Ghosted by the Machine

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Ghosted by the Machine exposes the real stories behind today’s broken hiring system. Host Mark Lane gives job seekers a voice after the bots go silent. Five minutes. Five questions. Real humans. Real stories.

  1. 2 FEB

    How AI Changes Job Searching

    This episode explains how artificial intelligence is reshaping the job search experience and why transferable skills and human connection still matter in a competitive market. You will learn how AI can both help and hurt candidates, why many qualified people struggle to be seen, and how job seekers and hiring managers can better recognize diverse experience and real potential behind each application. Connect with Abby Bender LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbybender Key takeaways AI tools can improve resumes but also increase competition Many applicants now compete with AI-optimized resumes Transferable skills help candidates adapt across roles Hiring managers should value diverse backgrounds Human connection still plays a role in job searching Online networks can provide emotional and professional support The job market currently favors employers Being seen is a major challenge for job seekersOptimism helps sustain long searches Kindness and relationships influence opportunities Timestamps 00:00 Job search challenges today 02:49 How AI affects job searching 05:11 Identifying unique skills 08:11 Why transferable skills matter 11:08 Finding hope in the process Keywords job search AI in hiring transferable skills job seekers career advice hiring managers resume tips job market employment challenges human connection

    14 min

  2. 28 JAN

    Why Job Searching Feels Broken

    This episode explores what it feels like to search for a job in today’s AI-driven market through the experience of a web content specialist navigating long-term unemployment. You will learn how automation affects applications, why scams are becoming more common, how versatility can work against candidates, and why creativity and human connection still matter when hiring systems feel impersonal and inconsistent. Connect with Gilbert linkedin.com/in/gilbertneal Key takeaways AI can make job searches feel more difficult instead of easier Scams are becoming more common in online job markets Versatility is not always rewarded in hiring systems Specialization is often favored over broad skill sets Creativity is being squeezed out of many roles Long job searches take an emotional toll Volunteer work can help maintain purpose and skills Not every rejection reflects a lack of ability Human stories are hidden behind automated applications Hope and persistence are necessary in unstable job markets Timestamps 00:00 Job search challenges today 01:17 A long-term job search experience 04:49 How AI affects applications 07:16 Versatility versus specialization 09:52 Finding hope in a difficult market Keywords job search AI impact job market versatility job applications hiring challenges job seekers career advice employment trends content specialist

    13 min

  3. 21 JAN

    Why Job Searching Feels Random

    In this episode, host Mark Lane reconnects with Mickey Brown, a content strategist navigating an extended job search in a difficult and unpredictable job market. You will learn how layoffs, limited job openings, and automated hiring systems continue to impact candidates, why doing everything “right” does not always lead to results, and how temporary or part-time work can support mental health while searching for the next opportunity. Connect with Mickey Brown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickey-brown Key takeaways The job market has not significantly improved for many job seekers AI tools and applicant tracking systems add complexity to hiring Well-qualified candidates can still be overlooked Hiring outcomes often involve randomness and luck Authenticity and algorithm optimization send mixed signals Layoffs increase competition for fewer roles Temporary work can reduce stress during unemployment Mental health should be prioritized during job searches Letting go of ego can open new opportunities Resilience is essential in today’s hiring landscape Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Mickey Brown 01:30 Mickey’s ongoing job search 02:51 Current job market realities 04:55 How AI affects hiring 07:15 Lessons learned about the process 08:38 Advice for job seekers Keywords job search hiring process AI tools applicant tracking system mental health job market employment challenges career advice unemployment career resilience

    9 min

  4. 17 JAN

    How AI Is Changing Career Development

    This episode features Chris Shannon, a senior training and development professional focused on building high impact learning programs, leadership development, and upskilling teams for the future. You will learn how AI is changing both hiring and learning and development, what recruiters often miss behind a resume, and how professionals can position their skills so they stay competitive in a fast moving job market. Contact Email: chris.shannon@mac.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-christopher-shannon-8500765 Key takeaways AI is changing how companies evaluate talent Learning and development plays a bigger role in hiring decisions Upskilling increases long term career security Leadership development improves employability Resumes do not capture full potential Continuous learning helps professionals stay relevant Recruiters often miss transferable skills Clear career narratives improve hiring outcomes Technology is reshaping workforce development Adaptability is a career advantage Timestamps 00:00 Chris’s background in learning and development 00:40 How AI affects hiring and training 01:30 Why upskilling matters 02:20 Leadership and career growth 03:10 What recruiters should understand 04:00 What gives Chris hope Keywords career development AI hiring learning and development leadership skills upskilling job search workforce training professional growth hiring process future of work

    9 min

  5. 17 JAN

    How Creative Job Seekers Get Noticed

    This episode features Rebecca Gale Peaire, a creative and strategic professional navigating today’s AI-powered hiring systems. You will learn how creative job seekers can communicate their value when resumes are filtered by software, how to highlight unique skills that algorithms miss, and how to position yourself so hiring managers see the person behind the application. 🚀 Connect with Rebecca: 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebeccagale2 🌐 Portfolio: rgale4292.weebly.com Key takeaways Creative professionals must explain their value beyond keywords AI screening often hides strong candidates from recruiters Personal branding helps employers remember you Storytelling makes your experience easier to understand Portfolios show what resumes cannot Confidence matters when the process feels impersonal Clear messaging increases interview opportunities Authenticity helps candidates stand out Hiring managers look for problem solvers, not just resumes Your creativity is a competitive advantage Timestamps 00:00 Rebecca’s background and career path 00:30 How AI filters creative candidates 01:15 Showcasing skills beyond resumes 02:00 What makes Rebecca stand out 02:45 Advice for hiring managers 03:30 What gives her hope Keywords job search creative careers AI hiring personal branding portfolio marketing careers communications jobs hiring process career growth job applications

    6 min

  6. 17 JAN

    How Creativity Beats Resume Filters

    This episode features Melissa Brodsky, a creative content and communications professional with deep experience in digital strategy, editorial development, and brand storytelling. You will learn how AI has shaped her job search experience, why recruiters often miss key strengths behind the résumé, and how communicating value beyond keywords can help creative professionals stand out and be seen by real decision-makers.ContactLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabethbrodskyPortfolio: https://melissabrodsky.journoportfolio.comEmail: mbrodsky329@gmail.comMobile: 248-633-6668Key takeawaysStorytelling helps employers understand real valueAI screening often misses creative and transferable skillsResumes alone do not capture full capabilityPortfolios show impact better than keywordsCreativity is a competitive advantage in hiringClear messaging improves recruiter understandingPersonal branding increases visibilityAuthenticity builds trust in the hiring processAutomation changes how candidates must present themselvesHuman connection still matters in hiring decisionsTimestamps00:00 Melissa’s background and career00:45 How AI impacted her job search01:35 Communicating value beyond keywords02:25 Creativity versus automation03:10 What recruiters often miss04:00 Final thoughts and hopeKeywordsjob searchAI hiringstorytellingcreative careerspersonal brandingdigital strategyportfoliocommunications jobshiring processcareer growth

    13 min

  7. 17 JAN

    How to Stand Out Beyond Keywords

    This episode features Julie Pippert, a communications and marketing strategist with deep expertise in storytelling, content strategy, and brand engagement. Julie shares her job search journey with insight and candor, reflecting on how AI is reshaping hiring, how creativity still cuts through, and why staying authentic matters more than ever. You will learn how to communicate your value beyond keywords, how to stay resilient when applications disappear into automated systems, and how to position yourself so real people actually see what you bring to the table.👤 Connect with Julie:🔗 linkedin.com/in/juliepippert Key takeawaysMost resumes are filtered by software before a human ever reviews themStorytelling helps employers understand your real valueCreativity is a competitive advantage in hiringPersonal branding makes you easier to recognize and rememberAutomation often misses transferable skillsBeing authentic helps you stand out from generic applicantsNetworking creates opportunities outside of ATS systemsConfidence helps when the process feels impersonalRejection is not a reflection of your worthYour career path can evolve in unexpected waysTimestamps00:00 Julie’s career and background00:34 How automation affects hiring01:18 Why storytelling matters02:05 Standing out beyond keywords02:52 What Julie wants recruiters to know03:40 What gives her hopeKeywordsjob searchstorytellingcareer growthpersonal brandinghiring processAI in recruitmentcreativityresume optimizationprofessional identitycareer resilience

    8 min

  8. 16 JAN

    Staying Resilient During Career Transitions

    This episode features Luis Aguilar, a professional with a strong background in operations and leadership who shares how he has navigated his job search with resilience and purpose. You will learn how AI has reshaped the hiring process, how to stay motivated during career transitions, and why recruiters often miss strong candidates when they focus only on skills instead of the full professional story behind the résumé. Luis’ Profile linkedin.com/in/aguilarluis1979 Key takeaways AI systems influence how candidates are evaluated Leadership experience is often undervalued in hiring Resilience helps manage uncertainty during transitions Motivation supports long job searches Stories provide context that resumes alone cannot Operations skills transfer across industries Hiring processes often overlook human potential Clear communication improves visibility with employers Purpose strengthens career decision-making Adaptability is a competitive advantage Timestamps 00:00 Luis’s background in operations and leadership 00:35 How AI has reshaped hiring 01:20 Staying motivated through transitions 02:10 What recruiters often miss 02:55 What gives Luis purpose and hope Keywords job search career transitions AI hiring leadership skills operations management resilience hiring process professional growth personal branding career development

    5 min
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About

Ghosted by the Machine exposes the real stories behind today’s broken hiring system. Host Mark Lane gives job seekers a voice after the bots go silent. Five minutes. Five questions. Real humans. Real stories.

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    WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
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