02:43 Challenges with traditional hiring 05:03 Launching a pet treat business 07:14 Lessons in resilience and identity 08:27 Creating your own opportunities 09:33 Human-centered hiring reflections Keywords job search, Alaska jobs, entrepreneurship, career change, resilience, remote work, small business, pet treats, personal growth, career transition Connect with Mindi - linkedin.com/in/mindi-vestal-ph-d-23a487212 Special Offer for Ghosted by the Machine Listeners 🐾 Mindi is offering Ghosted by the Machine listeners 25% off at her Etsy shop, Ruff Life Barkcuterie. Visit:https://rufflifebarkcuterie.etsy.com Use promo code: GHOSTEDBYTHEMACHINE Whether you're a dog lover or looking for a unique gift for a pet owner, be sure to check out Mindi's handcrafted treats and creations inspired by her own entrepreneurial journey.

  7. 9 Jun

    Why Candidates Feel Ghosted During Hiring

    Why do candidates feel ghosted after applying for jobs? How is AI affecting the hiring process? What can employers do to improve candidate experience and rebuild trust? In this episode, we speak with the founder of a candidate advocacy movement focused on hiring transparency, accountability, and communication. The conversation explores the emotional toll of prolonged unemployment, the growing role of AI in recruitment, the rise of job scams, and why so many candidates feel disconnected from the hiring process. We also discuss practical ways organizations can create a more human-centered hiring experience. Key Takeaways Candidate ghosting has become one of the most common frustrations in the job search process. Job rejection can create emotional effects similar to grief and loss. AI often amplifies existing problems rather than solving them. Poor communication damages trust between employers and candidates. Many job seekers struggle to distinguish legitimate opportunities from scams. Candidate experience should be treated like customer experience. Accountability and transparency are critical to improving hiring outcomes. Long-term unemployment can affect mental health, confidence, and family dynamics. Community support helps job seekers navigate difficult transitions. Small improvements in communication can significantly improve the hiring process. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to hiring challenges01:15 Personal story behind candidate advocacy03:50 Emotional impact of unemployment07:21 Building a community for job seekers10:02 How AI affects hiring10:52 Understanding candidate ghosting15:35 Improving accountability in recruitment19:32 Real job seeker experiences23:45 Hiring transparency and trust27:43 Final thoughts and action steps Keywords hiring process, candidate ghosting, AI in recruitment, candidate experience, hiring transparency, job search challenges, recruitment accountability, employment frustration, job scams, future of hiring. Connect with Alex - linkedin.com/in/alexfeder

  8. 2 Jun

    Human Connection in Modern Hiring

    What does it take to stay hopeful during a long job search? In this conversation, Rebecca Stack shares her experience navigating unemployment after a 20-year career in government, the emotional impact of today's hiring process, and how AI is changing the way candidates are evaluated. She discusses resilience, networking, mental health, human connection, and why maintaining hope is critical when facing rejection, uncertainty, and automated hiring systems. This episode offers practical insights for job seekers, recruiters, and hiring managers who want to create a more human hiring experience. Key Takeaways: Why job searching can feel emotionally exhausting and isolating How AI is both helping and hurting candidates during the hiring process The limitations of applicant tracking systems and automated screening Why networking and relationship building matter more than ever The importance of protecting mental health during career transitions How support from LinkedIn and professional communities can make a difference Why empathy and communication are essential in hiring The value of transferable skills and collaboration How trusting your instincts can help during uncertain times Why resilience and hope remain critical for long-term success Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to modern job search challenges00:33 Career transition after government service01:24 Managing job search stress and resilience02:35 Prioritizing mental health during unemployment03:33 Finding support through networking03:39 How AI affects job applications04:26 Problems with ATS and hiring systems05:45 Building relationships and collaboration07:46 Advice for recruiters and hiring managers11:47 Finding hope during career uncertainty Keywords:job search, AI in hiring, career resilience, human connection, applicant tracking systems, networking, hiring process, mental health, career transition, job seeker advice Connect with Rebecca - linkedin.com/in/rebecca-stack-5280a317b

See All (50)

About

Ghosted by the Machine explores the human side of hiring through honest conversations with job seekers, recruiters, HR leaders, and workplace experts. Host Mark Lane gives people a voice in a world increasingly filtered by algorithms. Real humans. Real stories. Let’s make hiring human again. 

Information

  • Channel
    WRKdefined
  • Creator
    WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved by WRKdefined
  • Show Website
    Ghosted by the Machine

More From WRKdefined